Review – iBasso IT01
Website – iBasso Audio
Overview
iBasso IT01 is the most budget oriented product from a well based
portable audio company iBasso Audio. Featuring a single dynamic driver
of 10mm diameter of a very thin graphene diaphragm that certainly delivers a
powerful yet detailed sound. Priced at just $100 it packs a nice variety of
accessories, excellent cable, solid materials, good ergonomics, and most
importantly very good sound quality, making one of the best value in-ear
options on the market.
Specifications
- Driver: 10mm Dynamic, multi layered graphene diaphragm
- Frequency: 10 Hz ~ 42 kHz
- Sensitivity: 108 ± 2 dB
- Impedance: 16Ω
- Noise attenuation: -26 dB
- Rated Power: 10mW
- THD: <1% (at 1 kHz / 1 mW)
- Cable: 1.2m, 3.5mm gold plated plug, MMCX detachable
- Weight: 8g (without cable)
Price: U$100
Available in two color themes, all black (semi-translucent)
and red &
blue (solid).
The packaging and unboxing are quite the deal with the IT01,
something that should be found on more expensive options, but rarely found at
this $100 range. Right from the start, the iBasso IT01 manages to surprise with
a nice yet discreet box and impressive unboxing experience. The outer
paperboard cover shows the usual iBasso logo while carrying the whole
specifications and extra info of the IT01 model on the back side. The inner
blue-gray cardboard box is thicker and presented in a convenient magnetic
closure. Opening the box reveals the safely arranged earpieces inside the foam
along with the round metal case and all the paperwork inside a small envelope.
The round metal case holds a wide array of 4 sets of ear tips
sealed inside individual small bags and lastly, the MMCX detachable cable of
very good quality. The ear tips sets consist all of single flange tips, being
two sets of narrow bore tips that only differ in their color, gray or black,
one set of wider bore tips, and two pairs of foams tips. The silicone tips are
all in 3 sizes (S/M/L) while the foam are only in 2 sizes.
Design
The design of the IT01 is a great mix of build quality,
aesthetics and ergonomics. The shells are made entirely of a very sturdy
plastic material, rather thick and feels durable. Black color theme is a bit
translucent allowing to faintly see the inner 10mm single dynamic driver in the
middle of the shells positioned close to the nozzle section. The nozzle is
stainless steel, it has a thin lip to either hold the tips at the top of the
nozzle or all way down to the bottom of the nozzle. The shape is like of
triangle with rounded edges and very smooth, and while the shells consist of
two parts they’re well attached and nicely finished. The inner part has a good
ergonomic shape that gets thinner towards the joint with the nozzle. Lastly,
there are two vents that can be easily spotted on the surface, one closer to
the nozzle and the other a bit above it.
Despite the single dynamic driver, the IT01 is not the very
small or compact earphone, but thanks to the ergonomic shape it should fit most
ears. Depending on the tips used the fit can be deeper or shallower, but either
case not a too flushed fit. Isolation may depend on the tips used, but in
general it is about a bit above average.
The included cable deserves some attention too. It is not the
usual ‘stock’ cable found on most IEM options with MMCX connection. The inner
wire is made of 4 core copper material (OFC), and from a closer inspection it
carries a good amount of copper that usually is found on ‘upgrade’ cables. The
cable configuration consists of a four strands that on the lower half (from
plug to split) are not twisted but very softly braided. The outer cable jacket
is not too thick and gives a much softer touch and flexibility. On the upper
half it is twisted, but again soft enough boosting very low cable noise and
great comfort. Both the 3.5mm plug and y-split are made of light aluminum and
have proper strain relieves. There also soft fixed guides towards the MMCX plugs.
The current MMCX plugs have been changed from the previous batches that used
the standard MMCX type, instead they take a much tighter type of plugs
featuring a 4-split and extended plugs that once connected to the earpieces are
very difficult to detach or even rotate. A great feature indeed, though it may
limit the possibility to try different cables on the IT01, but definitely worth
the extra durability.
Sound Quality
Ear tips selection is very important with the IT01, like many
other IEMs. Among the included tips, the best results I found were with the
wider silicone tips, but also used similar tips with a wider bore to reach a
similar sound presentation.
Overall, the IT01 offers a balanced and full sound in a wide
U-shaped type of sound with a bit dark tonality; not a typical V-shaped where
the midrange is left behind, but still with some extra dominance on the low
frequencies with a slight extra sparkle on the treble region.
The low end is certainly enhanced, but in a very well
achieved tuning with great control. It’s not the so typical mid-bass boost that
leaves the depth and sub-bass at a lower priority. The IT01 raise on the bass
actually starts from the sub-bass and brings excellent balance on the whole
bass region where sub, mid and also upper bass sound very even. As such, the
layering and separation is nicely achieved for such a $100 priced in-ear set.
Texture too, is quite natural, and the speed while not too high has good
attack; the decay can be a bit slower with heavier tracks, but the IT01 is far
from sounding muddy. Quantity wise, the IT01 has plenty amount of bass, and
thus in occasions can sound a bit boomy towards the upper bass region.
Surprisingly, the control is very good that there’s very little bleed at the
lower midrange.
Strictly speaking, the midrange is presented a little behind
next to the bass and lower treble elevation. However, it is not reflected in a
sharp V-shaped curve where the mids sound thin or too distant. While the bass
control is quite good on the IT01, the extra force does mix with the whole
midrange, mostly at the lower midrange where the instruments are fuller and
also thicker. Nonetheless, male vocals sound quite clear and good in texture;
they do not carry the best texture and emotion, but yes they balance very well
in the whole sound presentation. The mids sound cleaner towards their upper
region, not particularly forward but do sit in a proper position thanks to the
lower treble little emphasis that prevents the IEM of sounding dull or off.
Female voices sound detailed though if a bit kind of dry in texture. Aside from
that, the resolution and imaging is nicely achieved for the IT01 price tag,
with a rather natural tonality.
The highs are well balanced, if just a bit more forward than
the midrange and less emphasized than the bass, but enough to save the sound
from being overly dark or bass focused. Similarly to the low end, the balance
and extension are very good. There is decent attack and sparkle if needed, and
enough energy on brighter tracks; still, the IT01 is not my first pick for
electric guitars that need the extra bite, nor the most textured for strings or
cymbals, but as an all-rounder it is easy to choose. The treble control and
refinement is quite excellent and picking up some sibilance while possible is
still difficult with the IT01.
Detail is definitely a strong suit on the IT01 around the
$100 range, not offered in an analytical presentation but rather flows smooth
and musically. Stage is wider than average with good depth and quite good separation
and air.
Value
The IT01 might be the most affordable option from iBasso
but it is simply the best introduction of the company to the masses. In terms
of build quality, design, and accessory pack the IT01 ticks all the boxes with
high ratings. Even the package is presented in an elegant way and makes it a nice
gift too. The sound presentation with its bit of darkish tonality might not be
the first pick for detail freaks that prefer a brighter and most detailed sound
or for those seeking the sweetest midrange with forward vocals, but as easy
going, fun, yet detailed all-rounder it is a great pick and one of the
strongest contenders around the $100 mark.
