What are Chinese earphones?
Chinese earphones are earphones manufactured in China under a brand name unique to China, and have become explosively popular since their distribution increased around 2010 due to the expansion of online shopping sites such as amazon. They are known for their excellent cost performance in terms of sound quality.
Until about five years ago, Chinese earphones were synonymous with cheap and poor products, but in the past few years, technological progress has been rapid, and Chinese earphone brands are very eager to introduce the latest technology, which has greatly improved sound performance. Today, they are producing products that are as good as the best brands from Japan and other developed countries.
Chinese earphones with good sound at a discount. Why so cheap?
The progress of Chinese earphones is closely linked to global economic trends: since the 2000s, China has surged forward as the world's factory, becoming a global production center for audio products as well.
All major audio brands have established manufacturing facilities in China, and the audio manufacturing facilities of these leading brands are concentrated in Shenzhen and Dongguan, China, where the most advanced audio-related technologies are concentrated.
From the late 2000s to the 2010s, engineers and designers who had gained knowledge and experience in such audio brands became independent, and manufacturers who had been OEMs and ODMs became proficient in sales know-how and launched their own brands.
These original brands took advantage of the rapidly developing Internet web-order distribution networks such as amazon and eBay at the time, and by eliminating intermediate costs, they achieved higher cost performance than major brands.
Early Chinese earphones did not have good packaging or build quality, but today, even earphones in the $100 range have beautiful and luxurious packaging, and build quality is better than that of products in the same price range in developed countries.
Above all, Chinese earphones have an advantage in sound quality because they are quick to adopt cutting-edge acoustic technology. Chinese earphones are also characterized by the speed at which they are developed and commercialized, and by their rapid model changes. They are also eager to improve products that sell well.
This article introduces the latest low-priced models of Chinese earphones as of January 2023.
Truthear HOLA
Truthear is the latest rookie Chinese earphone brand, a manufacturer that is rapidly becoming a popular brand, combining low price with high sound quality, high package and build quality.
Its latest entry-level model, HOLA, uses a double-cavity internal magnetic circuit dynamic driver with a polyurethane suspension composite LCD dome diaphragm and n52 magnet to achieve a high level of sound in its price range.
The sound balance is close to aural neutral based on HRTF (Head-Related Transfer Function), and linear distortion is rare and low in this price range, resulting in a sound that can be objectively described as excellent.
The earbuds also have the luxury packaging and build that is characteristic of Truthear products, making them a good value for the price.
Review
HZSound Heart Mirror ZERO
HZ Sound Heart Mirror Zero is a completely redesigned and optimized version of the popular Heart Mirror model. Featuring a new tuning profile and new upgraded cables, the Heart Mirror Zero has the same acoustic structure as the OG Heart Mirror, but with new tuning for high-impact bass and clean, lively treble response. The 10mm CNT diaphragm dynamic driver unit delivers clear, high-resolution sound.
The unit is tuned for power in the low frequency range, sweetness in the midrange, and naturalness in the high frequency range. This product aims to deliver musicality and sound quality that exceeds the prototype model at a low price. The on-board 10mm diameter dynamic driver uses a highly rigid carbon nano diaphragm, a high-performance NdFeB magnet, and an imported CCAW voice coil to deliver sound unmatched in its price range.
Not only does this product offer high-resolution sound at a low price, but the package is also above the price level, and you can expect a high level of overall satisfaction, making it a highly recommended product if you like bright, monitor-like sound.
Review
Kiwi Ears Cadenza
Kiwi Ears Cadenza is acoustically tuned to produce a balanced sound signature characteristic of the modern audiophile. This is achieved through a custom-designed housing structure that is 3D printed to match the 10mm beryllium-coated drivers. Bass is tuned to maintain the high impact and fast attack characteristic of beryllium-coated drivers.
The fast decay of the bass allows the mids to retain their natural sound without muddiness or expansion. The mids are rich, lush, and remarkably detailed due to the speed created by the beryllium. The treble response reflects the Harman-standard style, with a natural curve that is tireless, yet rich in micro-detail and full of air.
If you are looking for earbuds with a good sound balance, with bass that is deep enough, highs that are smooth and pleasing to the ear, and mellow, lustrous-sounding mids, the Cadenza is one not to be missed.
Review
TANGZU Wan’er S.G
Wan'er S.G is TANGZU Audio's all-new single dynamic driver in-ear monitor, featuring a 10mm PET diaphragm dynamic driver unit that boasts HiFi quality performance. Featuring lightweight and comfortable ergonomic ear shells with designer printed face covers, the Waner SG brings you high quality performance with its professional tuning adjustments for a small investment.
TANGZU Audio has used a high performance dynamic driver configuration in the latest Waner SG. One large 10mm diameter dynamic driver with a high quality PET diaphragm coil is mounted on each side. These drivers benefit from the high-power N52 magnetic architecture. It delivers smooth, full-bodied sound over a wide frequency range.
The TANGZU Wan'er S.G earphones have excellent audio specifications and a rich, rich sound that is pleasing to the ear. The build quality and packaging quality are also substantial enough to make it hard to believe the low price, and will generally give you more satisfaction than the price you paid.
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