Disclaimer:
The following review has been thoughtfully crafted by Mr. Mayur Singh from Ghaziabad, a cherished supporter, customer, and friend of The Audio Store. We express our gratitude to Mr. Mayur for generously sharing his personal insights into the Symphonium Crimson In-ear Monitors. It is important to note that this review is entirely unbiased, reflecting Mr.Mayur's genuine experiences and preferences. No benefits or exchanges have influenced the content of this review. His valuable contributions significantly enhance our blog, and we sincerely appreciate his unwavering dedication to the audio enthusiast community.
Introduction
This may be the first time I am assessing an audio product outside of the Chi-Fi business, but the company and their product, which I have previously been pleased with, are not new to me. Symphonium Audio is a Singaporean company founded in 2016 by three entrepreneurs who want to convey the delight of sonic bliss to the entire globe while also creating something special and unique. Many audiophiles, like myself, have previously praised their efforts and quality in producing such excellent products. I've already tested several of their offerings, including Helios and Meteor, which both astounded me with how easy they sounded. Though I wasn't able to evaluate them, I was fortunate enough to review one of their newest releases, the Symphonium Audio Crimson, but before I go any further, I want to clarify a few points.
Disclaimer
*This is a review unit, courtesy of Pritam from Audio Store. All thanks to them for providing. And as I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link.
https://www.theaudiostore.in/products/symphonium-crimson-iem
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to these IEMs as “Crimson.”
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the Crimson based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.
Specification
The Crimson is equipped with an all-balanced armature driver made up of four BAs and three in-house created technologies. TrueX 4-way crossover is used for driver integration and employs two distinct but complementary technologies: FLAT and PHAT. FLAT ensures low impedance and immunity from impedance mismatch, while PHAT ensures no unnecessary frequency inversions or phase cancellation. The Crimson shell is made of high-grade T6 heat-treated AL6061 aluminium alloy, with a new colour scheme over the faceplate including a premium carbon fibre in the centre that pays homage to the brand's origins and resilience. The shell's design and feel are highly premium and minimalist in appearance, giving it a professional and distinctive vibe. The shape is also not an issue for my ears because they fit and isolate properly; nevertheless, people with small ears should be aware that the shells are on the larger side. The included cable is an Altalune Audio Novaron 26AWG Type 2 Litz copper cable with a modular termination on one end and a spring-loaded 0.78mm two-pin connector on the other. In my perspective, the cable appears substantial but feels light in my palm; it also combines nicely with the Crimson. The cable is also available in two variants: 4-core or 8-core unique offerings. The bundle also includes three different sizes of Azla Sednafit standard eartips, three different sizes of Divinus Velvet eartips, and a 3.5mm and 4.4mm termination plug. According to the technical parameters, the IEM's impedance is 6.05 Ohms and its sensitivity is 106dB. The frequency response spans 10 Hz to 24 kHz. The cable impedance for the 4-core cable is 0.12 Ohms.
Sound
I have come across the Crimson IEMs and I have to say that they are a cut above my best-sounding IEM, the Prestige LTD. The Crimson provides an incredibly enjoyable experience, surpassing any other IEMs I have heard, whether they are top-of-the-line or not. The Crimson’s presentation is expressive yet smooth, with a balanced and warm response that accurately reproduces the quality of the notes while providing a playful presentation of the vocals and instruments. The newer BA IEMs can sound less metallic or artificial, but Symphoniom has gone above and beyond in this regard. I have previously thought that the Helios offered better detail retrieval than the ThieAudio Monarch MKII, but I preferred the Monarch MKII’s pleasing tonality, which became my favourite at the time. However, the Crimson has now generously offered everything I wanted and more, including the weight and impact of the bass, and the musicality in the presentation of the vocals and instruments in the upper frequencies while retaining a pleasing tonality. I truly enjoy these IEMs and would like to explore their sound further to find out more about their exceptional quality.
Treble
Upon careful consideration, I must admit that the Prestige LTD has a more vibrant and lively treble region than the Crimson. While the Crimson's response strikes me as somewhat crazy, its sound is airy and expansive, with both vocals and instruments possessing a comforting, nuanced quality that never compromises their tonal integrity. The passive, cohesive response maintains a mesmerising quality of the presentation. The upper treble offers a hint of zing, allowing cymbal crashes or chimes to stand out in the overall mix, which adds distinction and favourability for the listener. Songs like Kujira Yumemi's "Kenka" showcase the chimes in a stunning, expressive way, without overwhelming the listener and losing fidelity. The lower treble also offers a similar experience, with a direct, forward approach that does sacrifice the lean adequacy and sharpness of the notes yet brings vibrancy to the presentation. The notes have great energy, which is spread evenly over the entire region to bring each note to life for the listener. The separation between vocal notes and instruments is impressive, creating a clear and defined soundstage. Despite this, the soundstage never feels too wide or vast, allowing for a more nuanced, intimate listening experience. Additionally, the 4k dip creates a safer approach for the notes while maintaining a linear response. To sum up, the treble region's overall response is extensive, airy, and detailed, with a pleasing balance between expressiveness and fidelity.
Mid Range
The Symphonion Crimson offers a truly captivating experience when it comes to the mid-range notes of both vocals and instruments. The vocals are rendered with full-bodied emotion and realism, while the instruments stimulate the senses and bring the entire soundscape to life. Listening to Miller’s “Anytime Anywhere” with the Crimson is truly a treat, with multiple vocals coming across close, clear, and full of character. The upper mid-range is well-rounded and tonally balanced, with forward vocals that draw the listener in and playful instruments that make the presentation enjoyable and welcoming. Compared to the Monarch MKII, the Crimson’s response is even better, with superior revelation of both vocals and instruments, albeit at the expense of some openness and spaciousness. The response is still lively, keeping the listener engaged and interested. The impact of the high and low notes is naturally occurring and true to life, with a dense quality that is particularly impressive for a response that relies solely on BAs. While the lower notes can sometimes feel hollow, the lower mid-range maintains a heftiness without becoming muddy or mumbly. Overall, the mid-range presentation of the Crimson is authentic, expressive, and truly captivating.
Bass
When it comes to the bass response of this particular IEM, it is truly remarkable. It is the best bass I have heard from an all-BA IEM that falls under this price range. The tuning is such that it follows a neutral with sub-bass boost tuning, which results in an exceptional listening experience. What is particularly impressive is how the BA bass can deliver such quality and flexibility that is on par with what a dynamic driver can produce. However, what sets it apart is the cleanliness and accuracy of the impact of the notes. It is different from the natural decay that a dynamic driver produces but in an admirable way. The impactful notes are truly a delight for my ears, and I enjoy the weight and quality of the sound. The bass response is well-balanced and emphasises the sub-bass region, while also allowing for the mid-bass presence to be sustained. The deep rumble and punch of the bass have a noticeable impact on the response, making it an effective occurrence. The mid-bass presence brings a warmer response to the sound and delivers nice slams and powerful thumps in the mix. The mid-bass does leak into the lower mid-range, but it is not enough to detract from the overall quality of the sound. As you listen, you can feel the air pressure filling up your ears, giving you a sense of thumps and heaviness, while still resolving fast to keep the upper frequencies clean and clear. All in all, this IEM delivers an exceptional bass response that is sure to impress.
Technical Performance
As an avid audiophile, I must say that the technical prowess of the Crimson IEM is truly marvellous in my eyes. However, I must admit that I haven’t given as much time to other IEMs around this price range, which makes it a bit difficult for me to evaluate it fairly. That being said, when it comes to comparisons, I can only truly compare it to the Thieaudio Monarch MKII or Thieaudio Prestige LTD. In terms of sound response, the Crimson IEM is more intimate and better expressed in terms of forwardness and involvement in the mix. To be more specific, the sound quality is simply outstanding and the level of detail and clarity is unmatched.
Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation
Although the stage gives a more holographic response, it falls short in the closer approach, where the notes sound fuller and more complete. The sharpness and cleanliness of the notes, however, do provide great imaging capabilities. Even with such a response, the separation between the notes is surprisingly distinctive, which helps to better understand the direction of the sound. Nevertheless, when I compare it to the Prestige LTD or Monarch MKII, I find it to be a little stepped back. These two bring a more spacious sound while generating strong imaging and better distinction between the notes.
Speed & Resolution
When I listen to Prestige LTD, it gives me a clear understanding of what resolution is. The Crimson defines it as having a highly detailed response, whether it’s macro or micro details. The notes’ attack and decay are fast-paced, yet not too fast or slow, creating a natural sound. However, sometimes, it fails to achieve that natural sound.
Sound Impressions
Sources
Sony WM1A - While listening to the Crimson with WM1A, I noticed a marked improvement in the vocal expression and note clarity. The notes were crisp and clear, and the overall sound was simply stunning. The treble had an airy quality to it, which allowed the vocals to sound even more expressive and complete. However, this did come at the cost of sounding a little light, which sometimes resulted in a faint sibilance in the lower treble region. Despite this, the tonal balance remained undisturbed. Additionally, the bass had a fuller and richer sound, whether in the sub-bass or mid-bass range. The upper frequencies were kept clean, but the impact of the bass made it sound organic and natural. Overall, listening to the Crimson with WM1A was a truly exceptional experience.
Tempotec V6 - As I was listening to the Crimson with V6, I couldn’t help but notice the forwardness of the vocals in the overall response. The treble was exceptionally smoothed over, and the mid-range vocals were pushed up, resulting in a more vocal-centric sound. However, when it came to the bass, I was pleasantly surprised to find that even though it was well-controlled, it still managed to deliver a powerful punch. The result was a slightly dark, yet energetic response that left me thoroughly impressed.
Simgot DEW4X - As I was listening to music on the Crimson with DEW4X, I couldn't help but notice the transparent response and enhancement over all frequencies. The sound was clearer and more expressive than ever before, with every detail feeling stronger and more potent in the mix. This allowed for better clarity overall, making it easier to hear every note and nuance in the music. However, while the bass and treble did feel a little more linear and clearer, it also made the music sound less organic and natural. The tonality faced a leaner presentation of the notes, which might not be preferable for those who prefer a warmer, more natural sound.
Quloos MUB1 - During my listening experience with the Crimson and MUB1, I couldn’t help but notice how the response of the sound felt soft and rounded. While the detailed aspects of the notes were not as prominent, there was an improved grasp over the tonal quality which made the listening experience quite enjoyable. Another aspect that stood out was the spaciousness of the response, which allowed the vocals to sound open and free. Additionally, the treble felt extensive and airy, while the bass took a backseat in terms of power and impact, resulting in a sound that was warmer and more mellow than before. Overall, the listening experience was quite pleasant.
Comparison Between Symphonium Crimson and Thieaudio Prestige LTD
Despite having similar frequency responses, I found both to be distant in sound, primarily because of the different configuration setups of drivers and synergy across the frequency response spectrum. The Crimson responds in a more fun and lively manner, bringing forth a lot of energy in both the instruments and the vocals. Nonetheless, I do believe that the Prestige LTD generates a sound that is larger and more expansive, with more zing and sparkle in the air and a strong overall contrast in the notes. The Prestige LTD's leaner response sounds a little more mysterious and captivating, but the Crimson does a better job of tonally accurate note depiction than the Prestige LTD. The Prestige has a more U-shaped sound than the Crimson, and as a result, it has a less forgiving and warmer tone with finer details. The Prestige LTD enhances the texture and details more than the Crimson, but the Prestige LTD wins out when it comes to the bass response's natural decay and dynamic physicality. The bass response in the Crimson is more precise and noticeable overall. The energy in the overall mix is more concentrated within Crimson, which accentuates the forwardness and lively response; however, the Prestige LTD produces a well-balanced response that allows for great separation, layering, imaging, and staging in terms of technical sound, resulting in a better perception of depth and width than the Crimson. Overall, I feel the Crimson to be more melodic and delightful to listen to, whilst the Prestige LTD provides an accurate understanding of sound and its features.
Tracks
Millet - Anytime Anywhere
Anri - I can’t stop the loneliness
Kohana Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Uru - Kimino Shiawasewo
Uru - Kamihitoe
Kujira Yumemi - Kenka
Majiko - Kokoronashi
Anly - Sukinishinayo
Miliyah - Kono Yumega Samerumade
Rokudenashi - The Flame Of Love
Yu-Peng Chen - A New Day with Hope
Yu-Peng Chen - Another Hopeful Tomorrow
Yu-Peng Chen - For Riddles, for Wonders
Valentino Khan - Satellite
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Jawns - Erotica
ISOxo - how2fly
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Weeknd - Popular
YUNGBLUD - When We Die(Can We Still Get High)
Bring to Horizon - Kool-Aid
Middle Kids - Bend
FLETCHER - Leads Me On
Loathe - Aggressive Evolution
The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
Sigrid - Burning Bridges
AURORA - Black Water Lilies
AURORA - Runaway
X Ambassadors - Renegades
Lupe Fiasco - Words I Never Said
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Can’t Hold Us
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
Jay-Z - Run This Town
Lady Gaga - Poker Face
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Ladytron - Ghost
Travis - Love Will Come Through
LINKIN PARK - Somewhere I Belong
DJ Shadow - Six Days (Remix)
Hoobastank - The Reason
Ricky Martin - I Don’t Care
Tool - 7empest
Tool - Vicarious
A Flock Of Seagulls - Space Age Love Song
Zack Hemsey - Vengeance
Elton John - I’m Still Standing
The Moody Blues - Nights In White Satin
Micheal Sembello - Maniac
Guns N’ Roses - Sweet Child O’ Mine
A.R. Rahman - Kun Faya Kun
Conclusion
To end this review, What Symphonium Audio strides to achieve and what goals they have set have been validated by Crimson, The precision in quality and redefining the parameters of elegance in sound reproduction is achieved through Crimson. The musical and lively response with robust and cohesive quality across the overall tuning makes it one of the most enjoyable, detailed and engaging IEM. A wonderful and satisfying innovation, to be sure. However, I cannot speak for the audiophile community when it comes to whether the price justifies the overall offering. However, when I compared my beloved PRESTIGE LTD to Crimson, I found the Crimson to be on par with LTD while offering a different taste, so Crimson has my wholehearted recommendation. You won't be able to let them go once you get them on your ears, I promise.
