Firstly I would like to thank Simphonio for this sample, these have had well over 100hrs of burn-in before reviewing.
*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 / Audio Opus #2 > Dragon2+
Topping D50 > Objective2 > Dragon2+
Specification:
Brand: Simphonio
Model: Dragon 2+
Driver: 15.8mm Dynamic Neodymium magnet
Frequency Response：20-25000 Hz
Impedance: 16Ω
Output Sound Pressure Level：110±3dB/mW
Maximum Input Power：3mW
Cable Length: 1.2M 6N OFC
Weight: 14g
Packaging, Build quality and Accessories:
The Dragon2+ come in a great little box, with an outer sleeve that has the model number and some specs and info on the back. Take off the sleeve, lift the top off the box and you will be greeted by the carry case and small card box of accessories. The Dragon2+ and neatly tucked away inside their case for safe transport. The unboxing feels premium, and everything is neatly presented.
The Dragon2+ shell is plastic and looks like most other earbuds, there is not a lot of design gone into the shells but that means more went into tuning the sound. The shells are however very well finished, and the cable is awesome. The cable is flexible and slightly rubbery in texture, there is no noise from the cable transmitted up to the earbuds themselves. The cable is fixed, and terminates in a 2.5mm balanced connector, both the y-split and jack are metal, and the jack has excellent strain relief. Although it would have been nice to have removable cables, at least the included fixed one is of excellent quality.
Accessory wise you get a few foams to get a better fit and tune the sound slightly, you get doughnut and regular foams. You also get a leather carry case and cable tidy, along with a short pigtail pigtail type adaptor so you can use them with any regular 2.5mm jack. Overall an excellent array of accessories, nothing missing here.
Comfort and Isolation:
These are earbuds, and I have small ears, but these seem to fit well for me when used with the foams to keep them a little more secure in my ears. They are lightweight and sit comfortably, allowing you to listen for hours on end. No comfort issues whatsoever here
Isolation is non-existent, as you would expect from a non-sealing and fully open earbud. They will also leak if you listen loud, but they do allow you to hear your surroundings which can be great depending on what you use them for.
Sound:
Lows: The Dragon2+ does not rely on having a heafty low end, instead it goes for a more conservative but nevertheless full range approach. These have impressive speed and articulation, they also extend well into the sub-bass with ease. Kick drums don’t have the biggest impact, but bass guitars are superbly separated and detailed. These are not lacking any bottom end, it is perfectly balanced with the rest of the frequency range. The lows are always well controlled and there is never a hint of bloat, they also never encroach on the midrange.
Midrange: The midrange is so clean, separated and detailed. Due to the incredibly well controlled low end, there is no bleed that affects the lower midrange, yet the upper midrange is smooth and free from fatigue inducing peaks. The midrange also benefits from superb layering, everything is so well defined and separated. If you appreciate all the little details in the midrange, with neutral tonality these really are superb. The overall transparency and midrange presentation are the standout features of the Dragon 2+.
Highs: The highs are very well presented here, with excellent definition and extension. They never sound splashy, retaining definition no matter what you throw at them, they are a little on the revealing side which means they do throw up bad recordings. The highs are not artificially boosted, instead they are portrayed naturally with excellent positioning within the soundstage. I am impressed by the control and accuracy of the treble, without ever being harsh or bright,
The soundstaging is very good on the Dragon 2+, with good width and height, spatial cues in the recording are easily pointed due to accurate imaging too. Separation is a strong point too, due to everything being well controlled yet not clinical, instruments and vocals have space to breathe without ever sounding detached.
Conclusion:
The Dragon 2+ share a lot of traits with some good open back headphones, convincing imaging and soundstaging, yet they have a slightly more direct approach to delivering detail. They are not analytical, that midrange is just delicious, the highs to some might be a tad hot and hardcore bass fans will wish for more body. But if you appreciate an excellent midrange, air, separation and great soundstaging you may quite enjoy these. For the price, the sonic performance they deliver is truly excellent, just listen to Chester Bennington’s vocals in Numb and you’ll hear what I mean.
Sound Perfection Rating: 8/10 (Nicely designed, with excellent sonic performance. Bass heads look elsewhere)
