On this characteristic, Nihal critiques the Spiral Ear SE5 NEBULA, a common in-ear monitor with 5 BA drivers and a real 5-way Passive Crossover. It’s priced at €1459 (0% VAT; export outdoors EU) and €1795 (incl. 23% VAT; export inside EU).
Disclaimer: This pattern was despatched to me in return for my trustworthy opinion. Headfonics is an impartial web site with no affiliate hyperlinks or companies. I thank Spiral Ear for his or her assist.
You’ll be able to click on right here to study extra concerning the Spiral Ear gear now we have beforehand reviewed on Headfonics.
This put up follows our scoring guidelines which you’ll learn in additional element right here.
Whereas I used to be initially unfamiliar with the model, Spiral Ear has an intensive historical past within the IEM trade, specializing primarily in customized in-ear displays.
They’ve been useful within the customized IEMs area since 2010. Alongside the best way, they ventured into the common IEM market, providing common counterparts to their customized lineup.
I first heard about Spiral Ear by probability by way of Henry Tik, the founding father of Astral Acoustics. He spoke very extremely of the model, mentioning that he had been following their work for fairly a while.
His enthusiasm piqued my curiosity, and we finally related with Grzegorz Baran, the founding father of Spiral Ear. By means of a number of electronic mail exchanges, I discovered extra about their present initiatives and their longstanding presence within the IEM scene.
The SE5 NEBULA was initially launched as a customized IEM with the common format launched a number of weeks in the past priced at €1459 (0% VAT; export outdoors EU) and €1795 (incl. 23% VAT; export inside EU).
Grzegorz graciously despatched over the primary pattern of the common format for me to audition, permitting me to expertise the IEM’s sound firsthand.
Whereas he did point out {that a} customized match has a bonus, particularly the higher match performs most, the common model gives a really shut illustration of the tuning.
From the primary second I put them in, the tuning actually took me abruptly. On this evaluation, we’ll take a deep dive into what the Spiral Ear SE5 NEBULA brings to the desk and evaluate it with some top-tier IEMs.
Options
The SE5 NEBULA is provided with 5 balanced armature drivers and a 5-way crossover. Of the 5 drivers, two deal with low frequencies performing as woofers and subwoofers, whereas the opposite three handle the decrease midrange, higher midrange, and excessive frequencies as a brilliant tweeter, respectively.
The SE5 NEBULA additionally has a five-bore design for sound output, which is kind of uncommon within the IEM world. Even with IEMs that includes numerous drivers, a four-bore configuration is extra widespread.
With an impedance ranking of 23Ω @ 1kHz and an SPL of 101 dB @ 1kHz, 1mW the SE5 NEBULA is a fairly environment friendly IEM so it ought to run superb from most transportable sources and amps.
Design
The shells are crafted from medical-grade resin and are barely bigger than common, barely smaller to the dimensions of the Noble Audio Kublai Khan for comparability.
The design is visually minimal, combining a shiny, deep purple shell with a contrasting white faceplate. The sleek, polished end of the shells offers off a wealthy, virtually metallic sheen, whereas the faceplate, that includes a barely angled triangular form, showcases the “Spiral Ear” branding in daring black.
These IEMs use a 2-pin 0.78mm connector. The nozzle, although a bit shorter than typical designs, maintains a typical width with out being overly extensive.
Consolation & Isolation
The shells could also be on the bigger aspect, however they don’t really feel cumbersome. For those who’re somebody who prefers smaller IEMs, the dimensions mustn’t hassle you a lot.
Personally, I don’t discover it problematic. The match works properly for me, and the shells being light-weight is a particular plus. With the precise ear ideas, the SE5 NEBULA gives a really safe match.
The sleek curves of the shells assist as properly, with no strain factors, making them snug to put on for prolonged intervals. The flat faceplate design doesn’t let the IEM protrude a lot. Even when transferring round, I didn’t expertise any points with the IEMs coming unfastened.
By way of isolation, it’s fairly respectable, blocking out a good quantity of exterior noise. Spiral Ear emphasizes the concentrate on isolation throughout all their IEMs, and for his or her customized fashions, they declare noise discount of as much as -36 dB. The common design can go as much as an isolation degree of -30 dB.
This excessive degree of isolation is especially useful for skilled artists to guard their listening to throughout reside performances. I discovered the isolation on the SE5 NEBULA to be fairly commendable. Regardless of having no vents, I didn’t expertise any strain build-up, even throughout longer listening periods.
Ear Suggestions
The SE5 NEBULA comes with two units of silicone ear ideas, each that includes a large bore design and obtainable in sizes S, M, and L for every kind.
One of many included ear ideas is a standard design seen with many manufacturers, that includes a purple stem and gray flange. The opposite set is black and has a equally extensive bore. There’s nothing notably notable concerning the inventory ideas.
Whereas the number of ideas is proscribed, they do serve their goal. The small stems match the IEM’s shorter nozzles properly, displaying some considerate inclusion.
Given the value level, I did anticipate higher choices within the ear tip choice. That mentioned, that is the place aftermarket ear ideas can actually come in useful. I discover Divinus Velvet and SpinFit Omni to suit completely properly.
Inventory Cable
Spiral Ear is, at its core, knowledgeable IEM model, so the inventory cable that comes with the SE5 NEBULA is useful relatively than flashy. It means you gained’t discover the flowery, well-built cables typically related to audiophile IEMs.
The included cable, named the Superior Onyx cable, is a copper cable and comes with a default 3.5mm termination. Within the skilled world, although, this cable does the job simply superb.
The cable has a delicate metal reminiscence ear hook, which is meant to offer a agency construction to the wire when put over the ear. Personally, I don’t discover it a lot usable because it takes away some flexibility.
From my perspective, the cable’s construct feels a bit skinny and overly versatile, however don’t get me incorrect, I didn’t discover any limitations in sound high quality. In reality, the shiny silver end offers it a pleasant, premium really feel. At present, there’s no choice for different terminations.
There’s additionally a handy choice: you should purchase their displays with out the cable (with the price of the cable deducted), which is sweet for many who have already got a group of aftermarket cables.
For those who plan on utilizing your individual cable, Spiral Ear gives a information on their web site to make sure you’re utilizing the right 2-pin dimensions for his or her IEMs.
Packaging & Equipment
The SE5 NEBULA is available in a compact black field with the Spiral Ear branding on high. The internal field slides out, and you’ll pull it out utilizing a small cutout gap on the entrance.
Inside, you’ll discover a Pelican 1010 case containing all of the contents. It’s a minimalist packaging setup however leaves a pleasant impression.
The IEMs are securely wrapped in foam, whereas the cable and ear ideas are neatly packed in a separate small zipper case. I’m not fully certain if this zipper case is a part of the common providing, nevertheless it’s a pleasant contact. Spiral Ear gives related packaging for many of its IEMs.
The equipment with the unit I obtained embody:
- Pelican 1010 Case
- Two units of silicone Ear Suggestions
- Onyx Cable
- Cleansing device
- Pair of IEMs
Carry Case
I’ve a delicate spot for Pelican instances, and I couldn’t assist however smile once I noticed one included with the SE5 NEBULA. The Pelican 1010 case is waterproof, crushproof, and dustproof, simply one of the vital protecting instances you will get with IEMs.
Whereas leather-based instances are sometimes charming, the Pelican gives rugged sturdiness and glorious safety, guaranteeing the IEMs are safely saved.
The case is provided with a rubber liner to make sure watertight safety, and it features a coupling hyperlink with a safe security closure for added comfort, in case you wish to connect it to one thing for straightforward carrying.
It gives loads of area to comfortably retailer the IEMs with the cable, although its measurement would possibly make it much less pocket-friendly for smaller areas.
Sound Impressions
The next sound impressions of the Spiral Ear SE5 NEBULA Common had been accomplished utilizing a mix of my sources: Lotoo’s Paw Gold Touch, the Questyle CMA18P, and Astell&Kern SP3000.
For the evaluation, I paired the IEMs with inventory cable, sometimes with the Astral Acoustics Mars, and SpinFit Omni ear ideas, measurement L.
Abstract
I’m genuinely excited to dive into the sound of the SE5 NEBULA. From the second you place them on, you’re instantly struck by the distinctive decision and the exceptional readability with which every little thing is offered.
To place the sound high quality in perspective, the SE5 NEBULA jogs my memory of the readability and cleanliness you’d anticipate from higher-priced flagship fashions. Whereas it’s not fairly on the identical technical degree as these top-tier IEMs, the SE5 delivers a sound that comes surprisingly shut.
The SE5 NEBULA gives a impartial sound signature with a delicate trace of heat to maintain issues participating. Whereas it leans towards knowledgeable, reference-style tuning, it nonetheless manages to convey all of the richness you’d anticipate from a well-refined IEM.
There’s a powerful naturalness to the sound, with no noticeable coloration or emphasis on any explicit frequency.
The steadiness between the bass, mids, and treble is meticulously achieved, permitting every vary to shine with out overpowering the others. It’s a signature that grows on you, initially spectacular, however over time, it turns into one in all my favorites because the nuances begin to reveal themselves.
Bass
The bass is impartial, with none noticeable increase, providing a balanced presentation that blends some depth within the sub-bass with a great influence and punch within the mid-bass. Whereas it lacks the bodily weight of a dynamic driver, it shines in delivering fluid, tight, and quick bass.
Typical of BA drivers, the bass is fast in each velocity and decay, with glorious management that ensures it by no means intrudes on the upper frequencies. This bass will serve you very well in genres the place there’s a concentrate on rhythm and groove.
It additionally has good texture and layering, making it supreme for complicated tracks the place readability and separation are essential. That is particularly helpful when devices like kick drums, bass guitars, or synth bass are within the combine, guaranteeing nothing will get misplaced.
Although the standard of bass won’t fulfill bass fanatics searching for deep, rumbling lows, the standard and precision of the bass will undoubtedly win over those that admire a refined and managed low-end.
Midrange
The midrange is clear and brimming with element, delivering a pure and true-to-life presentation. I discover the midrange to have a ahead presentation.
Because of a managed bass shelf, the mids stay freed from bass bleed, holding the sound clear and well-defined.
There’s a lovely weight to the midrange with sufficient to provide it physique, however nonetheless leaning impartial general. The contact of heat prevents it from sounding too scientific, hanging a pleasant steadiness.
String devices keep spectacular readability and pure tonality. You’ll be able to distinctly hear the pluck, bow, or strum, with some good separation that avoids sounding too sharp or overly thick.
Vocals take middle stage within the midrange, sounding distinguished and nearer to the ear. They’re well-balanced, with simply the correct amount of thickness and density, making a clear but full-bodied sound.
Refined nuances within the voice, like breathiness and the grain in a singer’s tone, are captured precisely, making the midrange energetic and interesting.
The higher mids are clean and keep away from harsh sibilance, with feminine vocals leaning barely sharp however remaining detailed and crisp with out turning into fatiguing.
Treble
The treble reveals a pleasant degree of vitality, shimmering with readability and particulars. It feels clear and crisp, including a energetic contact to the general sound signature.
There’s a pure shimmer that avoids harshness and loads of air, permitting for glorious element retrieval and enabling you to listen to the nuances in devices.
The treble showcases velocity for precision, clearly defining quick notes. On the identical time, it ensures the decay is clean and pure. Each fast observe strikes with precision.
Every cymbal crash and flute trill echoes with element, making the treble area easy. When a number of devices are current, it’s simple to discern every sound.
The treble enhances the general sound, sustaining a balanced presence that doesn’t overshadow the midrange or bass.
It gives a seamless transition from the midrange to the higher frequencies, stopping wanting being overly shiny or edgy. With a great quantity of air and sparkle within the higher treble, it enhances the sense of area.
Staging & Dynamics
With a stable tuning basis, the technical features function the icing on the cake. It’s no shock, given its skilled monitor lineage. The soundstage gives spectacular depth, although it might not span very extensive.
Nevertheless, it creates a way of holographic area, giving it a pleasant three-dimensional really feel. Actually, it’s the solely space on the IEM the place I can see scope for enchancment, however that’s me simply nitpicking a bit.
When in comparison with soundstage champions just like the 64 Audio Fourté, the SE5 NEBULA shares an identical trait, although the Fourté boasts an exceptionally tall soundstage.
The good front-to-back depth on SE5 NEBULA soundstage enhances instrument separation, permitting every instrument to occupy its personal area and shine.
Vocals take middle stage, clearly separated from the accompanying devices, which is particularly evident in complicated tracks like steel and jazz ensembles.
Decision is a robust facet of the SE5 NEBULA. It’s fairly simple to choose up delicate textures, micro-details, and background nuances with none blurring, even in complicated tracks.
The spatial association and imaging are executed properly, with clean and correct channel-to-channel motion. The depth of the soundstage helps stable layering, guaranteeing that choruses are distinctly separated from the principle vocalist, or the devices play well-separated.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
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