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Special shells at the price (despite 'borrowing' the design from somewhere), a spacious midrange, controlled bass shelf with no bleed, treble is lively but not annoying, avoids sibilance despite good energy up top
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The cable feels cheap, lacks in midbass heft and punch, not the last word in technicalities
This hobby is an escapist's dream. Escape from daily routine and distress that's causing you via something as sincere and everlasting as listening to music. I believe that the power of music is still not fully understood since it works in mysterious ways. Allow it to do its magic on you and let your worries dissolve in melody.
Having had the possibility to try so many different sets in a relatively short time I felt obliged to go ahead and express my gratitude by trying to help some lost souls out there, just as I was when I first stumbled upon this weird hobby about wired earphones – so yesteryear! … I thought. Possibilities are seemingly endless and only by getting to meet the right people did I manage to jump onboard the train heading the 'right' direction without getting off-track thousands of times along the way. Make sure to understand the helping person's preferences and you too can find your footing and hit the ground running in no time.
Disclaimer: I have received the TINHiFi C2 2025 directly from Linsoul. Even if I wanted to shill this to the moon and back, I am way too mindful of others' money to overly hype stuff that does not deserve it, so there's that.
An unaffiliated link to this item on Linsoul's site: https://www.linsoul.com/products/ti...5W10HgWoGd-sb5LuItbo-jfF2O7NaTFmrueLs0YSANKAj
New, Simplified Version Of Reviewing
This will be a barebones stripped down version of my lengthier reviews which I will use on sets below a certain price tag from now on. Meant for those sets where writing thousands upon thousands of words is not really worthwhile. Let's face it, no one's reading a book about a 29USD set, so let's trim the weeds and cut straight to the point.
Design, Quality, Fit, & Accessories
C2 2025 is one of those ladies at a party that impresses right upon her arrival. This is a special looking set, especially at this low of a price point. The metal shells are rare wherever you look, but having them done so seemingly well and at this low of a price point is a rarity for sure. Bonus point right off the bat. As for the actual quality, only time will tell, but they seem nearly indestructible right now. You're certainly not breaking it while cable swapping. Fit is okay, but some precaution to those who struggle with short nozzles is definitely worthwhile. I usually do struggle and these need some convincing to stay securely in place, but when they do, it's very comfortable.
Accessories won't win this set any additional points. The stock cable is your usual cheap and tacky affair at this price range for the most part. There are exceptions - this is not one of them.
Graphics & Comparisons
Let's go through the graphics and explain why the C2 lands where it does.
Neutral-brightish with decent technicalities for the price, but not breaking any records.
Let's compare it to the Tripowin x 0DiBi Vivace in some aspects.
Both of these are ~30USD single DD sets released at more or less the same time. The C2 takes it in most regards. The two sets are just as comfortable with the slightest of edge going to the C2 due to its lengthier nozzle. Neither of them isolates particularly well, so keep that in mind if this is your planned commuter set. Bass, particularly midbass, is lesser on the C2, but much more precise, snappier, and less boomy & bloated which I'm particularly sensitive to - the severity of bloat will depend on songs. The midbass on Vivace feels more substantial, but a bit clumsy. In the mids, there isn't much between the two. I like both decently enough for vocals (male vocals have more body on the Vivace, so that's a preference) while certain instruments are not as crisp (guitars) or notes are not as full and almost spherical (piano) as I'd like. Treble is livelier and better implemented with the rest of the spectrum on the C2. Vivace feels inconsistent and sometimes drowns out the treble completely. As a result of all of the above, the C2 also feels more cohesive to me.
The difference in thickness is primarily due to the added midbass and low mids of the Vivace as well as its lesser treble. The bloat makes it a slower sounding set which makes it lean more towards musicality on the last balance. In comparison, the C2 remains more centered on the last balance while taking the leaner and speedier role. The technicalities are not too impressive in whichever regard, but that's to be expected at the price point.
Height is more than decent enough for an affordable set, while width and height are somewhat compromised. As a result the soundstage remains pretty boxed in and not too eventful.
This remains very near to the center point which goes to show it's neither laidback nor energetic and it won't tailor too well to neither the bass- nor trebleheads. It's a very agreeable sounding set that covers ample ground decently enough.
Does nikbr recommend the C2 2025?
This gets my recommendation for those among you that wish for a good sounding neutralish set and don't absolutely need the most bass, especially midbass, to get you grooving. It also looks special and feels bulletproof, so it doubles as ear armor. So, if you don't yet have a good set for on the go that you wouldn't mind losing, this is one to consider.
Thanks for reading and stay wonderful.
