Today I am going to review TinHiFi C1, a single DD IEM, that was sent to me by courtesy of TinHiFi.
Let's jump into it!
Disclaimer
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I received the TinHiFi C1 from TinHiFi in exchange for my honest review, but still – my opinions about the IEMs are personal and written based on my own experience with them, and I was not paid for this review.
My goal in my reviews is to make it easier for everyone to understand the terms audiophiles often use, so even if you are a beginner and this is all new for you, you can feel comfortable understanding all the terms and make a better decision for yourself.
A little bit about myself
I thought it could make it easier for you to understand what I am listening to, and if we are audio soul mates, maybe this review will talk to you more personally.
I mainly listen to pop music and instrumental music, such as Lindsey Stirling. I am also an EDM lover, who enjoys both sides of the spectrum: bass and treble. My favorite artist, for example, is Snail's House, and I also listen to a lot of monstercat releases. Are we audio soul mates?
A little bit about this IEM
This iem is a single DD iem.
The driver used here is a DLC driver, which is interesting to see within this price point. But does it deliver? Lets find out!
Cable
The cable provided is ok, it is a thin cable. It comes in a type C DAC option, or a 3.5mm termination. The connector is QDC connector, which is not so common within this price range, unless you are going the KZ route. But overall, the cable is good for the price.
Build Quality & Fit and Comfort
The build of the C1 is very good, the faceplate is made of metal and the shell itself is made of a transparent plastic. It looks very dope and feels very comfortable when wearing them.
In Terms of Sound
Sub-Bass
The sub-bass, which covers the lowest frequencies and often delivers the rumbling sensation rather than distinct sounds.
The Sub-Bass of the C1 hits hard and strong, which is very surprising to see from a budget single DD IEM and I was not expecting this. That said, it might be too much for some, and if you are sensitive to this region, or prefer a more tamed bass – then look elsewhere.
Mid-Bass
The mid-bass, where the bass becomes more distinct and perceptible, is equally well-executed. In this range, you hear kick drums and some male bass vocals more clearly.
The Mid-Bass of the C1 is also very good, with good weight and impact, which is as surprising to see as the sub-bass. Again, if you like it – then you are really going to enjoy it, it is made for bass lovers. But if you don't – then you might want to look elsewhere.
Mids
The mids are the home to most instruments and vocals.
The midrange of the C1 is good, but it feels like it sits behind the bass. The bass can be too much sometimes. That said, vocals are still forward and have good clarity, but it is not for those who are looking for a neutral IEM. I would call it a V-Shaped IEM.
Treble
The treble, which captures high-pitched sounds like cymbals, violins, and higher synthetic tones, adds brightness, sharpness, and sparkle to the music. However, excessive treble can lead to harshness or fatigue.
The treble of the C1 is well handled, but I must say that it is tip-sensitive. You need to get good seal to get the treble to sound correct. On optimal condition, you will get a good treble response which is tamed and not too much. It is not the smoothest or spiciest treble I have tried, but it is good enough for the price.
Technical Performance
Imaging
Imaging is the ability of the IEM to separate the left or right positions, put anything in the correct direction.
The imaging performance of the C1 is good for the price, maybe even better than its competitors. It is not the most pin-pointy imaging you will hear, but it is good enough to satisfy and to get good sense of positioning.
Soundstage
Usually in IEMs this term is overused, but in general the soundstage is the feel of openness and wideness of the sound. For example, if the IEM provides a congested feeling to the sound, everything sounds in the middle, this is bad soundstage.
The soundstage of the C1 is very impressive, it is immersive and has good sense of depth. For the price, this is very good.
Layering & Separation
Layering & Separation is the ability to deliver you any piece of instrument or vocal in its own place, separately. The better it gets, the more resolving the IEM will be.
The separation of the C1 is not its strongest aspect, the bass can be too much sometimes, which can be fun, but it is not ideal for critical listening. The layering performance is good for the price.
Comparisons
Comparisons could give you a better idea of where this IEM stands within the market.
KBEAR KB01
The KB01 is also a single DD IEM, which is also a budget friendly IEM. Overall, I thing the KB01 has better bass, better stage and it is a more balanced IEM overall. It is also a 2-pin connector IEM which makes it compatible with much more cables. I think it is a better buy than the C1, imho.
KZ Saga
The KZ Saga is a single DD iem, which sounds v-shaped too. The KZ Saga goes for around 20$ without sales, and it is a metal build. Yes, metal build in 20$. It makes the C1 seem uncompetitive in many terms. I don't have many words to add, but I do like the Saga more than the C1. The problem is KZ's QC, but at this price point, I could handle it.
I think this IEM also beats out any other TINHIFI IEM within the budget range – I like it more than the C3 mk3 in some cases, and it is sounds much better than the C2.
To Sum Up
The TINHiFi C1 is a decent budget friendly IEM, with some compromises. It does sound good, but priced a bit high in comparison for what you are getting. The cable is very basic, no 2-pin connector, not a lot of accessories. I really wished that TINHiFi would shine with this release, and they did in a way – this IEM will provide you good sound quality, but the market is so competitive these days, and it makes the C1 a bit less competitive. Would I recommend it? Hmm, it depends on your preference. If you want a bassy IEM, slightly v-shaped, not a balanced tuning, then yeah – for 30$, this is a good buy. But if you are looking for a more balanced tuning, more value for money – then I would look the the other options in the market. I don't want to sound very offensive about this iem – I did enjoy my time with it. The only problem with it, is the competition. I hope that TINHIFI would release another banger, and will balance out the tuning, and then - it will be perfect.