Ceramic emitters in the role of high-frequency twitters in portable audio has not used them and the Japanese from the Radius, and the Chinese from 1More, while achieving very respectable results in the upper frequencies. But the model, which in addition to the “top” will be well-researched and the rest of the range, I somehow did not come across. Now, this model appeared, and that’s about it, and we’ll talk.
R1 from IMR Acoustics — model and starting with a hybrid scheme that combines a large 13mm dynamic driver with a beryllium coating of the diaphragm and ceramic emitter for the upper frequencies. Also the headphones is used special design, which allows a simple turn to change their acoustic design from the closed to the open (semi open to be exact). Among other things, these IEM’s have replaceable cable and allow you to tune the sound using the filters, combined with zvukovojj.
Developed and brought to mind this model is the same man that worked as a consultant and was responsible for the sound in Trinity Audio. Despite the fact that the latter behaved very ugly, not by running to the end the promise on pre-orders, IMR Acoustics has nothing to do with them, there are no pre-orders, the headphones are in stock and sent immediately after ordering. The cost, of course, is not small, the price tag of R1 500 pounds, but, looking ahead, I can say that in this case the value selected is correct and corresponds to what the buyer receives.
Specifications
- Emitters: 13 mm dynamic with a beryllium coating + ceramic
- Acoustic design: changeable
- Impedance: 32Ω
- Sensitivity: 108±3 dB/mW
- Frequency range: 14 Hz – 40 kHz
- Cable: removable, 1.4 m, oxygen-free copper
- Plug: 3.5 mm gold plated
Packing and delivery
Everything is to adequate for the price range level: this stylish box is a cardboard sound “stratified” packing accessories. In addition to the headphones, you will get:
- two cables, a regular and balanced
- 4 pairs of filters for sound tuning
- case
- adapter for 6.3 mm
- a clothespin for attaching the cable to clothing
- two pairs of foam tips
- four pairs of silicone ear tips
Design and comfortable wearing
One of the most fun features of the R1 is the fact that the photo (and some video) they look worse than in life, that was one of the triggers for Diwali experts who evaluate headphones by photos. In reality, IEM was interesting, with a somewhat brutal design: everything is made entirely of metal, are assembled on the screws, in short, a kind of retrofuturism. Build quality — quite on the level, how they will behave after a couple of years — time will tell, but the first sense is that they look completely unkillable. Rotating cover to adjust acoustic design, comfortable enough even to manage blind, they are normally fixed to the extreme positions (it may, of course, over time they will get loose more, but this has not happened yet).
Despite the large size, R1 comfortable in planting, at least in my ears they sit down without problems, providing long wearing comfort and sound insulation slightly above average. When putting on headphone is light crunch of the membrane, but with careful handling no problem.
The cable is made removable, using proprietary dukenuly connector with the tab, protecting against connection with the wrong polarity. Both OEM wires (they are the same except for the plug) are characterized by high brutality is perhaps the thickest navitie cables for IEM. Initially, the insulation seems to be rebellious, but over time it develops and becomes softer. Of course, regular wire R1 to ideal ergonomics, but in fact it turned out that they are quite comfortable to wear, the microphone effect is weak and cold, they harden a little. But for the longevity of this solution to worry is clearly not necessary.
Sound
To listen following equipment was used.
- Yulong DA9 and Resonessence Labs Concero HP in the role of DAC and amplifier
- Apple MacBook Pro Retina 2016 as the source
- Fidelia in the role of player
- Lotoo PAW Gold, theBit OPUS#2, Astell&Kern, A&ultima SP1000 and the role of other portable players
- Recording high-resolution Lossless-formats (Dr. Chesky have The Ultimate Headphone Demonstration Disc and others)
Before listening headphones were heated for 48 hours, changes in the sound were observed during the first 8-10 hours.
Before talking about the sound, it is worth saying a few words about the possibility of its tuning. First, rotating the outer part on the hulls, we can change the acoustic environment between closed and open (right it probably would be called “not closed” or “open”). Affected by this, of course, for sound insulation (not so much, by the way, how could) at low frequencies and, as a consequence, a little on the imaginary stage. I use the vast majority of cases it is the “open” option, it’s more neutral, it is balanced, the imaginary scene a little wider (although the difference is not very large). In a noisy environment comes to the rescue of the private option, first the insulation a little, but better, and secondly, that low frequencies penetrate the most passive noise isolation, so slight increase in bass is well compensated for by external noise.
Second, the sound can be changed by using filters, sorting through different options, I settled on blue as the most balanced. If desired, IMR R1 can be converted into bushidou the model is very good quality, but I’m such a desire is not felt, so the review below is with the neutral option of tuning.
Bass in any tuning remain visible, but with blue filters, they do not dominate and do not pull the blanket. Bass has excellent weight, but it is good for speed and gear textures. Woofers go quite deep (to the maximum possible depth for IEM), showing the quality control over the entire range. Of course, it’s not a super fast bass reinforcement, but for the large 13-mm “Dyne” more than good. Perhaps it is the feeling of a well-controlled force is what fall in love with this model when it is necessary, then bass can really hit, to depict an explosion or thunder, but when there’s no need — take your place and stay there, offering excellent, slightly warmer flow brings incredible physicality to the instruments of the lower registers.
Mid frequencies are served with a small smoothness of the model which show a pleasant musicality. R1 do not focus on microtelnet, but of course the corresponding price level of detail available here. Emotional midrange, with a good drive and a pleasant energy. An imaginary scene — the volume, with a normal separation of instruments, the scene is considerably more average in width and depth, in depth plans go a little smoother routine, but it in most cases, stresses the realism of the scene. Headphones themselves do not add volume, so for maximum disclosure, they need a well-consolidated material.
HF, perhaps, one of the strengths of this model, they are detailed, they are quite long, measurements do confirm that these headphones are without a strong failure of the play range up to 40 kHz. Of course, the upper limit of hearing is 20 kHz, but recent studies have shown that most subjects are able to distinguish entries with the availability of ultra-high frequency (most likely, in the case of interference from audible frequencies). However, these studies showed only the fact of “legibility” without making findings about the “luchshesti”, but that’s a topic of another discussion. The length of the RF, on the one hand, provides an incredible wealth of overtones and nuances that are rare in other headphones, on the other hand, it imposes higher requirements on the source and material mastering the flaws will be noticeable, despite the fact that in General I wouldn’t call R1 bright. HF’s a good resolution, have duly executed attacks and damping, even noble “layering” of the top models here but given the fault-finding to material, they still deserve the remarks “not for HF-fobov”.
Speaking about comparisons, I was limited to headphones of similar price range.
Dunu DK-3001. The Dunu hybrids are more neutral in the midrange and have higher resolution, but on the treble and bass R1 sound more “delicious” is subjective, as, perhaps, from the point of view that is the speed characteristics of the 3001 is a bit better across the range but not in speed sometimes happiness.
Campfire Audio Lyra II. A more neutral, monitor model slightly better resolution in the midrange and less bass weight, it is possible to argue which flow is better, but RF R1 I like more. In General, IMR R1 is similar to the step from the Lyra II in the direction of Vega, but with less emphasis on bass and a smoother build imaginary scenes.
Campfire Audio Andromeda. Well, Yes, “Andro” about 2 times more expensive than this model, but other headphones this price range I have. Andromeda — more than the audiophile model that is more neutral, but more detailed, with better construction of the scene and volume, but they are drier and less bodily to MF (or rather, the last feature they have is more dependent on the recording quality).
Compatibility
Headphones, of course, made with a view to use with a good player, with a sufficient stock of “potential” even for high-end solutions, with amendment, of course, on the taste flow model. To me they are like the most neutral players (iBasso DX200 or the same Ultima SP1000).
Stylistically IMR R1 universal, of course, if you are satisfied with extended treble (not all genres benefit from this), sensitivity to the quality of the recording is above average (especially at upper frequencies), so on a scale of “fault-finding” well-deserved score of 8 out of 10.
According to tradition, some tracks for example
Calvin Harris — One Kiss. The work of Scottish DJ perfectly demonstrates all the strengths of the headphones. Excellent, solid bass, clean MIDs, pleasant, stretching up effects and of course the General feeling of three — dimensionality of everything you need R1 to show their best side.
George Michael — A Different Corner. If you see an unbiased opinion, so that the foreign masters of pop music to take, it’s the quality of the material. Especially if it’s a live recording of a very emotional singer. IMR R1 did not fold and this material is a great scene building, great emotion of vocals, the full clarity of all instruments.
Massive Attack — Teardrop. Well, it’s not new, and the track clearly known, but hearing how wonderful with him the heroes of today’s review, I just could not miss it. Typical physicality in the presentation of the material makes the piano accompanies the vocal in a real feast for the ear, but clearly defined bass and light, extended RF Supplement the sound canvas.
Insights
A complete harmony of content and appearance, enough brutal appearance body hides inside of a lively, energetic, powerful sound with a nice tuning opportunities. The price tag certainly not be called the budget, but this is the case when the headphones are quite at the level to compete in its segment and in many cases even surpass it.
To buy IRM R1 Acoustics
Review headphones IMR Acoustics R1 — pressure, weight, and involvement
Pavel Dmitriev