REVIEW: Accutone Gemini HD
Overview
Gemini
HD IEM, one of the higher models from Accutone audio company, with a single
Beryllium dynamic driver of 8mm diameter, a mix of stainless steel and aluminum
shells and three different tuning nozzles. While there are still some
reservations on the overall cable quality and the almost none included
accessory pack, the Gemini HD still offers a really impressive sound quality at
the price of $129.
Specifications
- Speaker: 8mm Beryllium dynamic
- Sensitivity: 105 dB
- Impedance: 20Ω
- Weight: 30g
- Cable: 1.3m, iPhone headset
- Plug: 3.5mm TRRS
Price: U$D 129.
Design
The
current packaging has been changed from the previous releases of the Gemini HD,
but nonetheless the earphones arrive in a hassle free solid cardboard box. The
accessory pack is below the minimal standard for any IEM in the market
regardless its price tag; there are only 2 pairs of Comply Foam tips in medium
size (one pair already attached to the nozzle) and a small case. While the
inclusion of the foam tips is a nice touch, the lack of a proper silicone
eartips selection is unforgivable for a product priced over the $100. What the
Gemini HD does include is 3 sets of tuning nozzles, which is a key feature of
the product.
Looking
at the earpieces themselves, the build quality is quite good. They’re made of
stainless steel material, well finished and without any sharp ends. Same for
the different nozzles which are made of good aluminum type and are easy to
screw to the front part of the main shell. The form factor goes back to the
more traditional (if a bit archaic) cylindrical designs that may not be too
fancy nowadays. There is no strain relief but instead a long metal stem.
The
cable quality on the other hand is rather uninspiring. Not being detachable is
not a real disadvantage, but it looks and feels very cheap; kind of a standard
and mediocre white cable, with a bit rubbery coating, missing a slider, with
small y-split and 3.5mm TRRS mic’ plug. The remote control too is made of
plastic and doesn’t give a very durable look.
The
fit is very easy with the straight tube design, but finding the correct tips to
match the nozzle may take a bit of tries, and only one size foam tips is not
helping either. While the earpieces are rather compact and comfortable, they do
carry noticeable extra weight, requiring to be adjusted from time to time;
using the cable over-ear is possible, but the weight still prevents a fixed fit
for long time.
Sound
Impressions
Having
3 different tuning nozzles not always means a real change on the overall sound
presentation, and sometimes the tuning system is poorly achieved. However, on
the Gemini HD it is surprisingly well made putting a well perceived different
focus on the 3 frequencies, bass, mids and treble. Differences are certainly
not day and night, but there is a nice change on the tonality and also in the
quantities and position of the bass and midrange with a bit less effect on the
treble part. Technically, what the filters are doing here is moderating the
bass response which reflects into the midrange and slightly in the low treble,
depending on the filter used.
While
the filters labels are “warm”, “balance” and “clear”, it is more relative to
the raw driver signature, rather than a universal description.
The
lows start from being powerful, abrasive and too dominant with the red ‘warm’
filter, and then drop down some decibels with the green and blue ones for a
much better equilibrium along the whole freq. response. Regardless, the quality
is quite good, very enjoyable, and dynamic with good texture. Speed and
accuracy is decent but nothing outstanding. While with the red filters the bass
gets loose and shadows the lower mids, with the green, and even more with the
blue option, it is tighter and more controlled. Extension is somehow limited
and sub bass and depth reach is missing a bit giving a more centered effect.
The
midrange is quite favorable, and probably the best deal of the Gemini HD. It is
about neutral in position to slightly forward (though overshadowed with the Red
filter, and more if the Comply foam are used). Overall, it is smooth, detailed
and musical at the same time. Even with the blue ‘clear’ filter the mids are
very dynamic and have more emotion. For instance, the Vsonic GR07 (Classic or
Bass ed.) is much leaner and flatter, but lacks the ‘fun’ factor of the Gemini
if less accurate and airy. Separation and resolution is good too, but vocals
are a strong point of this IEM, smooth, sweet and rarely sibilant.
The
highs are mostly smooth and controlled, if missing in the upper extension. They
do not stand out in terms of quantity either, but safe from being called dark
or too laid back. Only with the blue filters there is some added extra sparkle,
but not to classify as a bright tonality.
Stage
is around average, not too narrow but doesn’t give a wide and spacious effect. Synergy
is good with any kind of source, from smartphones and small DAPs, and can scale
a bit higher with a more dedicated player like the Aune M1s or PAW 5K, but is
more on the player side. Nevertheless, the sound of the Gemini HD is very
likeable.