Firstly I would like to thank Linsoul for this sample to review.
*disclaimer: This sample was provided for the purpose of writing a review, no incentive was given to write a favourable review. All opinions expressed are my own subjective findings
Gear Used:
iBasso DX200 / JDS Labs Element II > Legacy 2
Tech Specs:
Sensitivity (1KHz): 108dB
Frequency range: 20Hz-20KHz
Impedance (1KHz): 32Ω
Driver: Knowles 29689 + 10mm Beryllium
Noise Isolation: 26dB
Earphone connector: 0.78 2pin
Plug: 3.5mm
Cable: 1.2m
Packaging, Build Quality and Accessories:
The Legacy 2 packing isn’t quite as over the top as the Legacy 4, but you do get a nice black box with the brand name in silver on the front, slide this outer sleeve off and you have a 2-part box that reveals the IEM’s inside. The IEM’s are held in place in a foam insert, whilst there is a separate compartment for the case which holds the spare eartips. I really like the simplicity of the packaging and boldness of the branding.
The build quality is in my opinion stunning for the price, the housings of the IEM’s are beautifully finished and really stand out, they look like they should cost a lot more than they do. The cable also reinforces this, it feels the same as the one that comes with the Legacy 4, it is braided and silver plated with great comfort and strain relief.
Accessory wise you get a velcro cable wrap, a blue leather carry case and 6 pairs of tips (S, M and L in two different types of silicone tip). This is a good selection of tips and should allow most to get a good fit with them.
Comfort and Isolation:
The Legacy 2 are really comfortable to wear, once you settle on the right tips they lock in to place and fit securely for long listening sessions without discomfort. These are one of the few universal models that just fit right the first time I put them in, the cable helps here having pre-moulded soft memory wire which is always my preference over stiff memory wire.
Isolation is good, I’d say the spec of -26dB is pretty accurate and they provide more than enough isolation for regular daily use including public transport commuting. They are vented but this doesn’t seem to affect the isolation much it seems.
Sound:
Lows: The single 10mm beryllium driver is doing a great job down low, with plenty of sub-bass presence and mid bass punch you never miss a beat, however they are controlled and only slightly boosted overall. These are not a bass heavy IEM, although I’d say they are mildly u-shaped, the bass doesn’t stand out as the main focus but provides a really solid foundation for the overall sound. These are punchy and articulate, they have a powerful delivery but one that doesn’t ruin the overall balance.
Midrange: There is good texture to the midrange, it is clean and quite natural sounding without noticeable bleed from the low end. Both male and female vocals cut through the mix with good presence and detail retrieval, they are not pushed back in the mix. Electric guitars have power, acoustic have body and warmth, these are very versatile and the midrange is faithfully reproduced without fatigue yet with a level of detail that is uncommon at the price point, I keep forgetting these are sub $100. Subtle details are easily heard with the Legacy 2, they also manage to stay well sparated and clean even when the mix gets busy.
Treble: The presence and clarity up top rounds off a brilliant performance from the Legacy 2, they are never dull or dark sounding with loads of energy and sparkle, luckily they do steer clear of being sibilant or peaky though. Even treble sensitive listeners should enjoy these a lot as they portray the treble in a realistic way without sounding metallic or forced. There is good air and extension too, not rolling off too early and giving some sense of air. They are however a little more on the energetic side of sound and definitely favour more engaging music than laid back genres.
Soundstaging and Instrument Separation:
The soundstage on the Legacy 2 is not huge, it is above average though and you do get a fair amount of out-of-head moments with the right recordings. The spatial accuracy is very good, and you can pinpoint everything in the recording.
Instrument separation is very good, these remain well separated no matter how busy the recording gets.
Conclusion:
Thieaudio have got one of the most complete and refined sub-$100 IEM’s I have heard here, they have excellent extension from lows to highs, there is great body and impact to the bass whilst always remaining controlled. The midrange is exceptionally clean for the price and the treble is precise and has good presence. These do very well when it comes to complex mixes too, but overall are just an engaging and enjoyable listen with good tonality and balance, I cannot fault them for the price.
Sound Perfection Rating: 9/10 (Good tonality and an engaging yet balanced sound signature)
