Firstly I would like to thank Clear Tune Monitors for sending me this sample, it’s been a while since I’ve had one of their products.
*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 > CE320 (silicone tips)
Tech Specs:
Input Sensitivity – 124db-SPL @ 1mW
Freq Response – 20 Hz to 16 kHz
Speaker – Triple Balanced Armature
Impedance – 20 ohm @ 1 kHz
Noise Isolation – -26dB
Input Connector – 1/8″ (3.5mm)
MSRP – $249
Packaging, Build Quality and Accessories
The CE320 come in a fairly basic box with an image of the IEM’s on the front and information along with the technical specifications on the back. Open it up and you have a simple plastic tray which holds the IEM’s in place along with the carry case and tips, it’s a very simple affair but one that no doubt will end up being either put in a cupboard or thrown away. I feel the presentation could be better, but then again these are aimed at the pro-audio market, so no need for fancy boxes of packaging.
The build quality is good overall, the housings are made of plastic with a metal nozzle, they use 2-pin connectors on the IEM side and the cable is your basic braided type with a sturdy right angled jack. The cable is comfortable with pre-moulded earhooks and there is good strain relief too.
With the CTM CE320 you get a basic clamshell case along with silicone and foam tips in S, M and L sizes, you also get the usual 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter. Overall everything you need is included and it’s a good set of useful accessories.
Comfort and Isolation
Once you find the right tips, the CE320 fit comfortably in your ear due to the smooth ergonomic shape of the housings and the flexible and supple cable that is included. I have no problems wearing the CE320 for long periods of time.
Isolation is really good, the CE320 don’t have any visible vents and being an all BA design so that helps. Foam tips do make a slight difference here, but even with silicone you get more than enough isolation to be used in noisy environments along with the usual public transport use.
Sound
Lows: The CE320 claim to have a clear and accurate sound with enhanced presence of low frequencies, this is certainly true. The low end has a healthy dose of extra presence which means they should please anyone looking for a clean yet full sounding IEM. The low end is full and warm with good body and extension, they punch with authority and the decay is slightly slower than what you usually get with BA based designs. This means they have a lingering warmth overall that is quite pleasing and easy to enjoy, bass guitars have good articulation and kick drums and not too dry sounding.
Midrange: Luckily the slightly boosted low end doesn’t take away anything from the midrange, with excellent detail retrieval and a very natural tonality male vocals sound pitch perfect and female vocals fare equally well without any real boosting of the upper midrange that could bring out sibilance. The midrange has great layering and power, yet remains smooth overall without lacking detail. I really enjoy listening to vocals with the CE320, they provide plenty of insight into the recording and the artists emotion really shines through.
Treble: My main gripe with the CE320 is lack of energy in the treble region, yes they are smooth and fatigue free but the lower treble is lacking bite. Snares are a little muted, high-hats don’t have that initial snappy energy, and instead the upper treble is left to bring out some air and sparkle. I’m not a big user of EQ normally but just adding a few dB’s to the 6kHZ mark really helps bring out a bit of snap from the CE320. They are not lacking detail in the treble region, that’s there aplenty and without nasty metallic tonality, it’s just the dip around 6kHZ kills some of the energy.
The CE320 don’t have a huge soundstage but they do have exceptional layering which is a definite bonus, separation is also excellent and they allow you to pick apart the mix and place where instruments are located.
Conclusion:
I really like the CTM CE320, if you are after a smooth yet detailed IEM with slightly enhanced low end these fit the bill. The midrange stands out to me, having a wonderfully natural tone to it along with great layering. The low end is articulate and full, and the treble falls slightly behind with a dip around 6kHZ. Overall they are an enjoyable, and comfortable everyday listening IEM, they would also work well as a stage monitor for vocalists or bassist’s.
Sound Perfection Rating: 7/10 (good value with a natural tonality just lacking some bite up top)