TRN Audio ORCA
Heavy little Whales!
3 Likes
Jason… caught your latest…
I think you’re settling in…
smoothing out the monologue brother
1 Like
I think I was stoned LOL
3 Likes
ARTTI R1
A Warm Blanket on a Cold Night
NOTES:
The ARTTI R1 is an interesting release from a company that is new to me. They have, at the time of this review, three models. The T10 which uses a planar driver, the R2 which is a soon to be released sports a single 10mm Beryllium Plated driver. The R1 on review today uses a three dynamic driver setup consisting of two “6mm PU suspension edge and titanium dome dynamic drivers, combined with an 8mm custom composite beryllium diaphragm dynamic driver.” Three dynamic drivers without a balanced armature in site. The drivers are connected through a three-way crossover.
All of this enclosed in an atypical yet attractive aluminum shell design. ARTTI had a goal in mind with the R1. Taken straight out of their description, “The ARTTI R1 is designed for music lovers and audiophiles seeking premium sound quality at an affordable price. It’s the perfect choice for online shoppers looking for exceptional value.” I would say that ARTTI have achieved their goal with the R1.
I found the R1 relatively easy to drive, but more power demanding than many of the iems I have listened to recently. A capable source is recommended and a basic cellphone may not cut it. Tip rolling should also not be overlooked with the R1. A quality pair of Wheezer SS20 short stemmed wide bore tips synergized well with the R1 and were used for my listening impressions.
Tuning wise we have a balanced signature with mid-bass emphasis, combined with a tastefully done treble. Treble sensitive folks will be happy here, but treble mongers may be left wanting as the top end lacks embellishments and does roll off at the highest frequencies. Despite all of that, the R1 provides a pleasing listening experience with standout tone and timbre. Just what the doctor ordered for those “wind down and chillax” sessions.
Read on to find out more.
SPECS:
2x 6mm titanium dome dynamic drivers
1x 8mm beryllium plated dynamic driver
20 Ohms of impedance
Frequency response of 20hz-40khz
1.2m two pin 0.78mm cable
Equipment:
EIDA 9038SG3 (Stock Filter)
Topping a50s Headphone amplifier
SMSL Sanscrit 10th MK2
ifi Hip-Dac 3
E1DA 9038SG3
Tips: Whizzer SS20
Cable: XINHS Hybrid Copper/Silver 4.4mm Balanced
BUILD, FIT & QUALITY:
The ARTTI R1 is an attractive and well built iem. The metal shell is manufactured with good tolerances and the brushed accent on the front faceplate is a nice touch. For some the almost olive-green colour may be a point of contention, but I found it quite attractive.
The R1 comes with two additional sets of good quality tips and a very nice cable in a useful branded pouch. Overall appearance and quality of the included accessories are good. The included cable should be mentioned as being of a quality not usually seen at this price range.
The R1 is on the large side of medium in size and a little chunky to be honest. Fit though was very good sitting securely even after longer listening sessions. The nozzles have a rim though are on the shorter side and wider than most. Just a little extra effort was spent on mounting tips, but once mounted they did not move.
SOUND:
BASS:
The bass of the R1 is expressive and smooth with mid-bass being emphasized slightly more than sub-bass. Bass does reach low and overall has a notable natural tone.
On “No Worries” by The Robert Glasper trio, the double bass was clearly evident with a pleasing thickness to the notes. A natural decay of the notes was heard and while detail presented was not class leading, there was no overhang or looseness present. This bass character was confirmed on “Angel” by Massive Attack. Listening to “In Passing” by the Robert Glasper Trio was a joy with the focus on the double bass and the incredible musicianship being put on full display by the R1.
The R1’s natural bass decay was evident once again on the track “Poem Of The Chinese Drum” by Hok-Man Tim. The reverberation of the drum skins coming through clearly and fading organically. Bass power was all there again with the prior noted mid-bass over sub-bass prominence.
MIDRANGE:
The midrange of the R1 is warm with a nice balance between the lower and upper mids. More intimate than recessed the R1’s real strength here is its organic delivery. Macro over micro-details is heard throughout the midrange and while detail-heads may be left wanting, those of us who enjoy a more natural presentation will not be disappointed.
The warmth extends to the upper midrange. While listening to Eden Atwood’s “He’s a Carioca” I was impressed by the expressive warmth in her tone as relayed by the R1. “Boy From Ipanema” by again Eden Atwood was another sonic treat. Her voice silky smooth was as usual and the guitar solo followed suit. Nicely done!
Timbre was quite good on the R1. I find that poor timbre on an iem can be a distraction and be a barrier to escaping into the music. This was not an issue with the R1. Dynamics and transients were handled well as well. Just make sure that the R1 is driven appropriately.
The midrange of the ARTTI R1 is arguably its strongest asset. Organic and smooth for the win.
TREBLE:
The treble is fairly well extended but with a droppoff on the top. This isn’t a sparkly or overly airy treble, but one that is more balanced even somewhat conservative. Resolution is actually quite good and I would not label the R1 as dark by any measure.
While I personally would have liked a touch more extension, sparkle and air, the treble region lacks harshness or grain and has enough energy to keep the overall sound of the R1 open and unrestrained. The treble also serves to compliment the R1’s midrange with its balance and even-handed consistency.
IMAGING & SOUNDSTAGE:
The ARTTI R1 offers a moderately large image with a natural presentation that is alluring. There is a good measure of width, height and depth all balanced in such a way so as to really offer a natural soundscape. Imaging is solid and instrument placement is easy to discern.
The R1 does offer imaging and soundstage that stands above almost all in its price range that I have heard.
CONCLUSION:
ARTTI may be a new entity to may of you, but with the R1 they have made a bold statement. Here we have a well made and purposeful tuned iem designed with musicality in mind.
If a smooth and natural music delivery is what you are after, the R1 should be on your shortlist.
4 Likes
I am getting more excited about the R1 ( ordered yesterday ). Warm and smooth are always good things to hear.
EDIT - After not buying much since July, 11.11 started me on a tear. Tanchjim One DSP, Zero2, Tanchjim Tanya DSP, Ziigaat Cinno, Kbear Rosefinch, and the Arttii R1
5 Likes
CAM for Canadians ls is a great place to buy stuff
3 Likes
@ToneDeafMonk I saw the F1 Pro on your squig. I’m trying to replace Quarter with something else for a new beater. How does F1 Pro and Melody compare? Thanks
I haven’t listed yet but will soon and report back , I am waiting for a ARTTI A10 to show as well for comparison
2 Likes
QOA Aviation $179 - $199
1 x 8mm Dynamic Driver
2 x Knowles BA 32873 for Mid
1 x Knowles BA 33518 for highs
39 ohm impedance
118 db sensitivity
Smooth Organic Mids
Relaxed top end with harshness or shouty highs
Top notch unboxing
Gorgeous shell & design(s)
Modular Cable with 3.5 SE & 4.4 Balanced
Softer bass could have more impact and presence
Air and Extension relaxed a bit too much for proper tuning of string instruments.
Overall a really smooth and chill set.
3 Likes
This $155 Set is probably the best purchase I have made in 2023
PULA PA02
1x 9.8mm DD
2x Knowles 29689 for mids
2d Knowles 31736 for highs
https://a.aliexpress.com/_m0xIhpa
If your interested the seller will provide a $25 USD coupon
Incredibly linear and balanced
Neutral with a nice bass punch and fantastic highs .
Working on full review.
Because the frequency response is very flat the overall experience is one where the mids are not your typical forward sounding in your face set. The PA02 sounds more monitor like and more faithful to the source.
One of the most coherent IEM’s I have ever heard.
I really love the Oriveti OH700VB $700 but this set for a fraction of the price with more Mid Bass and extension rocks my world.
Not going to be for everyone who likes in your face upper mids.
But I am certainly enjoying this one.
14 Likes
You are an absolute menace to the bank accounts of people, brother.
Go easy…People need a break! LMAO
8 Likes
I definitely agree!!!
4 Likes
Very interested in these now. How is the comfort on them? Bigger or smaller shell? Thanks brother!
2 Likes
You mentioned you prefer these over the T4s, right brother?
2 Likes
I think I’m going to have to buy them
1 Like
Yeah, same here. I think I need to really evaluate my collection at this point because I’m yet again, starting to collect IEMs like they’re marbles… I’m unsure where my self control has gone the last few months.
4 Likes
I prefer DD weight bass yes , my CIEM T4 are still incoming but theses are beautifully tuned as well.
Hisenior can tune BA sets only IMO
PULA managed to pull off a 1+4 with quality drivers for less money with perfect cohersion?
6 Likes
My money is gone like the beers we enjoyed over Christmas.
Time to sell some stuff I don’t listen too as well.
Used market is soft in Canada except high end stuff it seems.
5 Likes
Said I was done for 2023…guess again
6 Likes