Firstly I would like to thank KiiBOOM for sending me this Evoke 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 > Evoke
PC > JDS Labs Atom DAC+ > Singxer SA-1 > Evoke
Tech Specs:
- Drivers: 1 x 10mm LCP Dynamic + 2 x Knowles Balanced Armatures (1 x mid / 1 x high)
- Impedance: 16 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 112dB
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 44kHz
Packaging, Build Quality and Accessories
The Evoke packaging is very similar to the Allure, a big-ish box with details on the outside about the product inside. There is an outline drawing of the IEM’s on the outside, but no actual product photo, technical specs are listed on the back and the packaging is eye catching without being over the top.
Build quality is excellent, the resin housing is finished to an exceptionally good standard without any blemishes of faults, the metal nozzle feels sturdy and the 2-pin connectors are tight. The cable is also much better than most stock cables, it’s relatively thick yet soft and supple and I really like the design of the jack and y-splitter.
Accessory wise you get a big carry case (same as the Allure) and 3 sets of standard silicone tips, I do feel like KiiBOOM would do better to offer more eartips and perhaps a smaller case that is more portable. However, the accessories are ok and I can’t really fault them too much in terms of what’s included.
Comfort, Fit and Isolation
The resin shells of the KiiBOOM Evoke are very well shaped, allowing most users to get a comfortable semi-custom fit that’s easy to wear for prolonged periods of time. The cable effortlessly loops around your ears, and I found myself having no comfort related issues with the Evoke, no matter how long I wore them for.
The fit is excellent once you settle on the right tips, the housing shape will work well for most people and they are small and lightweight contributing to a secure fit.
Isolation is very good, it’s better than the Allure, but there is still a vent so don’t expect quite the same level of isolation as a sealed BA based earphone. These work very well for daily use and commuting duties, having enough isolation to easily drown out your surroundings.
Sound
Lows: With a single 10mm dynamic driver handling the lows, these are impressively well controlled in terms of transient response, yet they have some kick to them with effortless extension all the way down to the sub-bass region. The bass is very well behaved, it is not overwhelming and always kept in check, yet it has a fullness to it that is very pleasing. I really like how they can hit with impressive weight and authority yet the decay never lingers longer than it needs to. Kick drums have real punch to them, which gives them a realistic tone that some earphones really struggle with. Fans of pop and electronic based music will find these engaging and fun without the sound being bass heavy and muddy.
Midrange: As these are a hybrid design, they do an excellent job of separating the lower midrange from the bass region, there is little (if any) bleed from the dynamic bass into the lower midrange. This allows all the detail come through without being masked, but these are not thin or lean in the midrange. The midrange comes across quite linear, nothing sounds artificially boosted and there are no noticeable fatigue inducing peaks. On tracks that have heavy bass lines, the vocals are never pushed back or drowned out, they are always present in quantity and quality. The midrange isn’t cold, it has a natural and effortless tonality that makes the Evoke really easy to listen to.
Highs: The treble on the Evoke is a tiny bit subdued compared to the rest of the sound, but these are far from a dark sounding earphone. The treble might lack that initial bite and exciting quality, but what you do get is effortlessly smooth and detailed high frequency presentation. The treble isn’t forced forward creating a false sense of detail, it almost takes a step back but allows you to listen to those subtle details without fatigue. The treble is present, and the Evoke are not a dull earphone in the slightest, tracks like Duality from Slipknot showcase how the treble is never lost in the mix and there is plenty of air and extension up top too. These don’t try to impress with in your face treble, but they do allow you to enjoy a well balanced signature that has a very complete sound from top to bottom.
Soundstaging and Instrument Separation
The soundstage on the Evoke is good, it’s not huge but there is good width to the stage and instruments are spread out evenly with good stereo imaging. They never sound closed in, and the treble allows for a good sense of air, overall I’m pleased with the well rounded soundstage.
Instrument separation is excellent, the bass is full but controlled and the 2 BA drivers are also well separated which leads to a coherent sounding earphone that has brilliant separation. These never sound congested, snappy transients allow for great control over the sound.
Conclusion
Well the Allure really impressed me, and the Evoke has too, in this price range it is competing with the likes of the Thieaudio Legacy 4 – and these just have a more addictive and natural sound in comparison. The Legacy 4 have a slightly bright tilt that makes them sound more detailed, if a little cold, and they don’t have the tonal balance that the Evoke do.
The Evoke have this effortless bass extension that’s backed up with great punch, a detailed and open midrange and airy treble that comes together as a slightly warm, but overall well balanced and engaging sound.
Whilst the Allure is warmer and more cosy, the Evoke brings out another level of detail and space in recordings without ever sounding harsh or bright.
Tonality is king – and the KiiBOOM Evoke sound so right, and so effortless that they can easily be considered a steal at this price, and a real sign of what you can get for under $200 in the current IEM market.
Sound Perfection Rating: 10/10 (nothing to dislike for the price, excellent tonality but the treble may be slightly subdued for some and the bass is quite energetic)
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