Well, I always look at this specific model in forums and groups, but in one moment, everything changed when someone contacted me through my email. At first, I thought it was a scam. But after reading it, it turns out that I have been given a chance by the audio gods and the company to try this specific pair.
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The Yuandao Tears is an in-ear monitor that is priced under the $22-28 segment. Ever since I started my audio journey, I have always reviewed units in this price range. Well, it's my specialty to begin with. Anyway, the Tears has a unique design and an interesting mechanic to it.
Disclaimers
This was provided by NiceHCK to me via a representative. As always, this is not a sponsored review and all my impressions are completely mine. We have different styles in sound, so your mileage may vary.
Review Proper
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.
DSP Cable & App Support
Diffusion Mode: Offers a wider soundfield, but can feel artificially boosted.
Game Mode: This is the best mode, in my opinion, as it refines the higher frequencies.
Presets: Includes Pop, Balanced, and Rock. Note: Activating a preset will turn off Game or Diffusion mode.
Sound Synchronization & Source Pairing
This is the refined version of Drive Type Synergy, tackling power utilization and output.
CX31993 + MAX97220
ES9318 + ALC 5686
CS43131
SPV4040
ES9038Q2M
AKM4376
Specific Model Synergy:
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
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The stock eartips tend to be bright and have some piercing. In all my collection, NewBee eartips are the best match for this pair (I suddenly remember Kamen Rider Build because of "Best Match"). The colored stock eartips somewhat resemble the KBear-07, which are nice eartips to begin with.
Build
While the geometric design looks like metal, it is ABS plastic. I would have preferred metal for durability, but it is very lightweight and comfortable.
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!"
Conclusion Part 2
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