Firstly I would like to thank BGVP for sending me the NS10 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 > NS10 (silicone tips)
Tech Specs
• Model: BGVP NS10
• Impedance: 12Ω
• Frequency Response : 20Hz-40kHz
• Sensitivity: 110dB SPL/MW
• Distortion Rate: ≤1.5% (1kHz)
• Channel Difference: ≤1dB
• Cavity Material: Lightweight aluminum alloy cavity
• Drive Unit: 8 balanced armature+2 dynamic driver
• Cable: 4 strands 6N OCC silver plated cable
• Cable Length: 125cm ±5mm
https://www.aliexpress.com/i/1005004895680951.html
Packaging, Build quality and Accessories
The BGVP NS10 come in a nicely sized box that’s black with a blue outer sleeve that has the model’s name on the front and some details about the earphones on the back – including full technical specifications. The main black box feels quite premium for the price, the earphones are neatly placed in a foam insert with the accessories underneath overall, the NS10 are a nicely presented product.
Build quality is solid with CNC machined smooth housings, an interchangeable nozzle, and a MMCX detachable cable with interchangeable plugs. The cable comes with 3 plugs, 3.5mm, 2.5mm and 4.4mm, this covers most bases and the system it uses is good however the jack is quite long due to these interchangeable connectors. The cable is of good thickness yet remains supple and has good strain relief where needed.
Accessory wise you get a nice white leather carry case, interchangeable nozzles (for tuning purposes), 6 pairs of silicone tips (different silicone materials) and one pair of foam tips. This means most users should be able to get a good fit out of the box, and BGVP have included all the key accessories with the NS10.
Driveability, Comfort and Isolation
The BGVP NS10 feature 10 drivers, 2DD and 8BA’s which are a mixture of Sonion and Knowles – however these has very high sensitivity and are easily driven by portable sources, from DAPs to DAC/Amp dongles.
The smooth housings of the NS10 contribute to a comfortable fit, once you find the right eartips it’s easy to wear them for long periods of time. The housings are a little on the larger side and do stick out of my ears a little, but this does depend on your own ear shape. The cable is supple which is also a bonus, helping them fit securely for long periods.
Isolation is rather good too; they are vented but this doesn’t seem to have much of an impact on the isolation. These are great for everyday listening and out and about use, doing well in moderately noise environments.
Sound
Silver nozzles – BGVP call this one the Pop filter, designed for pop and other similar genres.
With this nozzle the BGVP NS10 have a punchy and impactful low end that has no issues reaching deep down into the sub-bass region whilst remaining well controlled and balanced. Bass guitars come across with good articulation and kick drums have body to back up the punch. The bass is well tuned and enjoyable without ever sounding over the top.
The midrange is clean and detailed, perhaps a tiny bit reserved but utterly fatigue free. These sound quite good with rock due to having great separation in the midrange, guitars come across crisp and with good power when required. I quite like the unforced, fluid nature of the midrange with the silver nozzles.
The treble is quite smooth, there is good extension and a nice level of sparkle but its not upfront or bright. There is good air and space up top, snares are snappy and the treble is a little laid-back lacking perhaps a little bit of bite. This does mean there isn’t any sibilance on these, and they would work well for those wanting a smoother sound.
The separation is great, these don’t seem to get congested and always remain well separated, the soundstaging is good but they are not a hugely wide sounding earphone. This is a very enjoyable tuning and one that has enough “fun” factor for daily use without sounding completely V shaped or boosted in any area.
Red nozzles – BGVP say these are balanced, and bring out a more neutral sound.
This nozzle tones down the bass a little, brings out a bit more clarity and air and overall control. The bass is still articulate and punchy but it isn’t quite a full sounding as with the silver nozzle, the body is still there just a little lower in quantity.
This slightly tighter low end helps vocals cut through a bit better, there is less colouration to the lower midrange without introducing a peak in the upper midrange. These nozzles really do make them sound more even and balanced.
The treble gains a tad more presence but again it is smooth and well extended. These don’t suddenly become bright in the top end, but they do sound a bit tighter. The treble changes the least here, gaining only a subtle lift the does make snares snappier, and cymbals do have a bit more sparkle.
I found the sound to be most coherent with the red nozzles, they sound more natural and realistic and have a very nice balance between the frequencies.
James Bay – Scars sounds fantastic with the red nozzles, you can hear every little detail in the song but there is still body to the sound, it sounds beautifully well balanced and controlled and quite impressive for the price.
Gold nozzles – best suited to classical and similar music according to BGVP
The bass is the most reserved out of all tips but there is still a nice level of impact down low when called for, kick drums still have body backing up the punch and they still retain a slightly full low end.
The main difference is most notable in the upper mids and treble region, with a touch more presence in terms of female vocals and an increased in treble quantity. With the gold nozzles they do come across as a touch bright at times, but there is a slight increase in perceived detail and air with this setup.
There can be a hint of sibilance during certain tracks with these nozzles, and the sound does come across as thinner than before, just as BVGP intend. Your sensitivity to treble along with the quality of the recording will dictate whether you will find this particular sound enjoyable, for me personally the Red nozzles fit my tastes well.
Conclusion
When BGVP asked me if I wanted to review the NS10 I was worried they would be another quantity of drivers over quality of tuning product. They have managed to prove me wrong, with the silver and red nozzles you do get an impressively enjoyable sound for not a lot of money. They have good detail and impact, the 10 drivers seem to be working well together, with a coherent and enjoyable sound signature.
The gold nozzles bring the sound to a level which most will not enjoy day-to-day but if you like a brighter signature they will work well. The red nozzle is the best of both worlds in my opinion, coming across as well balanced and a good all-rounder without losing impact. Most importantly the red nozzles have a more natural midrange than the silver, being a bit more forward than the silver nozzles.
Sound Perfection Rating: 8/10 (A good buy for the money, no glaring flaws, and a lot to enjoy with the different nozzles included)