Recently, many brands have released planar IEM drivers. There are the latest ones like LETSHUOER S08, TinHiFi Dudu, HZSound with the same name Luna, and now SGOR surprisingly enters with a very promising price. How does this IEM compete with the current crowded planar market? Let's find out, starting from:
Packaging & Accessories
The packaging of this IEM is compact. Inside the package:
- The IEMs
- Cable
- Eartips
The cable quality is standard for its price, reminiscent of KZ Silver Cable "if they are paid attention to cable quality". I wish KZ could improve their cable at least like this one on their higher model. Despite the barebone accessories, what matters is the sound, which we'll talk about later after: Design, Build Quality & Fitting
The first time I noticed this IEMs has a large shell, with build quality looking sturdy it uses QDC pin which may not be everyone's favorite—"matter of taste". Also, this shell quite heavy too, The fitting in my ears doesn't have problem, different ears may vary.
Before Talk out further, thank you to ShenzhenAudio for sending me the IEM for review purposes, you can find it here.
https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/sgor-luna-13-5mm-planar-in-ear-headphone/
Keep in mind, although this IEM was given for free, I will share my impressions based on what I hear, honestly, and this is very subjective, so don't take everything for granted
SPECIFICATIONS
>Plug type: 3.5mm
>Pin type: 0.78mm
>Sensitivity: 96dB/mw
>Frequency: 7-40000Hz
>Impedance:27멱5%
>Drive unit: Hybrid Technology
>Weight: 37g±5%
>Cable Length:120cm±5cm
Sound Quality
My impression below is using the iBasso DC07 Pro with Dunu S&S eartips. This planar IEM has moderate drive power, which means some cheap dongle DACs can do the job, but a better setup will scale up the sound.
Upon my initial observation, this IEM has quite safe sound, it won't hurt your ears. So if you wants to try out planar IEMs, especially budget ones, and scared to try those with piercing sound like KZ PR2 or PR3 series, I think this one will be a great choice.
Bass
After burn-in for about 48 hours or around 2 days, the bass of this IEM gets better. It has fast quality like any other planar, it's very good for metal songs. If you get a good seal and the right eartips, the bass on this IEM is quite enjoyable. It doesn't have the quality bass that you can find on higher model such as P1 Max 2 from Tin, but it's still good bass. For texture and rumble, for me it's better than some planar in the same price range like the KZ one, for $38, I just couldn't recommend it enough.
Mid
The mid on this IEM, honestly, isn't my favorite part. doesn't mean it's bad, but pretty submerged for my taste. The low-mid on this IEM is quite thin, so for male vocals, it's not up to my taste. However, for female vocals, it's helped by it's safe upper-mid. So if you are upper-mid sensitive and pretty scared of sibilance, this one will be a good pick since it doesn't sound too piercing and shouty at all. there are plus and minus, everything can't be perfect considering the price of this IEM are very affordable.
Treble
The treble on this IEM is safe, but that doesn't mean has muddy or dark sound profile. Considering the price, it's quite rare to get good treble quality that doesn't hurt the ears. The guitar strings on this IEM are quite enjoyable to listen to, also, if you are treble sensitive, I think you're going to love it. But for trebleheads, this one might not for you since the treble is relatively safe and lacks airiness.
Technicalities
Let's start with timbre—this IEM has quite a natural timbre. While listening to this IEM, there is no shimmering that you always find in planar IEMs, especially the budget ones, this one is very safe and won't hurt your ears. The soundstage is decent for its price, also imaging and instrument separation is a standout point on this one. For its price range, it's pretty impressive. if you want something good for complex tracks like metal songs with minimum budget, this will be a good choice.
Comparison:
Vs KZ PR3:
Bass, SGOR Luna has greater bass, with the PR3 i find quite unnatural bass response. SGOR Luna provides a more balanced presentation of male and female Vocals, whereas the KZ PR3 it empaze on upper. Treble, The PR3 offers crisper and airier treble compared to the Sgor, which have a smoother but less details high-end.
Vs HZSound Luna:
Sgor is a bit tamer and warmer compared to HZSound, which is more neutral to the bright side. It has similar bass dynamics and depth, but HZSound has better texture and layered delivery. The mid-range is very different; HZSound has more forward mids and more energetic treble. If you are sensitive to upper-mid and treble, I think Sgor will suit you better, but the mids here are quite thin and not forward enough for my taste.
Vs Tinhifi Dudu:
The main competitor for Dudu is HZsound as it goes toe to toe with a similar sound signature, but there's no harm in comparing them. For bass depth, I would give Sgor a plus. In terms of texture and definition, I think it has a similar approach, with Dudu being more puncier. The mid-range and treble are almost the same as Vs Hzsound; pick Sgor if you like a tame and smoother sound. Dudu has a pretty energetic upper-mid and more treble energy.
Pros:
+ Tame Treble, Safe Upper-mid
+ Nice, fast and well controlled bass
+ Sturdy build
+ Affordable planar
+ Good teknicalites performance for its price
Cons:
- Berebones accessories
- Treble, Not the airiest planar iems around
- Huge shell, may discomfort for smaller ears
- Submerged midrange, also quite hard to drive
Conclusion
Sgor Luna has a fairly tame sound for a planar–which is quite rare, considering the price at $38 and $44 for the Type-C DSP variant. However, one thing I emphasize is that this IEM does not have forward vocals for my taste, but has safe upper-mid and treble. If you want to try out planar and are sensitive to upper or treble, this IEM will become your favorite.
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