The TINHiFi P2 Ultra Planar Magnetic Earphone
Redcarmoose Labs December 17, 2025
Redcarmoose Labs December 17, 2025
TINHiFi history:
There has (over the years) become a vast TINHiFi history of products. Where I never got a chance to hear the original Planar IEM, the P1, I did hear my share of TINHiFi IEMs, namely the $189.00 Big Panda 14.2 Planar creation. The $99.00 13mm DUDU Planar, which shares the same name as one of my dogs. And the demo list goes on including the C series……C1, C0, C2, C3 and the C5 Planar + BA. Then there is the T series which I have reviewed like the T2 and Flagship T7 a $199.00 a TOTL of 10mm single full-range joy! The T4 Plus, the T1S, the TINHiFi T3 Plus and T1 Plus and both the T5 and T5S. I mean there has been a few examples, and I may have left a few out here namely the T2 MKII and the (yet to reviewed) T2 MKIII! So they have and still make a ton of stuff.
Yet the P series have mostly been on the pricier side. There is the P1 and P1 Plus, the P1 Max, the P2 and even an 18K gold (commemorative edition) TINHiFi P2 plus which looks in photos very close to today's 24K P2 Ultra, and it even comes in a similar box. Though in pictures the shells hold a lighter tone of gold, and instead of USB-Type C plug it had a 2.5mm.
“Karat is a traditional expression of gold purity with 24 Karat (24K) being 100% pure gold. 18K gold is 18/24 thus pure or 75%, 14K is 14/24th's and so on. The higher the karat the more pure gold is in the piece. That portion which is not gold is usually a mixture of other metals such as copper, nickel, and silver.”
There has (over the years) become a vast TINHiFi history of products. Where I never got a chance to hear the original Planar IEM, the P1, I did hear my share of TINHiFi IEMs, namely the $189.00 Big Panda 14.2 Planar creation. The $99.00 13mm DUDU Planar, which shares the same name as one of my dogs. And the demo list goes on including the C series……C1, C0, C2, C3 and the C5 Planar + BA. Then there is the T series which I have reviewed like the T2 and Flagship T7 a $199.00 a TOTL of 10mm single full-range joy! The T4 Plus, the T1S, the TINHiFi T3 Plus and T1 Plus and both the T5 and T5S. I mean there has been a few examples, and I may have left a few out here namely the T2 MKII and the (yet to reviewed) T2 MKIII! So they have and still make a ton of stuff.
Yet the P series have mostly been on the pricier side. There is the P1 and P1 Plus, the P1 Max, the P2 and even an 18K gold (commemorative edition) TINHiFi P2 plus which looks in photos very close to today's 24K P2 Ultra, and it even comes in a similar box. Though in pictures the shells hold a lighter tone of gold, and instead of USB-Type C plug it had a 2.5mm.
“Karat is a traditional expression of gold purity with 24 Karat (24K) being 100% pure gold. 18K gold is 18/24 thus pure or 75%, 14K is 14/24th's and so on. The higher the karat the more pure gold is in the piece. That portion which is not gold is usually a mixture of other metals such as copper, nickel, and silver.”
Does gold really matter?
Sure after all my years reviewing and of the 100s of IEMs I have received for review I have yet to hold a true gold IEM, and the P2 Ultra does look different. While I have never heard and of the P series before, and for that matter never have I seen an IEM exactly this shape? But in real life this look is warmer and deeper in how the light reflects off, and how this 24K gold affects the user experience, it genuinely creates a slight drama when you place the IEM in your hand, then of course looks special in your ears, if anybody truly cares? Though I have to say due to the low weight and style this could be the most feminine IEM I have received in for review? And sure the look is like jewelry when worn, plus it is only the second out of hundreds (of IEMs) that my Wife asked for when it arrived. Lol
And even though the P2 Ultra arrived just days before our 26th wedding anniversary, I said no, I could not part with the IEM, plus she likes TWS better anyway.
But thats the thing. I have not heard and other past P1, or P2 Planar IEMs, so I have no reference here as to possible improvements? Plus at this point in the review I have to ask myself is gold doing anything other than pushing the price up, and adding a special look? The bottom line is the P2 Ultra is nice and all, and sure it walks a careful and non-offensive line of sonics...........only I do wonder what this IEM would sound like without the gold plating.
Sure after all my years reviewing and of the 100s of IEMs I have received for review I have yet to hold a true gold IEM, and the P2 Ultra does look different. While I have never heard and of the P series before, and for that matter never have I seen an IEM exactly this shape? But in real life this look is warmer and deeper in how the light reflects off, and how this 24K gold affects the user experience, it genuinely creates a slight drama when you place the IEM in your hand, then of course looks special in your ears, if anybody truly cares? Though I have to say due to the low weight and style this could be the most feminine IEM I have received in for review? And sure the look is like jewelry when worn, plus it is only the second out of hundreds (of IEMs) that my Wife asked for when it arrived. Lol
And even though the P2 Ultra arrived just days before our 26th wedding anniversary, I said no, I could not part with the IEM, plus she likes TWS better anyway.
But thats the thing. I have not heard and other past P1, or P2 Planar IEMs, so I have no reference here as to possible improvements? Plus at this point in the review I have to ask myself is gold doing anything other than pushing the price up, and adding a special look? The bottom line is the P2 Ultra is nice and all, and sure it walks a careful and non-offensive line of sonics...........only I do wonder what this IEM would sound like without the gold plating.
Build:
Take note this is a semi-open IEM. This SPD for short or “Spiral Dynamic Breathing Panel” creates a large opening and takes up most of the face-plate real estate, yet not the very biggest in IEM land. The stage is round, holding forward and back, plus up and down.
Such a panel creates sound flow, to ensure sound pressure is tuned to be able to come and go as it pleases. There is also a single back breather vent. At just 6 grams each and small in size, the Ultra can almost feel like the nozzle length is too short, that is until you find the right ear-tip in use. Then the Ultra walks that line of getting out of the way enabling an almost unnoticeable visit inside your ears. While different is the qdc 2Pins which still allow the use of any 2Pin cable in your collection, though qdc 2Pins allow an extra support around the connection to allow for more stability in side to side attacks. Lol, why this would ever happen I don’t know, but could mostly take place in transport while out of your ears? As such due to smallish form the Ultra goes easily inside of the included travel case while still connected to cables. The nozzle screens are set back out of harms way and are a top a second cloth type layer. When in reality due to weight and positioning inside the ear, this is one IEM I would use out-and-about.
Take note this is a semi-open IEM. This SPD for short or “Spiral Dynamic Breathing Panel” creates a large opening and takes up most of the face-plate real estate, yet not the very biggest in IEM land. The stage is round, holding forward and back, plus up and down.
Such a panel creates sound flow, to ensure sound pressure is tuned to be able to come and go as it pleases. There is also a single back breather vent. At just 6 grams each and small in size, the Ultra can almost feel like the nozzle length is too short, that is until you find the right ear-tip in use. Then the Ultra walks that line of getting out of the way enabling an almost unnoticeable visit inside your ears. While different is the qdc 2Pins which still allow the use of any 2Pin cable in your collection, though qdc 2Pins allow an extra support around the connection to allow for more stability in side to side attacks. Lol, why this would ever happen I don’t know, but could mostly take place in transport while out of your ears? As such due to smallish form the Ultra goes easily inside of the included travel case while still connected to cables. The nozzle screens are set back out of harms way and are a top a second cloth type layer. When in reality due to weight and positioning inside the ear, this is one IEM I would use out-and-about.
Package:
This box containing the Ultra is giant, the biggest box ever from TINHiFi. Inside you get a top sliding lid which shows both the IEMs and genuine leather case. I would include of photograph of this top lid, only in my OCD I took a hair removal roller to remove tiny dust specks before photography, only to slightly remove a section of the small TINHIFI icon. I’ll never do that again. There is also a second slide-out drawer that has the icon and a ribbon to grab onto. Once out the drawer shows to contain a light green encasement for foam and silicone ear-tips, a brush, a pair of tweezers and the 3.5mm, 4.4mm and Type-C plug. There is supposedly a set of screens for the nozzle ends to be replaced, but I seem to have lost it. This is OK as I have very little ear-wax, and subsequently have never replaced the screens before in my history.
What’s in the Box – TINHIFI P2 ULTRA (Standard Inclusion List)
TINHIFI P2 Ultra Earphones (1 pair)
Modular Japanese Mogami Coaxial + 5N Silver-Plated Copper Hybrid Cable (1 piece)
Adapters:
3.5mm Single-Ended Adapter (1 piece)
4.4mm Balanced Adapter (1 piece)
Type-C Single-Ended Adapter (1 piece)
Eartips:
Memory Foam Eartips (M, 3 pairs per size)
Liquid Silicone Eartips (S/M/L, 1 pair)
Eartip Case (1 piece)
Handcrafted Leather Storage Case (1 piece)
Cleaning Brush (1 piece)
Plastic Tweezers (1 piece)
Replaceable Metal Filters (1 pairs)
User Manual & Warranty Card (1 copy)Hermès-grade TC French imported calfskin cable cinch (1 pcs)
This box containing the Ultra is giant, the biggest box ever from TINHiFi. Inside you get a top sliding lid which shows both the IEMs and genuine leather case. I would include of photograph of this top lid, only in my OCD I took a hair removal roller to remove tiny dust specks before photography, only to slightly remove a section of the small TINHIFI icon. I’ll never do that again. There is also a second slide-out drawer that has the icon and a ribbon to grab onto. Once out the drawer shows to contain a light green encasement for foam and silicone ear-tips, a brush, a pair of tweezers and the 3.5mm, 4.4mm and Type-C plug. There is supposedly a set of screens for the nozzle ends to be replaced, but I seem to have lost it. This is OK as I have very little ear-wax, and subsequently have never replaced the screens before in my history.
What’s in the Box – TINHIFI P2 ULTRA (Standard Inclusion List)
TINHIFI P2 Ultra Earphones (1 pair)
Modular Japanese Mogami Coaxial + 5N Silver-Plated Copper Hybrid Cable (1 piece)
Adapters:
3.5mm Single-Ended Adapter (1 piece)
4.4mm Balanced Adapter (1 piece)
Type-C Single-Ended Adapter (1 piece)
Eartips:
Memory Foam Eartips (M, 3 pairs per size)
Liquid Silicone Eartips (S/M/L, 1 pair)
Eartip Case (1 piece)
Handcrafted Leather Storage Case (1 piece)
Cleaning Brush (1 piece)
Plastic Tweezers (1 piece)
Replaceable Metal Filters (1 pairs)
User Manual & Warranty Card (1 copy)Hermès-grade TC French imported calfskin cable cinch (1 pcs)
The Cable:
The P2 ULTRA comes with a flagship stock cable featuring a Japanese Mogami coaxial core + 8-core 5N single-crystal copper with thick silver-plated hybrid braid.
Sources:
When I first took the Ultra out of the box and tried them out I was surprised to learn they were even harder to drive than the EarAcoustic Audio VSA-PM Crown Flagship. Where truly listenable levels could be found with 100% volume from my WM1A DAP, the next level here was to use them with a desk-top source. Now the crazy part was there was a romantic extra bass from the WM1A, which is typically brighter and leaner than the Sony TA-ZH1ES TOTL desk-top. The Sony TA is normally thicker and more mid-bass emphasized, only here with the Ultra it pulled the Third Generation 12mm Planar driver into submission, relinquishing and slowness and accompanying fog. Now right at the start, I want to at least have you understand that the WM1A was still a great experience and showed me first off what we have here with this IEM. Only the desk-top allowed the stage to increase, the sculpturing to become better defined and the bass tighter and clearer.
The ifi GO blu:
Typically this is one of my more powerful Bluetooth amplifiers. Yet on this day it sounded thin and distant, even on full-volume, and historically the GO blu is thick and powerful. Next I tried the ifi hip dac 3………but that even failed to provide the goods needed for a recommendation here.
So next I tried the Schiit Audio Asgard One:
While fully workable the Asgard One reminded me just how important ear-tips are. I mean we are looking for robust lower mid bass and actualization of stage here. Tips are super important (like any IEM) to find gold. Sorry. Anyway the Schiit Asgard was good and got us into the doorway of success here. Only the extra resolution of the TA remained the full way to go here. Though take note that it was not just using the TA DAC as pre-out to the Schiit Asgard, because I was doing that. It was the thicker combo of the DAC and amplifier inside the TA that remained my only source to use the P2 Ultra in music tests today. Keep in mind too the Schiit is 6.5mm output and un-balanced which meant each time I tested it I needed to switch the Ultra off the included 4.4mm balanced plug and go to included 3.5mm to 6.5mm plug.
Sources:
When I first took the Ultra out of the box and tried them out I was surprised to learn they were even harder to drive than the EarAcoustic Audio VSA-PM Crown Flagship. Where truly listenable levels could be found with 100% volume from my WM1A DAP, the next level here was to use them with a desk-top source. Now the crazy part was there was a romantic extra bass from the WM1A, which is typically brighter and leaner than the Sony TA-ZH1ES TOTL desk-top. The Sony TA is normally thicker and more mid-bass emphasized, only here with the Ultra it pulled the Third Generation 12mm Planar driver into submission, relinquishing and slowness and accompanying fog. Now right at the start, I want to at least have you understand that the WM1A was still a great experience and showed me first off what we have here with this IEM. Only the desk-top allowed the stage to increase, the sculpturing to become better defined and the bass tighter and clearer.
The ifi GO blu:
Typically this is one of my more powerful Bluetooth amplifiers. Yet on this day it sounded thin and distant, even on full-volume, and historically the GO blu is thick and powerful. Next I tried the ifi hip dac 3………but that even failed to provide the goods needed for a recommendation here.
So next I tried the Schiit Audio Asgard One:
While fully workable the Asgard One reminded me just how important ear-tips are. I mean we are looking for robust lower mid bass and actualization of stage here. Tips are super important (like any IEM) to find gold. Sorry. Anyway the Schiit Asgard was good and got us into the doorway of success here. Only the extra resolution of the TA remained the full way to go here. Though take note that it was not just using the TA DAC as pre-out to the Schiit Asgard, because I was doing that. It was the thicker combo of the DAC and amplifier inside the TA that remained my only source to use the P2 Ultra in music tests today. Keep in mind too the Schiit is 6.5mm output and un-balanced which meant each time I tested it I needed to switch the Ultra off the included 4.4mm balanced plug and go to included 3.5mm to 6.5mm plug.
The TA:
So what the TA is doing is including this romantic full-stage, then enough power to take control of the possible response of the Ultra 12mm Planar driver. The results you ask? This ability to learn the extent of immersion and flow that the Ultra holds back with every other source used. This thick romantic style of realization, the realization that everything is how it is suppose to be. That instruments and vocals sound fluid and never strident or sharp, but natural and deep. This results in a big stage with enough note weight. That while crisp, the Ultra is itself when images are met with fluid fall-offs, that and great separation at hand. This cohesiveness that is strived for buy not always found……even though it could be nearby. A wholeness and a correctness, an evenness and a completeness of form. This came about by using the sound files on the Sony WM1A hooked to the TA amplifier by the Ultra. Yet sadly this set-up can’t go mobile. Nope, here we are fastened to the home listening environment, even though I had recollections of this golden tone while away from the house, it could not be replicated any place else. And that remains the strange thing, that before burn-in the Ultra sounded extra bass laden from the WM1A, and seemed like the joining that would take this drama on the road?
You see this is all about the contrasting experience.
Meaning on a few more WM1A trials I came to realize that yes, the personality I first remembered (upon first hearing) the Ultra was there, that it was just this more powerful placement in tone that the TA did that was so hard to beat.
Sony WM1A:
That sure this works out. That while the Ultra showcases enough romanticism in TA use, there is about 90% of the TA experience while out-and-about. So sure I can recommend the WM1A, only you really need to find the ear-tips to go with it. Where sure we have less power on-tap than the TA, plus you may find yourself maxing out the DAP volume. But this is an example of finding play-ability that works, and truly gives 90% of the charm of the Ultra, only there is that extra + that a desktop will do that is hard to replicate once you have heard it. Yet for many a source like the Sony WM1A would work, especially if they didn’t have a TA to compare experiences with!
So what the TA is doing is including this romantic full-stage, then enough power to take control of the possible response of the Ultra 12mm Planar driver. The results you ask? This ability to learn the extent of immersion and flow that the Ultra holds back with every other source used. This thick romantic style of realization, the realization that everything is how it is suppose to be. That instruments and vocals sound fluid and never strident or sharp, but natural and deep. This results in a big stage with enough note weight. That while crisp, the Ultra is itself when images are met with fluid fall-offs, that and great separation at hand. This cohesiveness that is strived for buy not always found……even though it could be nearby. A wholeness and a correctness, an evenness and a completeness of form. This came about by using the sound files on the Sony WM1A hooked to the TA amplifier by the Ultra. Yet sadly this set-up can’t go mobile. Nope, here we are fastened to the home listening environment, even though I had recollections of this golden tone while away from the house, it could not be replicated any place else. And that remains the strange thing, that before burn-in the Ultra sounded extra bass laden from the WM1A, and seemed like the joining that would take this drama on the road?
You see this is all about the contrasting experience.
Meaning on a few more WM1A trials I came to realize that yes, the personality I first remembered (upon first hearing) the Ultra was there, that it was just this more powerful placement in tone that the TA did that was so hard to beat.
Sony WM1A:
That sure this works out. That while the Ultra showcases enough romanticism in TA use, there is about 90% of the TA experience while out-and-about. So sure I can recommend the WM1A, only you really need to find the ear-tips to go with it. Where sure we have less power on-tap than the TA, plus you may find yourself maxing out the DAP volume. But this is an example of finding play-ability that works, and truly gives 90% of the charm of the Ultra, only there is that extra + that a desktop will do that is hard to replicate once you have heard it. Yet for many a source like the Sony WM1A would work, especially if they didn’t have a TA to compare experiences with!
The EarAcoustic Audio VSA-PM Crown against The TINHiFi P2 Ultra?
Less airy the Ultra becomes.
So it goes almost without saying that the Crown has been my surprise of the year. Somehow the ability of a Crown 11.4mm Planar Magnetic Driver coming at a bigger cost at $849.00. Where the Crown offers bigger treble ramifications, at maybe a style of lesser note-weight. This Crown is more open allowing to see into the stage, and the lesser mid bass allows that. Gosh, it is simply offering more spread out ideas and sculpturing, though at a slight cost, that it may be too much for some. This treble energy is smooth, yet more powerful and more in your face kinda tone. Here I’m using the Crown included cable, as the qdc can accept other cables, except not the other way around. Meaning the Ultra cable only fits qdc IEMs, due to the cable covering not letting the actual 2Pin connectors out of their cage. Yet I’m using the TA and Penon Liqueur X large silicones on both IEMs on test. Yet for those unable to blend with the Crown’s treble attitude, the Ultra becomes the softer safer bet. Probably the Ultra mid bass is really what separates these two styles the most besides the treble. Meaning the Ultra has a more coherent and romantic mid bass that starts to take control of the whole signature, where the Crown goes around that with both imaging and perceived technicalities. If I needed to chose I would go for the more expensive Crown, yet having them both finds me listening to each one, and for different reasons. The Ultra still holds a grand listen ability that becomes complementary to the Crowns fireworks. That if you read Crown reviews it is talked about how the Crown treble is safe, and it is, only the Ultra treble is safer. Having the Ultra make points with the Pinna instead as a way to add balance and counter balance the mid bass.
Less airy the Ultra becomes.
So it goes almost without saying that the Crown has been my surprise of the year. Somehow the ability of a Crown 11.4mm Planar Magnetic Driver coming at a bigger cost at $849.00. Where the Crown offers bigger treble ramifications, at maybe a style of lesser note-weight. This Crown is more open allowing to see into the stage, and the lesser mid bass allows that. Gosh, it is simply offering more spread out ideas and sculpturing, though at a slight cost, that it may be too much for some. This treble energy is smooth, yet more powerful and more in your face kinda tone. Here I’m using the Crown included cable, as the qdc can accept other cables, except not the other way around. Meaning the Ultra cable only fits qdc IEMs, due to the cable covering not letting the actual 2Pin connectors out of their cage. Yet I’m using the TA and Penon Liqueur X large silicones on both IEMs on test. Yet for those unable to blend with the Crown’s treble attitude, the Ultra becomes the softer safer bet. Probably the Ultra mid bass is really what separates these two styles the most besides the treble. Meaning the Ultra has a more coherent and romantic mid bass that starts to take control of the whole signature, where the Crown goes around that with both imaging and perceived technicalities. If I needed to chose I would go for the more expensive Crown, yet having them both finds me listening to each one, and for different reasons. The Ultra still holds a grand listen ability that becomes complementary to the Crowns fireworks. That if you read Crown reviews it is talked about how the Crown treble is safe, and it is, only the Ultra treble is safer. Having the Ultra make points with the Pinna instead as a way to add balance and counter balance the mid bass.
Music:
The set-up:
Sure the foams included work great. The silicones too are awesome, only I went with the Penon Liqueur X Large silicones. Reason for the X Large Liqueurs was the thickness of sidewall getting extra push-out that seemed to enhance ergonomics here, that and offer a slightly warmer response idea? Then the TA (it doesn’t offer EQ) in 4.4mm balanced with included cable.
The set-up:
Sure the foams included work great. The silicones too are awesome, only I went with the Penon Liqueur X Large silicones. Reason for the X Large Liqueurs was the thickness of sidewall getting extra push-out that seemed to enhance ergonomics here, that and offer a slightly warmer response idea? Then the TA (it doesn’t offer EQ) in 4.4mm balanced with included cable.
Gdanian
Induction
Shield Emitter (feat. Tineidae)
44.1kHz - 24bit
In so many ways this becomes the perfect test today. Why? For starters this big bass playback helps showcase both the cohesiveness and the drama here, the nice stage doesn’t hurt ether. This robust yet careful bass atmosphere moves forward to include a backdrop for the above treble and mid-range to float above. That if I was at a show and demonstrating what the P2 Ultra was and was not this would be a good choice, especially if the listener was into this sub-genre ambient music. That while heard in warm brilliance the treble is also careful and not as intense nor as pin-point as with some IEM playback. This carefulness is rewarding as it is making the song one step more relaxing and still providing detail, but detail in the sanded down approach here…….golden. Where later on in the review we will try our luck at Rock, World Music and OSTs to find if the bass slam is there, yet this softer more relaxed, yet a detailed idea which is perfectly fine. I mean even the way high-up details are there, they are just not as metallic as found with some IEMs, and while the stage is not the grandest in IEM land, there is a cohesive 12mm Planar statement which goes about adding this wholeness that is always endearing and fun.This wholeness I have come to find in most every style of music, and truly it could better be called wholesomeness for a better word. Interesting too I let this album play on and found even bigger stages, and additional imaging being parlayed even further outward into the listening experience.
Induction
Shield Emitter (feat. Tineidae)
44.1kHz - 24bit
In so many ways this becomes the perfect test today. Why? For starters this big bass playback helps showcase both the cohesiveness and the drama here, the nice stage doesn’t hurt ether. This robust yet careful bass atmosphere moves forward to include a backdrop for the above treble and mid-range to float above. That if I was at a show and demonstrating what the P2 Ultra was and was not this would be a good choice, especially if the listener was into this sub-genre ambient music. That while heard in warm brilliance the treble is also careful and not as intense nor as pin-point as with some IEM playback. This carefulness is rewarding as it is making the song one step more relaxing and still providing detail, but detail in the sanded down approach here…….golden. Where later on in the review we will try our luck at Rock, World Music and OSTs to find if the bass slam is there, yet this softer more relaxed, yet a detailed idea which is perfectly fine. I mean even the way high-up details are there, they are just not as metallic as found with some IEMs, and while the stage is not the grandest in IEM land, there is a cohesive 12mm Planar statement which goes about adding this wholeness that is always endearing and fun.This wholeness I have come to find in most every style of music, and truly it could better be called wholesomeness for a better word. Interesting too I let this album play on and found even bigger stages, and additional imaging being parlayed even further outward into the listening experience.
Timestamps only pertain to digital file, not video.
DCD
Anastasis
Children Of The Sun
44.1kHz - 24bit
Look, this music file gets used often here at Redcarmoose Labs. In truth the file is forgiving and seems to make the IEMs on test become the very best they can be. Here we are finding the bass drum additions at 00:33 to be both big and sizable, yet not as deep or as physical as other IEM choices. Typically this is just the way Planar IEMs are anyway, where they go about bass speed and detail, but are not as drastic or fully deep in the sub bass department here. That this warmth is really the glow of the mid-bass. Yes, it is also the milky smooth lower mids adding a thickness and slight drama. While the strings here are probably synthesizer stabs, and not real anyway……they do show this slight Planar timbre, a timbre that while not perfect, we can never get away from in Planar IEM uses.
When Brendan Perry’s vocals enter they form a placement which is not forward or behind, being found a acceptable voice, yet not like those IEMs that showcase such attitudes of playback. Again very even and sincere the whole playback ends up being, and very digestible and true to form.
DCD
Anastasis
Children Of The Sun
44.1kHz - 24bit
Look, this music file gets used often here at Redcarmoose Labs. In truth the file is forgiving and seems to make the IEMs on test become the very best they can be. Here we are finding the bass drum additions at 00:33 to be both big and sizable, yet not as deep or as physical as other IEM choices. Typically this is just the way Planar IEMs are anyway, where they go about bass speed and detail, but are not as drastic or fully deep in the sub bass department here. That this warmth is really the glow of the mid-bass. Yes, it is also the milky smooth lower mids adding a thickness and slight drama. While the strings here are probably synthesizer stabs, and not real anyway……they do show this slight Planar timbre, a timbre that while not perfect, we can never get away from in Planar IEM uses.
When Brendan Perry’s vocals enter they form a placement which is not forward or behind, being found a acceptable voice, yet not like those IEMs that showcase such attitudes of playback. Again very even and sincere the whole playback ends up being, and very digestible and true to form.
Hans Zimmer
The Dark Knight Rises OST
Gotham’s Reckoning
192kHz - 24bit
Timestamps only pertain to digital file, not video.
I have listened to this song over and over again with the P2 Ultra in a quest to understand the inherent bass abilities as well as to learn the P2’s take on the strings found here. At 00:20 the lows come into action, and the lower drop at the 00:32 solidifies the ability going on. Only it comes to notice, these are not really anywhere near bass head IEMs, that instead we are finding bass depth and decent texture plus separation, it is just other IEMs offer a more physical DD style of contrasts both in tone and of a larger DD stage.
The Dark Knight Rises OST
Gotham’s Reckoning
192kHz - 24bit
Timestamps only pertain to digital file, not video.
I have listened to this song over and over again with the P2 Ultra in a quest to understand the inherent bass abilities as well as to learn the P2’s take on the strings found here. At 00:20 the lows come into action, and the lower drop at the 00:32 solidifies the ability going on. Only it comes to notice, these are not really anywhere near bass head IEMs, that instead we are finding bass depth and decent texture plus separation, it is just other IEMs offer a more physical DD style of contrasts both in tone and of a larger DD stage.
Ghost
Skeleta
Peacefield
48kHz - 24bit
Here we are greeted with this even vocal presence, where the tuning is careful without the danger that I read a few of the P series Planar IEMs obtained. While sure there is enough treble, and we find it playing back nice separated cymbal displays, which in this song is both rewarding and startling. That golden creation that seems to match the shells, and not brighter? A wholesome cohesiveness missing the treble separation a Planar like the VSA-PM Crown makes its forte. And some would wonder how the two Crown and Ultra compare. Where the Crown offers stratification of treble, and higher technicalities in regard to treble separation and found illumination. Where here we are in a darker smoother idea of even Rock playback. Yet this playback is so right, that stage is not as big as the Crown yet this milky pace finds admiration, inside of the concept that these two IEMs offer 2 sides of a coin so to speak. If the Crown was too bright, here is a loving home. If you want a simply homogenized style of personality it’s here with the P2 Ultra.
Skeleta
Peacefield
48kHz - 24bit
Here we are greeted with this even vocal presence, where the tuning is careful without the danger that I read a few of the P series Planar IEMs obtained. While sure there is enough treble, and we find it playing back nice separated cymbal displays, which in this song is both rewarding and startling. That golden creation that seems to match the shells, and not brighter? A wholesome cohesiveness missing the treble separation a Planar like the VSA-PM Crown makes its forte. And some would wonder how the two Crown and Ultra compare. Where the Crown offers stratification of treble, and higher technicalities in regard to treble separation and found illumination. Where here we are in a darker smoother idea of even Rock playback. Yet this playback is so right, that stage is not as big as the Crown yet this milky pace finds admiration, inside of the concept that these two IEMs offer 2 sides of a coin so to speak. If the Crown was too bright, here is a loving home. If you want a simply homogenized style of personality it’s here with the P2 Ultra.
Umwelt
Days of Dissent
Factory of Death
96kHz - 24bit
Here we are offered EDM drums. Yet the way this bass happens is both authoritative, yet slightly held back in relation to full-range DD ideas. While full and warm, we are never privy to the overall density and size of DDs. What we are offered instead in a thick enhanced mid bass. While leaving room for the mids to shine and activate. For that matter even the highs are not holding the big contrasts this song generates in spades. A more digestible and easy listening experience that could in-fact go on all night. Yet this song has been a test for brighter IEMs to see where those synthetic high-hats go. And no they are not as brilliant or as fatiguing as some IEMs could generate. So this smoothing-out of formations go along with the milky demeanor the Ultra should be known for and respected about.
Days of Dissent
Factory of Death
96kHz - 24bit
Here we are offered EDM drums. Yet the way this bass happens is both authoritative, yet slightly held back in relation to full-range DD ideas. While full and warm, we are never privy to the overall density and size of DDs. What we are offered instead in a thick enhanced mid bass. While leaving room for the mids to shine and activate. For that matter even the highs are not holding the big contrasts this song generates in spades. A more digestible and easy listening experience that could in-fact go on all night. Yet this song has been a test for brighter IEMs to see where those synthetic high-hats go. And no they are not as brilliant or as fatiguing as some IEMs could generate. So this smoothing-out of formations go along with the milky demeanor the Ultra should be known for and respected about.
Conclusion:
The P2 Ultra is a heck of an IEM once you power it rightly. And yes even from a regular DAP like the Sony WM1A at max volume it can come-up with a black background and thoroughly convincing tone. Yet that’s the thing, that this would be a tough recommendation if you wanted a loud presentation and only had a portable. The Sony WM1A DAP is fluid and well rounded enough, plus the Ultra is maximum fluid and well rounded enough to generate a night of sensual listening, just don’t expect that listening to get super loud. This leaves me with a riddle, the fact that you can buy an IEM at a third of the price like the Punch Audio Portazo which can run off a mini-DAP like the Hiby R3II, or even better yet the Hidizs AP80 PRO MAX and get a bigger stage, both in treble and bass, only the Portazo is not as refined or offering quite as black of background. The Portazo uses 2 Planar treble drivers and a single 10mm bass/midrange provider to generate the ongoing entertainment, plus has deeper bass included.
This has Redcarmoose Labs ponder what we have before us, that while the Ultra is complete and careful, the Ultra only comes alive really when given the juice it craves. When powered right there is no doubt it is probably my second favorite Planar ever made, but getting there was a little work, both in ear-tip fitment and source. This next step in design for Planar replay is starting to pull on my heartstrings and examples like the EarAcoustic Audio VSA-PM Crown provide an ultimate listing experience in to my ears. As explained earlier though the VSA-PM is a brighter idea, that while more technical than the Ultra, ultimately becomes a questionable choice due to increased treble brightness. Where that leaves me to go is to the TINHiFi P2 Ultra as an easy to love and highly entertaining example of just where we are in 2025/2026. This Ultra combines a method of refinement which takes into account all the TINHiFi Planar IEMs that came before it…….you see TINHiFi is listening to feedback and gaining accessibility and well-roundness.
The build is amazing, the cable is great, plus the box opening experience goes with the price point to include what most Head-Fi listeners would need to enjoy the Ultra………..just as long as they had a desktop amplifier near. Yet I do use a DAP; the Sony WM1A to power the P2 Ultra to rewarding/enjoyable levels of playback, and if this was all you had it may actually work, but not get super loud in the end.
$699.00 though priced now at $599.00
https://www.tinhifi.com
https://www.tinhifi.com/products/ti...r-monitor-planar-magnetic-headphones-24k-gold
Disclaimer:
The TINHiFi P2 Ultra Universal IEM has had a total 6 days of burn-in.
Disclaimer:
I want to thank TINHiFi for the love and the P2 Ultra Universal IEM review sample.
Disclaimer:
These are one person's ideas and concepts, your results may vary.
A special thanks to member @PeacockObscura for hooking me up with the direct link to the TINHiFi team!
Equipment Used:
Linsoul x Hidizs AP80 PRO MAX DAP in 4.4mm balanced
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman’s Firmware 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single-ended
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman’s Firmware 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single-ended
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03 in 4.4mm balanced
Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cord
Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10
AudioQuest Carbon USB
Samsung Phone 3.5mm single-ended and with provided Type-C connection
HiBy R3 II DAP in 4.4mm balanced
ifi Go blu Bluetooth Amplifier and DAC 4.4mm balanced
Schiit Audio Asgard One Amplifier
ifi hip dac 3 DAC/Amplifier 4.4mm balanced
