CVJ CSK: Comfortable Sounding Yet Lacking

What's up again mates, I'm doing another product review from CVJ. As you read my blog or in my posting in Head-fi, I'm doing a lot of reviews of CVJ products and this is their 5th product. CVJ is now releasing their newest entry-level set in under $20/£14.

I'm introducing to you their latest entry- level IEM, The CVJ CSK. The CVJ CSK  has a hybrid set-up consist of one custom Balanced armature and one 10mm Dynamic Driver. It has an aesthetically attractive polycarbonate shell in both base and faceplate that reminds me a mecha theme (probably from Evangelion, especially the choice of colour that I've got). This set will around $13/£10 and will be available online stores.

The fitting of this IEM in my lug holes are quite comfortable and didn't encounter any discomfort at all. The base of its shell has a fin thats sitting comfortably in the concha to provide even more stability.

Its packaging box is identical to other CVJ products and its contents are consist of IEMs, a new OCC Black stock cable, a velcro cable winder for organizing, a velvety brown pouch and some paperworks like basic instructions and warranty card.

CVJ CSK is an easy to drive IEM as it is scales well in decent sources like smartphones, tablets and laptop as they have a low impedance and decent sensitivity rating.

The tuning of this set is a V-shape one as it has an boosted bass, recessed mids and elevated highs.

I will explain the sound characteristic on each part of audio frequency range spectrum.

LOWS/BASS:

The bass quality of this set is impactful, has a good reach of depth and in a boomy side. It has decent amount of sub bass as I feel the rumble on its endpoint, Midbass has an acceptable note texture but my minor gripe on this one that it sounds woolly in most bassy tracks that I listen to as it has a tendency to bleed on the mids. The bass kicks is a little bit soft and  and the sound of bass guitar has less growl and hollow.

MIDS:

The mids are more laid back on the frequency spectrum yet retain its warmth and crisp. Vocals on both gender has an acceptable texture and clarity as each timbre sounds natural, same with Percussive, rhythm and wind instruments also deliver the organic tone of each respective instrument.

HIGHS/TREBLE:

This is where I really impress its part of the tuning of CVJ CSK, the soothing and pleasant sounding of a treble, I didn't perceive that tinny sounding metallic timbre that most of budget range IEMs suffers. The uppermids is somehow smoothen a little bit just gave an ample energy and definition of on overall sound. It has sufficient amount of airiness range. the sound of hi hats are crispy and the crashing of cymbals are glistening and sizzling features.

SOUNDSTAGE AND IMAGING:

The dimensional size of soundstage is more on above average with decent depth and some emphasis on height. The layering and separation of each instrument has adequate sense of spacing. Perceiving on each placement of instruments and the singer is commendable as you locate them acceptable on point .

As I conclude my review, this particular set is somehow still impressive as how it separate and distinct themselves over their contemporary competitors for they are showing some potential on their tuning despite of their shortcomings. CVJ prove themselves that they have a capability to deliver a decent tuned product at decent price.

PROS:

- Cheap and Affordable.

- Decent built quality on its shell.

-  Includes an improved stock cable which is more thicker than previous ones.

-  Overall smooth and relaxed sounding for long listening session.

- That natural timbre quality the you are looking for in a budget segment is what CVJ CSK delivers.

CONS:

- Definitely not for bassheads.

- Occasional midbass bleeds on mids.

- Too basic accessories and freebies included in a box.(Subjective)

SPECIFICATIONS:

MODEL: CVJ CSK

IMPEDANCE: 22Ω

SENSITIVITY: 108dB

FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 10H-40KHz

CABLE LENGTH: 1.25M

PIN TYPE: 0.75MM 2-PIN CONNECTOR

PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm /2.5mm/4.4mm

DRIVER UNITS:  Single 8mm Dynamic Driver and 1 Balanced Armature

Some Tracks Tested: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)

Marianna Leporace- If ( Bread cover) *

Debbie Gibson- Foolish  Beat *'*

Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks *'*

Santana - Europa *

Europe - Final Countdown *

Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*

Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'

Barry White - Never, Never Ever Give You Up

Pearl Jam - Daughter **

Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *

Agent Steel - Bleed for the Godz*

Metallica- Fade to Black **

Camouflage - The Great Commandment *

Queen - Killer Queen **

Michael Jackson - Billie Jean *

Bad Manners - Just a Feeling *

Riot- Warrior *

Mariah Carey- Love Takes Time *

Layla Kaylif - Shakespeare in Love *

Stone Temple Pilots - Plush *

David Bowie - Heroes **

Prince - When the Doves Cry *

Exodus - Metal Command *

Nelly - Luven Me *