Introduction

 

The C2 2025 budget IEM by TinHiFi, priced at just $39; these earphones have a sturdy build, and offers a unique listening experience with their semi-open back design.

Package Contents

 

• The Ear Buds
• Cable
• Three Pairs of Wide Bore [SML]
• Three Pairs of Narrow Bore [SML]
• Paperwork

 

 

Specifications

 

• Driver: 10 mm PU+LCP dynamic driver
• Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Sensitivity: 105dB/mW
• Plug: 3.5 mm gold-plated straight plug
• Cable Length: 1.2m
• Weight: 18g
• Interface: 3.5 mm 3-pin
• Earphone Interface: 2-pin
• Earphone Type: In-ear
• Earphone Plug Type: Right angle

 

Build & Design

 

The TinHiFi C2 2025 earphones have a unique and stylish mech-style shell design made of zinc alloy and resin materials. The earphones have a semi-open back design for a spacious sound and come with various ear tips for a comfortable fit. The shells have a circular shape with a small vent, making them lightweight and durable.

 

 

Cable

 

The TinHiFi C2 2025 earphones come with a detachable 2-pin cable that is made of high-purity monocrystalline copper wire. However, the cable can feel a bit flimsy and prone to tangling. It is recommended to handle the cable with care to avoid damage or get an after-market cable.

 

 

Fit & Comfort

 

The TinHiFi C2 2025 earphones has an ergonomic shape and lightweight design. The earphones come with various ear tips for a comfortable fit. However, the fit may not be as secure as other earphones during physical activities. Also, they have a short nozzle, which can affect sound isolation and bass response but may be easier to insert and remove from the ear.

 

 

Tip Rolling

 

The stock tips are okay, but users may use their preferred tips to get a good fit, and a sound signature they prefer.
I used the DUNU Candy Tips and Final E Clear Tips.

 

Testing Gears

 

• Cayin N3 Ultra
• iBasso DX180
• Celest CD-20
• Hidizs S8 Pro

 

Sound

 

The C2 2025 delivers a smooth and pleasant sound signature, with a slightly elevated sub-bass and a relaxed treble presentation. The midrange is smooth and has a touch of warmth, but it can lack body and richness, making vocals and instruments sound a bit thin. The overall sound is relaxed and easy on the ears, making it suitable for casual listening.

 

Bass

 

The bass is not too loud, hard-hitting, but it’s fun. The semi-open back doesn’t let it produce good bass. Listeners could theoretically glue off the opening if they want to, and enhance the bass part.

 

Sub-Bass

 

The sub-bass is a mixed bag. On the one hand, it's smooth and has adequate depth, which will please casual listeners. On another, it lacks texture and can be sluggish at times, with some bleeding. Overall, it's not a standout feature of the C2 2025, but it's not a major weakness either.

 

Mid-Bass

 

The mid-bass is snappy and precise, but it's not without its limitations. While it's not bass head level, it's still punchy enough to keep the listening experience engaged. However, it's worth noting that the mid-bass is not as detailed or nuanced as some listeners might prefer.

 

Mid-Range

 

The mid-range is smooth and has a bit of warmth, but it's not without limitations. The vocals can lack body and richness, and the instruments can be smooth but not always crisp. However, the mid-range is still pleasant to listen to, and the vocals have good clarity and intimacy.

 

Male Vocals

 

Male vocals are lively, smooth, clean, warm, but lacks body and richness. The vocals have no harshness, nor sibilance. It even has a bit of intimacy, which kept the listening engaging. Vocals have good clarity and can produce a raspy tone.

 

Female Vocals

 

Female vocals are clean, smooth, warm and feels a bit thin. Vocals have no sharpness, peaks, harshness, nor has sibilance. During the testing period, it did not feel shouty. Moreover, the vocals carry some sense of intimacy, and can portray the raspy tones pretty well. Also, it had incredible clarity.

 

Treble

 

The treble is lively, cohesive, and airy, with good energy and details. However, it may not be exciting enough for treble-heads, as it has a relatively safe tuning. On the other hand, it's not harsh, making it suitable for treble-sensitive listeners.

 

Instruments

 

Instruments are nice and smooth. But certain instruments are not crisp or fulfilling as per my preferences.

 

Soundstage & Imaging

 

The soundstage is average, but it's worth noting that the C2 2025 struggles to create a sense of depth and width. The imaging is okay, but it's not particularly precise or nuanced. The listener can pinpoint the vocals and instruments to some degree, but the overall sense of space is not particularly impressive.

 

Technicalities

 

In technicalities, it is pretty average. The Micro-detailing, and note definition, is veiled. The C2 2025 struggles to keep up with complex tracks. Its separation is poorly done.

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, the C2 2025 is a decent earphone that offers a smooth and pleasant sound. However, it's not without its limitations. The bass is not particularly strong, the mid-range is smooth, but lacks body and richness, and the soundstage is average. The treble is lively and cohesive, but may not be exciting enough for treble-heads. Overall, the C2 2025 is a good option for casual listeners who want a smooth and easy-to-listen-to sound, but may not be the best choice for audiophiles who demand more detail and nuance.