Firstly I would like to thank Akoustyx for sending this sample for 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 > R-100
JDS Labs Atom DAC+ > Singxer SA-1 > R-100
Tech Specs:
• Driver Studio Reference Balanced Armature
• Impedance 22 Ω @ 1KHz
• Sensitivity 115dB
• Freq. Response 15-22.000Hz
• Cable Length 1.2M (4.0 ft)
https://akoustyx.com/products/r100
Packaging, Accessories and Build Quality
The box is similar to other Akoustyx models, quite a plain blue and white affair with a render on the front of the earphones. On one side you have the technical specifications and on the back, you have a list of features and included accessories. The packaging markets these towards the pro-audio sector with pictures of musicians, this is an industry where fancy packaging really isn’t necessary. Inside you’ll find the IEM’s held in place in a basic foam insert along with the accessories in the carry case.
Accessory wise you get 4 pairs of silicone tips (S, M, L and bi-flange) along with 3 pairs of memory foam tips and their Freebit silicone wing fit things. You also get a clamshell case with these, which offers a bit more security over their usual neoprene case. Overall, a good set of accessories for the price.
Build quality is very good, if you like using the Freebit fit things then they provide a nice silicone cover for the shells, if not though they are made out of durable polycarbonate and are well finished. One thing to point out is that all Akoustyx models are assembled in the USA, and they do feel well made even if their styling is very basic due to these being a pro-audio focused product. The MMCX connectors used are very high tolerance allowing for a tight fit and one that shouldn’t be problematic over time. The cable is Kevlar reinforced, it is quite springy though and likes to try and wind itself up, however it is well relieved and feels robust so I cannot see any issues with the cables longevity.
Fit, Comfort and Isolation
The Akoustyx R-100 have a familiar shell shape, a simple rounded housing with an angled nozzle and a cable that routes over the top of your ear. The housing is quite small and discreet and I found these to fit me perfectly without the Freebit attachments. In general, I find this style of earphone to fit me exceptionally well, and these are no different, they do essentially disappear once you settle on the right size of eartip.
Comfort is a strong point, once you settle on the right eartips these do disappear when in use and they can easily be used for hours on end without discomfort. The cable isn’t too unruly in use, and the pre-moulded memory wire section is soft and I never found it to be irritating.
Isolation is also very good, this is a sealed BA based earphone so a good level of isolation is to be expected and they comfortably block out more than vented dynamic and hybrid models. These would work very well on-stage and in high noise environments.
Sound
Bass: For a single BA driver earphone, the Akoustyx R-100 have impressive body and punch down low, they don’t have excessive bass rumble but they are snappy when it comes to transients yet have plenty of body when called for. These are a slightly warm sounding earphone, with a lift in the bass region which comes in handy when using them in high noise environments. The bass is impressively full for the price, yet doesn’t throw off the overall sound. Acoustic guitars have natural decay and reverberation, kick drums hit with authority and bass lines are easy to follow. Whilst these would not be my first choice for pop, electronic and hip-hop they still do a remarkably good job down low when called for.
Midrange: The midrange is left relatively uncoloured by the bass, with a smooth transition between the two. There is no masking od details from the low end, there is a crisp yet natural quality to the midrange that allows it to shine through without any real effort. I think that’s a good way to describe the midrange on the Akoustyx R-100, effortless, it’s there in just the right quantity to sound convincing without trying to grab your attention. There is real power behind it when the track emphasises it, however most of the time it is just there allowing you to hear subtle details in vocals, or follow a guitar line without trying too hard. The upper midrange never gets strident, and the transition in to the lower treble is a little subdued if anything, making these utterly fatigue free.
Treble: There is a bit of a trend with some Akoustyx models, and this is quite soft and subdued treble, this is both good and bad in my opinion. The good thing about having a soft and smooth treble presentation is the lack of fatigue, especially for those who are quite treble sensitive. The trade-off is that the top end lack excitement and you even lose out on a little bit of detail, it also makes them sound a little less accurate. There is treble on the Akoustyx R-100 and they are not an overly dark sounding IEM, however it is pushed back in the mix and you do have to listen out a little for it.
Soundstaging and Instrument Separation
The sound of the Akoustyx R-100 is quite intimate and direct, they don’t have a wide soundstage but the sound is engaging. Luckily the intimate sound doesn’t come at the expense of separation, instruments are still easily distinguishable within the stage and they don’t sound congested at any time. The subdued treble however does mean they aren’t exactly an airy sounding earphone, instead they focus on drive, these are however designed for pro-audio use where having a big airy sound isn’t really necessary.
Conclusion
Whilst the Akoustyx S-6 was a bit hit and miss for me, the R-100 are much easier to recommend. They have an intimate and engaging sound that sounds bigger than their single BA driver might have you think on paper.
There is body to the sound, with great low end presence and a detailed yet well balanced midrange. Only the treble could do with a tad more sparkle for me personally, however these do have an ultimately easy to listen to and fatigue free sound.
For the price these are a good deal, and great if you want a detailed and controlled sound with a level of fun to them. Whilst not as smooth and natural as the KiiBoom Allure, these have the upper hand in detail and transient response.
Sound Perfection Rating: 7.5/10 (A very competent single BA earphone, with a smooth sound signature and subdued treble)
