Sound Rhyme, established in 2017 in Xiamen, China, began its journey by manufacturing IEMs for other popular brands during its first two years. In 2019, they started selling products under their own "Sound Rhyme" brand. The team at Sound Rhyme boasts over 15 years of experience in the development and manufacturing of audio gear.
In this review, we will be examining the Sound Rhyme Prado IEM, the flagship product of the brand, priced globally at $1799. The Prado is equipped with four Sonion EST drivers for ultra-high frequencies and twelve balanced armature drivers from Sonion and Knowles for high, mid, and low-range frequencies. It also features two tuning switches. Let's dive into the Prado’s sound quality, comfort, and fit.
I would like to extend my gratitude to the Audio_Geek India Group and Sound Rhyme for providing me the opportunity to listen to this unit and allowing me to write this review. All opinions expressed here are my own and have not been influenced by the brand or Audio_Geek.
Design and Build Quality
The Prado’s shell is made of medical-grade resin, with a base color of black and multicolor glitter added to the faceplate and shell. The left side of the faceplate features the 'SR' logo, while the right side displays the 'PRADO' branding. I received this unit with the non-stock Toxic Cable Black WidowXL cable. Honestly, I was not impressed with the Prado’s design and materials used for a $1799 set; the brand could have opted for a more exotic design. However, the build quality is decent and standard for a resin shell.
Comfort and Fit
The Prado’s shell is medium-sized and fits well in my ears with SpinFit W1 eartips. The design of the shell is intended to fit like semi-custom in-ear monitors. I used this IEM for extended music listening sessions and did not experience any discomfort.
Sound Quality
My listening setup included a MacBook Air, Questyle M15, Toxic Cable Black WidowXL cable 4.4mm, Prado, and SpinFit W1 Eartips. I tested the Prado on the 1,2 on setting for a wide sound field.
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Bass: The Prado’s bass is deep with a good rumble and fast speed. It exhibits typical BA bass performance with a lack of power and body. The bass is a step behind the midrange. If you’re a basshead looking for heavy, head-filling bass, the Sound Rhyme Prado may not be ideal. However, if you prefer deep bass with good rumble and fast speed positioned in the background, the Prado is a great choice.
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Midrange: The standout feature is the vocals. The Sound Rhyme Prado excels at producing male and female vocals. In tracks like "Khwaja Mere Khwaja," you can effortlessly notice the transitions between multiple artists, a quality rare in IEMs. The midrange is positioned at the center of the stage, ahead of the bass but parallel to the treble, with extreme clarity and detail. The upper midrange is well-rounded, lacking sharpness or harshness. My only issue is the lack of body and weight, but achieving this with just BA drivers is challenging. If you love vocals, this IEM is perfect for you, with realistic tone, timbre, and texture.
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Treble: The treble presentation is detailed, sparkly, and musical, with an open and airy quality. The EST driver acts like a tweeter, enhancing ultra-high frequencies and adding crystal clarity and an immersive sound. Musical instruments sound realistic, as if performed live in front of you. Overall, the Sound Rhyme Prado aims to create an orchestral presentation.
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Soundstage & Imaging: The soundstage is bigger but not the widest, with good height and depth. Imaging is precise, allowing you to pinpoint musical instruments and vocals accurately.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Outstanding midrange performance | Bass has a thin body and weight |
| Realistic tone and timbre throughout all frequencies | Average design and visuals |
| Detailed yet musical sound | |
| Very good fit and comfort | |
| Tuning switches |
Conclusion
If you are looking for outstanding midrange performance with immersive treble and balanced bass, I highly recommend trying the Sound Rhyme Prado IEMs. They are underrated in-ear monitors, and it is our job to uncover such hidden gems and review them. If you have any questions about the Sound Rhyme Prado, please ask in the comments below.
Once again, I would like to thank Audio_Geek India and Sound Rhyme for the opportunity to audition the Prado in-ear earphones. If you enjoy our content and want to stay updated on such products, follow our WhatsApp Channel now!
Happy listening!
