Brainwavz S0 Quick Review

Brainwavz S0 Quick Review

Thanks to mp4nation for the sample.

Brief:  The S5 has a baby brother

Price:  US$50 or £31

Specification:  Transducers/Drivers: Dynamic, 9mm, Rated Impedance: 16ohms Closed Dynamic, Sensitivity: 100dB at 1mW, Frequency range: 18Hz ~ 18kHz, Distortion: <= 0.3% @ 100dB, Channel balance: =< 1dB (at 1000Hz), Rated input power: 10mW, Maximum input power: 40mW, Plug: 3.5 mm, gold plated., Cable length: 1.3 meters Y cord, Copped OFC, 1 year warranty, Dimensions (Packaging): 160 x 135 x 38mm, Net Weight: 10g,   Gross Weight: 140g

Accessories:  1 x Comply foam S-400 tips,  6 x Silicone tips, 1 x Bi-Flange tips, 1 x Tri-Flange tips, 1 x Shirt Clip, 1 x Earphone carrying case, 1 x Instruction manual

Build Quality:  Rather nice.  Look and feels well put together.

Isolation:  Yeah it’s pretty reasonable.  Sufficient for day to day stuff, but not what I’d pick for a flight or Tube commute.  As always more than enough to get you run over.

Comfort/Fit:  Very good.   Even wearing these up there was no issues and were comfy to use for hours.

Aesthetics:  They look fine.  Like the S5 they are just black and I’ll confess, if they are all metal then why paint them black, I’d much rather see the metal.  Mostly they are uneventful visually.

Sound:  These are little versions of the S5.  The bass is big lively and gets a notable amount of air moving.  These, though are much more in line with I expect for their price range.  There are aimed clearly at a consumer style crowed and as such cater that way.  The bass is heavy, it’s not all that lithe but it doesn’t care.  It’s a had good few drinks, it’s gonna shake that ass and to hell with what anyone else thinks.  It unabashedly brazen that it wants to just get down and enjoy itself.  The mids aren’t amazing but they suit pop.  Clear enough, slightly warming and like to slightly gloss over how good or bad the artist really is.  Its likes to belt out a vocal with some enthusiasm rather than with nuance.  The highs are also a bit of a let’s not worry about the details sorta thing.  They get on and toss on a handful of glitter to show a little sparkle.  The running theme is let’s have a good time and not worry about the little details.  It’s not unlike the S5 again but here it’s I feel a more playful and comparable offering for its price range.  It isn’t something I’d say is sonically pure, it the sort of thing that would suit the gym.  You’re not trying to hear any specific aspects, you just want the whole and presented in bouncy lively fashion.   This makes it a goodly solid option.

Value:  As always it’s a great wee bundle.  Loads of tips, a nice case and solid IEM that is reasonably priced.

Pro’s:   Solid.  Inoffensive yet potent sound signature. A crowd pleaser.

Con’s:  Detail retrieval isn’t really a priority here.