:
1. Good build Quality
2. Vivid W signature
3.Nice cable cable
4. Attractive design
5. Fit
6.Very natural timbre
:
1. Might not be smooth enough for some
2.treble is not very sparkling
I'd just like to say upfront I believe we are all biased when giving our subjective thoughts about IEMs be it a particular type of signature that works with our music library or how an IEM looks and feels in our ears. On the subject of ears everyone's ear anatomy is different and this effects fit and seal which in turn effects the perception of bass response so I recommend finding the right ear tips that suit your ears to get the best of any IEM.
The Medusa Dark Night has a black mat stealth design with chromed vents giving of Battle Star Galactica vibes. CVJ are a company that I have followed for a while they have some really compelling single DD iems in the budget realm so I was excited to receive the the Medusa Black Night from Linsoul.
Heightened expectations are not always a good thing so it's a pleasure to find out that they have been met.
My review star ratings are linked to the price range of the iem eg a 5 star review of a $100 iem is not equal to one of a $500 iem.I’m and audio enthusiast with a collection of over 200 iems, 30 different sources with a music collection that numbers over 100,000 tracks and 15 flathead buds I share my impressions as a way to share my enthusiasm for the hobby I approach from the premise of music first technology 2nd, what does this mean? For me the technicalities are not of prime importance but does the music move with this particular iem.I’m a connoisseur of many different sound signatures. The only prerequisite is musicality I’m not a fan of analytical cold playback.
My scale of success when it comes to evaluating iems is; do I get goosebumps when they playback my favourite tunes do they make me feel the music as an experience. There are many good iems but do they give me goosebumps? Unfortunately I have a draw full of just good iems.I want the iem that I reach for without thinking because I instinctively know it will bring the emotional connection I’m seeking from my music.
I'm a fan of progressive rock and metal this type of music needs a driver or drivers that have speed accuracy and strong dynamics there's no space for any of the frequency ranges to stronger than the other it needs everything working cohesively as one. The Medusa Dark Night is superb with progressive music. The bass is slightley boosted with a snappy leading edge and quick decay it digs reasonably deep and has space around the beats that's not dense but revealing this leads into an open natural mids presentation with good layering. The leads into the incisive treble which is very effective in closing the loop in an exciting clarity filled whole. The treble and upper mids are boosted but not in a way to fatigue, rather they bring a level of fun to the party.
I'm not a follower of graphs and technical jargon so I leave that to the manufacturer:
Here's what CVJ have to say:
Breakthrough Design
CVJ Medusa’s black CNC-machined metal shell with silver side accents and recessed red/blue logo combines precision engineering with expressive aesthetics. The custom-contoured housing ensures a secure, pressure-free fit that remains comfortable even during extended listening.
Dual-Chamber Acoustic Architecture
A 10 mm flagship dynamic driver with dual magnets and dual chambers boosts magnetic force, minimizes distortion, and shortens diaphragm start/stop times—delivering crystal-clear imaging, pinpoint vocal placement, and natural sibilance control.
Beryllium-Plated Diaphragm
The ultra-rigid, ultra-light beryllium-plated diaphragm dramatically reduces breakup distortion. It achieves high-frequency extension and resolution approaching those of balanced armatures, rendering cymbal overtones with metallic clarity and vocal harmonics with vivid detail, while drum transients snap with lifelike speed.
Data-Driven Tuning Philosophy
Drawing on CVJ Acoustic Lab’s measured frequency-response curves, Medusa delivers deep, controlled bass with elastic punch—perfect for both electronic tracks and grand orchestral pieces. A rich low end adds subtle texture to a neutral midrange, ensuring precise, balanced imaging of male and female voices alike. The treble extends smoothly and steadily, unveiling lifelike instrument detail without harshness.*All curves measured by CVJ Acoustic Lab; actual in-ear results may vary based on fit and usage.
Advanced Dual-Layer Venting System
Medusa’s CNC-machined dual-layer chamber precisely controls acoustic resonance and enhances frequency separation. Strategically placed vents in the outer shell balance internal and external air pressure, diffusing low-frequency airflow to minimize distortion. The result is tight, impactful bass paired with crystal-clear, transparent vocals.
Weightless Comfort Fit
Medusa’s ergonomic, streamlined design naturally follows your ear’s contours to minimize pressure points. Its ultra-light construction and carefully selected materials significantly reduce overall weight, delivering fatigue-free comfort for even the longest listening sessions.
Premium Silver-Plated Cable
Included is a hybrid 556-strand silver-plated cable. Each fine conductor is evenly distributed to reduce electromagnetic interference, enhancing signal purity, detail resolution, and high-frequency definition.
Technical Details
Brand
CVJ
Model
Medusa – Dark Night Edition
Shell Material
Aluminum Alloy
Wearing Style
In-ear Monitor
Frequency Response Range
20 Hz – 20 kHz
Sensitivity
108 ± 2 dB
Impedance
22 Ω
Plug Type
3.5 mm / 4.4 mm
Connector Type
0.78 mm 2-pin
Cable Length
1.25 m ± 3 cm
Cable Material
Silver-plated
Wire Configuration
556-strand hybrid cable
Inside the Box
• 1 x CVJ Medusa
• User Manuall
The Medusa Dark Night is released into a very saturated market with strong contenders from many companies, making it difficult to stand out. The Medusa Dark Night sounds outstanding with a quick detailed bass with slightly forward upper mids and lower treble. Is it a stand out sound signature? Actually yes it is its vibrant clarity and tone singles it out in its price range. The all round signature works really well with Metal , Rock, Progressive music.
What does it sound like?
A very balanced W tuning with slight midbass bass over sub-bass. Smooth open airy mids with a lively treble thats got extension which is either a good thing or bad depending on your tastes. I for one really enjoyed the sound very much with my classic rock and 80's metal music genres. The Medusa Dark Night is suprisingly detailed especially when paired with a great sound source like the iBasso DX340 which revealed lots more detail and texture. The bass is slightley warm and inviting, tight and fast but still with enough dynamics especially as the tracks get quick and densely layered. The mids are a strengh with natural open smooth playback which means you can hear all the layers at work. Vocals, male and female are natural well bodied and sweet. The treble is present, trident even. The vents on the side are definitely adding to the open feeling in the music
Guitars sound very nice with a good leading edge thanks to the upper mids and lower treble elevation so overall the Medusa Dark Night is a very competitive single DD.
Disclaimer
Linsoul was kind enough to send my the CVJ Medusa Dark as a review sample I am not affiliated with Linsoul and of course was not asked for any copy checking before publishing, they are seeing this the same time as you. All pictures taken be me or sourced from the Linsoul Store . ALL opinions shared in this review are my subjective thoughts.Make sure to research any earphone before you buy!The CVJ Medusa Dark Night is available to buy here on the Linsoul webstore
I listened with my collection of DAPs and Dongles
Onix Waltz XM10
Shanling M5Ultra
Hiby R4 Evangelion
Sony ZX707
SONY nw-a55
iBasso DX340 with amp17
Fiio M21
Cayin N7
Luxury and precision W2 ultra
The CVJ Medusa Dark night is an easy to drive iem that I had no trouble driving with dongles and DAPs on low gain I didn't notice a real change in the sound quality with the different sources the iBasso DX340 revealed a little more detail.
Soundstaging, while not the widest iems I've heard in the price range is adequate, there is nice layering between instruments and good depth in the stage comeserate with the price point of $150
Separation is good I was able to follow instruments in all songs without it becoming congested or confused so again decent.
Some of the music Selections I evaluated the Medusa Dark Night with
Eminem/Remind me
With its "Joan Jett's I love rock n roll" sample sounds intense and full as it should with the bass driving and the guitars cutting through with clarity. Eminem's rapping sounding excellent with every nuance of his words clear and crisp. Overall "Remind me" sounded wonderfully full and gritty with the slashing guitars and driving beats the vocals were clear and well placed without any woolly veiling.
Marc Coen and the Blind Boys of Alabama – Silver Thunder Bird,
this multi-layered live vocal is a classic with moody piano intro and fabulous vocals reproduce with just enough weight to draw you in, giving weight to the slowly building vocal acrobatics of the Blind boys of Alabama. The staging is well reproduced, increasing the atmosphere. The Medusa Dark Night reproduction of vocal while not the warmest is extremely satisfying and works well with live recordings putting you front and centre in the room with the artist, giving a realistic playback with the atmosphere of the concert conveyed with skill.
BIG BOI– KILL JILL , the vocaliod singing is played pitch perfect not thin leading you into the huge bass drop before the vocals kick in maybe this is where the Medusa Dark Night is not at its strongest the sub bass is missing those last few db's of depth. This song is a bass heads dream rather than a subtle melodic composition the Medusa Dark Night while not as thunderous as some iems still handles the drop well enough, not clouding/veiling the mids and treble the Medusa Dark Night handles this song well enough to still enjoy the song. This song is quite complex in the layering of voices beats and instrumentation the Medusa Dark Night let's all the individual parts breathe enough to appreciate the whole while still giving enough bass humph to be effective.
Dream theater Midnight Messiah -
This epic song with its frenetic drumming, strong vocals and guitars grinding out heavy riffs is a song made to be listened to with the Medusa Dark Night. All the layering and separation allows for the bass guitar and drums to be appreciated while the vocals sore above accompanied by dirty guitar riffing. Added note the ear pieces stay in when you head bang!
Shawn Mullins – Anchored in You from the Souls Core Revival album
The brass section intro intro is perfectly presented sweet and detailed with great texture and tone, the timbre is beautifully natural. The drums with that slow restrained rhythm anchor the song with skillful authority Shawn's emotive vocals which are the focus are the star of the show never overpowered by the drums and guitar, the depth of detail really showing the nuances in his voice. The bass knows when to take a back seat never boosting the lows unnaturally but ready when the song calls for it.
MARILLION - incommunicado
A classic from my youth this fast jaunt with its complex fast instrumentation with Fish's throat vocals barreling along can often sound congested the Medusa Dark Night really carry this off with a deft skill no congestion just clean, crisp detail and snappy dynamics.
COMPARISON
for my comparison going to compare with the Moondrop Kadenz both these iems are labeled flagship there's more similarities than diffences with these two the main difference is in the bass the Medusa Dark Night has more sub-bass and a slightly warmer tone with its both are quite technical with and open feeling in the mids. The Kadenz has a more unique and premium finish with a nicer carry case, if those things matter I love both and they will be in my collection for a long time.
CONCLUSION
The around $100 - $200 range is full of great sounding iems with more released it seems on a weekly basis the CVJ Medusa Dark night competes with a sound signature that's exciting and dynamic lets your music flow effortlessly. The CVJ Medusa Dark night are a well detailed natural driving iem that plays on there abilty to convey the excitement and passion of your music. They are very good iem with a very enjoyable fun signature that offer good details.
I recommend you check out the CVJ Medusa Dark Night if you want a well tuned beautifully presented iem thats worth every penny of its price that plays music with effortless ease.
I highly recommend the Medusa Dark Night for music lovers who value clarity speed and cohesion.
