Yuandao Tears: Sound changer

Well, I’ve always seen this specific model in forums and groups, but everything changed when someone contacted me through email. At first, I honestly thought it was a scam. But after reading it carefully, I realized I had been given a chance,blessed by the audio gods and the company,to try this pair.

The Yuandao Tears is an in-ear monitor priced in the $22–28 segment. Ever since I started my audio journey, I’ve mostly reviewed units in this price range. It’s kind of my specialty at this point. Anyway, the Tears has a unique design and an interesting mechanism to it.

Disclaimers 

As an anime fan and audiophile, I trust my ears and impressions. This unit was provided by Nicehck through one of their representatives, and I’m very thankful for choosing me to review it. Rest assured, this review is not influenced in any way.

Build structure 

The Yuandao Tears unit we have for review is made of ABS plastic, which is quite common. Personally, I would have preferred a metal shell since it’s more durable and sturdy. Overall, the plastic body feels average. In the long run, if you’re very careless, it might crack or break. 

Inside the Box

From the past years, I usually included this in my reviews, then stopped—but now I’ve decided to add it back. Inside the box, you get a set of eartips in different colors, the white stock eartips, the DSP cable, and lastly, a foldable pouch bag. Usually, in the $22–28 price range, a pouch isn’t included, so I commend them for adding one.

 Review Proper

While doing this review, it maked me realize that in order to get the true potential of this unit, is Through by pairing it to the right source. Which honestly for me is now a general routine. 

Sound Character 

The sound profile leans toward a V-shape to U-shape, and the results depend heavily on your source pairing. Pro tip: It is better to use the DSP cable if you are planning to use these with your smartphone.

Bass

For me, the bass is on the controlled side rather than being aggressive. The sub-bass has some presence, but the rumble and oomph are somewhat weak for my liking. As an anime fan and a rhythm game player, I find it lacks that deep physical rumble which can make the beat feel a bit thin; however, for general music listening, it’s perfectly acceptable.

The mid-bass is honestly impressive, offering warmth and richness while staying controlled. It sounds natural, though it lacks a bit of note weight. Overall, it’s great for music, but if you’re gaming and expecting a heavy, banging impact, this might feel a bit light.

Mids

The midrange is presented on the recessed side. While the vocals lack some absolute clarity and depth, they are already above average for casual listening. The warmth here is impressive. Female vocals have an ample amount of clarity and emotion. While listening to the Katyusha (Girls und Panzer version), it soothes my hearing; I can feel the emotion in every note, making it feel like I’m standing right next to the singers. Male vocals are good, but they lack a bit of depth and "body."

Treble

This was a surprising experience since the treble is very airy and Sparkling (another Kamen Rider Build reference!). The presence adds a nice brightness to female vocals. Despite the recessed mids, the upper treble helps compensate for those drawbacks. For treble-sensitive listeners, I didn't encounter any fatigue, peaks, or sibilance. The sparkle and airiness really save the day here.

Kiso Tech Side

Let’s talk about the soundstage. While usually subjective, the Tears offers an objectively impressive soundfield. The depth is wide enough that you can actually hear the echoes.

In terms of details, the focus is more on macro rather than micro-details. While micro-details are present, they aren't the star of the show. Instrument and vocal separation are acceptable and keep the track from feeling cluttered.

Sound Isolation 

Honestly for me ,finding the right eartips can improve the seal and isolation. The tears follow the traditional nozzles in in ear monitors. For me it does give me great isolation..

Comfort

Honestly it's very light and comfortable but due to its weird shape, it can not favor other ear types. I currently have big ears and the experience is quite honestly good.

DSP Cable & App Support

There are 3 presets for the sound, Pop , Balance and Rock. Personally I prefer the balance here, although Pop sounds good but for me it lacks the emotion and Vibe to. The last option which is rock. I rarely used this preset since I don't find any changes with this preset..

There is also 2 modes, Diffusion and Game mode. Honestly this not that new , since usually in DSP cables it's a feature already. The Diffusion mode is somewhat like a soundstage expansion making it more open and more detailed, but honestly the performance is decent and acceptable. The game mode will favor ryhtm game players just like me, I prefered the game mode in my rythm gaming sessions but for me, it still needs some improvements in the highs a bit 

Sound Synchronization & Source Pairing

This is the refined version of Drive Type Synergy, tackling power utilization and output.

Color indications for the DAC chipsets in the said models.

CX31993 + MAX97220 Single

ES9318 + ALC 5686 Single 

CS43131 Dual

SPV4040

ES9038Q2M Dual 

AKM4376 Single 

LG X4+: One of the best synchronization, since it makes the tears more balanced and refined. In terms of the sibilant and peak , I didn't encounter any forms of it.

Tempotec E44: It made the overall sound better and added musicality.

BA23 (ComgTang SZ): Refined the clarity and middle frequencies.

ES-PRO Audio: Made the presentation warmer and added more body.

Tangzu YinXiangNang: Honestly, these two are incompatible. Reason is that, the overall sound becomes ,more bright and very prone to Sibilance and peak.

Faudio FA44: It just made the sound response neutral and nothing Amazing factor.

Eartips Synergy

Stock eartips ( white colored one) 

In my experience with this eartips, it becomes too bright and has a form of sibilant factors to it. There is also some occasionally peaks in the 4k and 8k region. Highs and Treble here becomes more bright with this eartips.

Newbee eartips

While doing my experimentations in eartips, I found that this eartips is very compatible with this in ear monitors. The overall sound becomes more refined and balance. The sibilant and peaks is more controlled in this eartips, the 4k region somewhat become more refined and 8k region becomes bright but more on refined focus. The Bass in this eartips is what I like since it makes the Bass tight and open but not being aggressive, unlike in the stock eartips ,the Bass is there but not much..

Fibonacci Acoustic Mesh

This tech actually works. It makes the mids and highs feel more pronounced and refined. Yuandao did a great job utilizing this.

Conclusion

This is a well tuned in ear monitors, but it needs a lot of source pairing,and experimentations to achieve the true sound of this in ear monitors. In anime perspective, it reminds me the team Anglerfish from Girls und Panzer. Since at first there team is having a conflict between the roles but eventually in the long run, they manage to make it work. As my closing , "Panzer Vor!"

I want to thank once again, The representative of Nicehck , since without the representative I can't give my impressions on this in ear monitors. Nicehck keep up innovating,I witness your growth and vision and I can say your on the right track.

Final Verdict

Advantages 

Airy treble with impressive sparkle

Controlled, versatile low end

Fibonacci Mesh delivers on its promises

Detachable 2-pin cable & DSP functions

Engaging vocals and "colored" violin vibes

Disadvantages

Very dependent on source pairing

Potential for sibilance with the wrong source

Stock tips can cause harshness

DSP cable struggles with DSD decoding

Recessed midrange