audio-sound @ hatena

An audio review & news blog. The volume should not exceed 80 dB is recommended. I usually adhere to the safe-listening style by WHO. Please note that my aural impressions and interpretations of measurements are also made from a safe-listening style.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0040/7201/3924/articles/20220812171758_1024x1024.jpg?v=1660296598
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0040/7201/3924/articles/20220816150514_1024x1024.jpg?v=1660633598

(Chi-fi IEM Review) ISN Audio H30: Full midrange neutral sound with rich, immersive resonance

ISN Audio H30

 

 

Disclaimer

  • This review is written based on samples provided by Penon Audio to give the reader an honest quality review.
  • No remuneration or compensation, such as a manuscript fee, has been received for publishing this, and it is an honest evaluation based on measurement data from personal testing and personal opinion.
  • Please read the privacy policy of this website.

 

  • People who like rich, resonant sound
  • People who value a sense of immersion

 

 

Overview of ISN Audio H30

This review will give an overview of ISN Audio H30. A complete review of this product can be found here.

 

audio-sound Score

  • Total Score: 8.2 / 10.0
  • Package: 8.0 / 10.0
  • Build quality: 8.5 / 10.0
  • Fitment: 8.5 / 10.0
  • High range: 9.0 / 10.0
  • Mid range: 8.5 / 10.0
  • Low range: 8.5 / 10.0
  • Less distortion: 6.5 / 10.0

 

  • Want to see the score ranking? Click here!

 

Basic Specifications
  • Frequency response: 20Hz to 40kHz
  • Impedance: 10Ω
  • Sensitivity: 103dB
  • Connector: 0.78mm 2pin

 

Features of ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

 

  • The ISN Audio H30 is a hybrid ear monitor with two balanced armature drivers and one dynamic driver.
  • It uses a 9.2mm beryllium-coated dynamic driver for bass, a Sonion BA for mids, and a Knowles BA for highs.
  • It has an impedance of 18 ohms, sensitivity of 112 dB, frequency response of 20-20 kHz, and uses MMCX connectors and gold-plated plugs.
  • A 1.2 meter cable is included.

 

The ISN H30 is a newly released IEM from ISN, a manufacturer of cables and IEMs. ISN has released five IEMs so far, and the H30 is considered to have the most neutral sound of them all. However, it is not a completely neutral sound; this is achieved by cutting the high frequencies, reducing the heavy bass, and emphasizing the midrange. In terms of price range, it is positioned at a lower price point than the H50. It also uses an MMCX connector and features a chrome nozzle made by a 3D printer. Note that the H30 comes with an 8-conductor OCC copper cable, which can be connected in 3.5mm, 2.5mm balanced, or 4.4mm balanced. The shape is also distinctive, with a semi-custom design.

 

ISN has five different sounding IEMs, the H40, D10, EST50, H50, and D02, each with a different sound, allowing ISN to meet the needs of a wide variety of users The H30 is the most different sounding IEM that ISN has released to date The H30 is notable for having the most different sound of all the IEMs ISN has released. The H30's semi-custom shape also makes it easier to fit in the ear. In terms of price range, this IEM is less expensive than the H50 and is recommended for users seeking high-quality sound.

 

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30
ISN Audio H30
ISN Audio H30
ISN Audio H30
ISN Audio H30
ISN Audio H30

 

 

package

Package meets price standard.

 

Package contents
  • ISN Audio H30
  • Eartips
  • Carrying Case
  • Cleaning tool
  • Manuals

 

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

 

Build quality

Build quality meets price standard.

 

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30
ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

 

Fit

The fit is good.

 

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30
ISN Audio H30
ISN Audio H30

 

 

Sound quality

REW Frequency Response

ISN Audio H30 Frequency Response (RAW)

 

audio status

ISN Audio H30のオーディオステータス

 

Sound quality description

In this review, I use the standard eartips size L and drive it with the FiiO M15.

 

The ISN Audio H30 has a neutral-conscious, full midrange sound signature.

 

Please see here for detailed reviews on sound quality.

 

ISN Audio H30

 

Lows / Bass

The ISN H30's low frequency range is quite deep and linear.

 

The bass drum is not lacking in thickness and weight, and the tightness is reasonably good and the sense of rhythm is easy to understand, but the sense of presence is a bit weak.

 

The electric bass also has enough blackness, but I would like to see a little more extension.

 

In terms of volume, it will satisfy bass lovers, but heavy bass fanatics will prefer a deeper sound.

 

ISN Audio H30

 

Mids

The midrange of the ISN H30 seems to have been tuned with neutrality in mind, but it lacks linearity.

 

The lack of linearity in the midrange can easily lead to a cloudy feeling in the center, the most important part of the music, and is not welcomed by audiophiles who are faithful to the original sound. It also results in a significant amount of distortion, which can lead to a lack of transparency.

 

As a result, the H30's midrange has a strong sense of muddiness due to stagnant resonance and poor separation from the background, and the center area is out of focus and strangely difficult to hear.

 

On the other hand, the way in which the sound is not clearly heard, but rather blurred and blended into the background and gently echoed, is pleasant and mild to the ear, and may be said to be suitable for listening to music immersed in the music.

Vocals sound a bit pushed to the forefront.

 

ISN Audio H30

 

Highs / Treble

The H30's highs are well tuned with definition in mind, providing ample detail and finesse.

 

Compared to the warm and fuzzy midrange, the highs are sharp, detailed, and excellent in detail, with high transparency and resolution. Cymbals are a bit dry but sound crisp and tight, adding spice to the music, and guitars and snares are tight and rock sounds very lively.

 

On the other hand, it lacks linearity, so strings and woodwinds tend to sound a bit metallic and drawn out, and while dynamism is emphasized, it lacks a natural freshness. However, the sense of localization is not bad.

 

ISN Audio H30

 

Sound quality general comment
  • Original Sound Fidelity: A
  • Recommendation: A-
  • Personal preference: A-

 

The ISN Audio H30 is close to neutral on a macro level and seems to be well balanced. However, the overall linearity, or consistency of the sound image, is lacking, and the overall clarity is not good, so it is not really suitable for audiophiles.

 

In particular, the strong muddiness in the midrange is not highly appreciated by audiophiles. For listening while working or taking a break, the fuzzy, ear-friendly feel may not be so bad. However, if you are familiar with earphones with excellent midrange, such as the TinHiFi C2, you probably won't find the H30's muddy midrange very interesting.

blog.ear-phone-review.com

 

On the other hand, however, its resonant midrange gives a unique sense of immersion, and the clear high frequency range gives a good impression, making it interesting for its unique musical expression. The overall balance is good, so while the quirks are a bit strong, they do not feel too unnatural.

 

ISN Audio H30

 

Sound quality features

Pros
  • Good original sound fidelity
  • Good resolution
  • Impressive highs
  • Adequate detail
  • High brightness
  • Good sound balance
  • Immersive sound
  • Rich sound

 

Cons
  • Lacks high frequency extension
  • Low frequencies lacking in depth
  • Cloudy, out-of-focus midrange with poor focus
  • Lacks clarity
  • Lacks sound image consistency

 

 

General comment

The ISN Audio H30 has a resonant, rich midrange and an immersive sound. They are quite attractive listening IEMs for listeners who value the spatiality with which music resonates. The overall balance is also close to neutral and well-defined, and no shortage of detail or subtlety can be detected. However, they are not the first choice, at least not for audiophiles who value transparency, especially in the midrange.

 

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30

ISN Audio H30