Review Of The TinHifi C1
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Introduction
It’s been a while since I last reviewed any Tin Hifi products. The last one I recall was the IEM DUDU, which was an excellent value for the price. I particularly liked the response for a planar IEM. There were other releases after that that I couldn’t get my hands on, but recently, I managed to get my hands on their latest IEM from their renowned C series, the C1. It’s priced at around 29 USD, but before I delve deeper, I’d like to clarify a few points.
Disclaimer
*Since this unit tour was organised by the kindly people at Linsoul, I am grateful to them. As I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to these IEMs as “C1”
*I am using different ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the C1 based on its performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.
*Please understand that all opinions expressed in this review are my personal perspective and are not intended to offend anyone’s beliefs or experiences. Therefore, I kindly request a respectful and thoughtful approach to this review, even if it differs from your viewpoint.
Specification
It’s been a while since I last reviewed any Tin Hifi products. The last one I recall was the IEM DUDU, which was an excellent value for the price. I particularly liked the response for a planar IEM. There were other releases after that that I couldn’t get my hands on, but recently, I managed to get my hands on their latest IEM from their renowned C series, the C1. It’s priced at around 29 USD, but before I delve deeper, I’d like to clarify a few points.
Disclaimer
*Since this unit tour was organised by the kindly people at Linsoul, I am grateful to them. As I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to these IEMs as “C1”
*I am using different ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the C1 based on its performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.
*Please understand that all opinions expressed in this review are my personal perspective and are not intended to offend anyone’s beliefs or experiences. Therefore, I kindly request a respectful and thoughtful approach to this review, even if it differs from your viewpoint.
Specification
The C1 IEM boasts a single dynamic driver, a 10mm full-size DLC diaphragm driver, housed in both left and right shells. The shells are crafted from simple transparent plastic, while the faceplate is made of CNC aerospace aluminum panel. Despite its weight, which feels like it might tumble down the IEM when sitting on a surface, it never does. The shells themselves in the ears feel flush, isolated, and comfortable, whether I use the stock ear tips or my own preferred ones. Even after extended use, I often forget they’re in my ears.
The shell shape is generic, similar to many IEMs available in this price range. The cable that comes with the C1 is a silver-plated copper cable. It’s a basic, inexpensive cable with ear hooks that prevent the cable from winding up properly. The cable also tangles easily but has a chin cinch that functions correctly. The cable uses the QDC connection type and terminates with a 3.5mm straight plug.
The only other accessories included are three pairs of eartips in different sizes.
Technical specifications include an impedance of 32 Ohms and a sensitivity of 106dB. The frequency response spans from 10Hz to 20kHz, and the total harmonic distortion is 3% at 1kHz.
Sound
Tin Hifi, known for its exceptional budget offerings, has consistently delivered great competition in the segment since their OG T2 IEM. The C1 is no exception, standing tall alongside their other budget-friendly options. While it may not boast groundbreaking technology or extensive research compared to top-tier IEMs, the saturated budget segment can sometimes make it challenging to differentiate between them. However, this very saturation also provides choices and options that help Tin Hifi stand out. While I find it difficult to pinpoint specific distinctions that make each IEM great for a particular group of audiophiles, the C1, in my opinion, is an all-arounder.
The sound leans towards a tonally rich, balanced, and warm sound. It packs smooth and clean upper frequencies and pounding, yet decently pushed lower frequencies. However, where they feel lacking is in technicalities, especially in sharp and clear details. Nevertheless, it delivers well on these aspects, which helps make it an all-rounder.
The treble is smooth and consistent, with clean details and a decent forward presence. The upper treble is present well enough to make the notes sound full, but the lower treble’s vividness and forwardness add vitality and energy to the mix.
The midrange section contributes to the overall body and weight of the sound, while the vocals and instruments remain almost clean in the treble region. The upper midrange resonates with the lower treble, maintaining the vitality, while the lower midrange allows warmth and rich tonality to flow through the upper frequencies. The tuning is straightforward and linear, resulting in both vocals and instruments sounding clean and vivid with great forwardness in the mix.
Though the bass isn’t precisely controlled, it has good engagement and a fun sound that doesn’t overpower the listener. It sounds impactful and pounding, even though the emphasis is in the sub bass region. There’s enough rumble and thump in the sub bass and mid bass to make the notes sound slamming and meaty, though not quite articulately controlled.
Such a response is not what you would find in Wan’er 2, Chu 2, Zero 2, and so on. It may be similar to Wan’er, but Wan’er sounds drier than the C1.
This is a smooth and cohesive-sounding IEM that provides a relaxing and pleasing response. You can simply put these IEMS on and forget that they are even there. I am glad that such IEMs still exist that offer an all-around performance.
Vocals
As I mentioned earlier, the vocals in C1 are beautifully expressed with a natural-like tonality that adds weight and richness to the presentation. While they may not be as sharp or clear as Wan’er 2, CHU 2, or Zero 2, they do sound smooth, cohesive, and rich, which contributes to their melodious sound.
For instance, take Mizukagami no Sekai by Marina Horiuchi. The richness that C1 adds to her vocals makes the track sound incredibly satisfyingly smooth. Her vocals retain that sweet and high note’s transience, but they are not as clear or well-expressed as those of C1’s competitors.
Similarly, Love Story by Indila features well-expressed and decently clear vocals. However, the notes sound more rounded, preventing them from sounding hot or shouty while also deviating from sounding magical. Thankfully, the instruments sound distinctive and separate from the vocal core, which helps differentiate the vocals.
When it comes to listening to Every Breath You Take by The Police, the vocals sound smooth, rich, and very well-presented in the mix, which helps build a very engaging presentation. I love how Sting’s vocals come across full-bodied and well-blended in the track.
The catch here is that the female vocals aren’t as expressive or airy as those of C1’s competitors. However, when it comes to the male vocals, the notes are rich and pleasurable to listen to. While they don’t sound better with female vocals, specific vocals that end in high notes or octaves do.
Instruments
Now, the instruments complement the vocals beautifully. The drums, synth, guitars, and percussion all sound full-bodied and clean. However, some percussion, synths, and guitars suffer in the upper frequencies because the notes lack sparkle and lightness, which hinders the presentation’s dynamics.
For instance, the track “Are You the Only One” by Zeal & Ardor sounds great overall. However, the most percussions lack expressiveness, which makes them slightly less prominent in the mix. Besides the percussions, the drums and guitars sound alive and emotional. Even the hi-hats are decently-expressed, adding engagement to the track.
On the other hand, the track “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin features an acapella presentation and percussions that sound well-defined and clean. This doesn’t make the response muted but helps retain the freshness of the track.
Again, the track “4eVR” by Hiroyuki Sawano sounds fantastic with impactful and hefty bass notes, especially in the drops of sub bass that make the track fun and enticing. The guitars strumming is nicely revealed, and the drums are distinctive and pack a punch.
The catch here is that the vibrancy of the instruments lacks with this set of IEMs. If pushed too hard, the sound starts to sibilant and sounds off-key. While the instruments are clean enough to make the response engaging, if a crisp and clear track is played through them, the C1 will underperform.
Technical Performance
Coming to the technicalities, I can say that these aren’t the best, but they do their job well. Their competitors sound better expressed and clearer, but at the cost of such a tonality, which is the one delivered by the C1. However, people do prefer such a tuning as well.
The stage is nicely spread out with decent depth and width. The imaging is not sharp or precise, but clean enough to make the notes sound distinctive. Therefore, the separation between notes is decent, even though the listener may suffer a bit in pinpointing where the sound is coming from.
The resolution and detail are also decent, not the best out there, but they do the job of making it sound clean. The attack and decay of notes are also decently paced, which helps keep the response resolved and clear.
Sound Impressions
Sources
Sony WM1A - While listening to C1 with WM1A, the vocals became highly expressive and clearer, with instruments in the mid-range region. The treble sounded broader and fuller, with more air and space, while the bass sounded bigger and bolder, though with less control but a lesser impact. Personally, I found the response sound clear and better expressed, which is why I liked this pairing the most.
FiiO M15S - While listening to C1 with M15S, I noticed a freshness in every track I tried. This freshness contributed to a more mature presentation, which helped control the treble, which sometimes sounded a bit hot when I used the WM1A pairing. In fact, the response felt progressive, with good energy across the spectrum. This helped the treble sound smooth yet clear, the midrange expressive yet natural-like, and the bass better controlled yet delightful.
iPod 5.5 Gen (RockBox) - While listening to C1 with the iPod 5.5 Gen, the response sounded closer and more expressive, with better vibrancy and cleanliness compared to most other pairings. The treble remained laidback, but the midrange sounded cleaner and more vibrant, enhancing the expressiveness of both the vocals and instruments. The bass was pounding and centered, providing a solid foundation in the mix.
Tanchjim LUNA AT Edition - While listening to C1 with Luna, the response was a mixed bag, to be honest. The vocals sounded clear and detailed, but they also felt forced out as the notes sounded rounded and pushed more, whether it was vocals or instruments. The treble sounded a bit clearer and smoother, while the midrange felt consistent except for the fact that the notes sounded slightly off. On the other hand, the bass sounded controlled and punchier, with the same impact as any other pairing.
Other Tracks
Ai Higuchi - Akuma no ko
Hana Hope - Destination of the Journey
majiko - Kokoronashi
Uru - Kamihitoe
LONGMAN - spiral
Kohana Lam - a few sentimental
milet - Anywhere Anytime
RADWIMPS - Grand Escape
Arika - Cigarette
Arika - blan_
The Sixth Lie - Shadow is the Light
Saiki - Tactics
Honoka Takahashi - LiLas
Creepy Nuts - Nidone
Beat Crusaders - woh i nee
Awich - Frontier
Rokudenashi - Eureka
Rammstein - Sonne
Cutting Crew - I just Died in Your Arms Tonight
Fleetwood Mac - Gypsy
Tom Petty - Free Fallin’
U2 - With or Without You
The La’s - There She Goes
Toto - Africa
Oasis - Wonderwall
Zeal & Ardor - Kilonova
TOOL - Vicarious
Thy Art Is Murder - Keres
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Lady Gaga - Poker Face
Jay-Z - Run this town
Kanye West - Stronger
AURORA - Black Water Lilies
AURORA - The Seed (LIve from the Royal Albert Hall)
AURORA - Runaway
Skrillex - MOSQUITOTOUILLE
Skrillex - MORJA KAIJU
Skrillex - Recovery
The Toxic Avenger - Aside From You
Zeds Dead - RSIH
Shangai Doom - Viridian
Dion Timmer - The Best Of Me
Conclusion
To define C1, I would say it’s a jack of all trades and master of none. It’s a warm, balanced IEM with a rich, smooth, and relaxing sound. It won’t offend anyone but rather soothe their senses with a lovely presentation. It’s an easy recommendation for those who want a side grade or a relaxing sound that they can put on and forget about.