PULA AUDIO UNICROM: Firm And Uncompromising Coloured Sounding One

"He is grim and loveless, but at birth he breathes power to strive and slay into a man's soul. What else shall men ask of the gods?"

~~Quote by Robert E. Howard in reference to Crom

PULA AUDIO is apparently one of the most interesting audio companies around that I became quite interested in for the past few months and while they are not a new player in the audio market per se as I saw some of their products a few years ago in Aliexpress and also on Taobao. This is my second product review article from them as I previously reviewed the PULA AUDIO 114 ANVIL last year which became part of my rotational set if I want a fun yet well-done coloured tuning in my listening mood.

This is PULA AUDIO UNICROM, and the  origin of its model name is a combination of the words “Uni”  means single or one which is derived from a Latin word, Unus which means consisting of one (I'm actually a fan of Roman History and learning some basic Classical Latin too) and “Crom” is based on the chief god of Cimmeria from Robert E. Howard's famous sword and sorcery fantasy lore, Conan The Barbarian. And Crom is a type of warrior god that is known for his gloomy and aloof nature as he doesn't give any boons nor blessings on his worshippers but he acknowledged bravery of a warrior that truly worships him as long as he shows courage and perseverance against all odds but still stay firm and stern on his state.

With its namesake, this set has a single driver configuration that features a 10mm dynamic driver with a beryllium-coated diaphragm which has proven performance in which I can truly attest its sound quality given my experience on some of the sets with similar driver configuration. The beryllium-coated diaphragm is known of its excellent acoustic properties due to its stiffness, rigidity and lightweight as its allows to perform an exceptional fast and accurate sound quality with a strong dampening properties that makes it less susceptible from distortion and unwanted prolonged ringing for a smoother, cleaner and detailed sound quality.

The high performance driver was then encapsulated in an UIEM-type shell structure made of a hypoallergenic resin on its cavity base with a maple wood faceplate panel laminated with resin. And as we all know that maple wood also offers an excellent acoustic dampening material as it absorbs some unwanted resonance and sound reflections for a smoother response. It also has a single vent hole and it is situated beneath its connector port and as for its connector, it utilises a proven 0.78mm bi-pin connector as its interlocking mechanism for its detachable cable.

The included stock cable of this one is pretty nifty and quite flexible; it has some balanced build construction and it offers some resistance from entanglement. The cable is constructed from a four-core construction made of silver-plated copper wirings sheathed in a brown-coloured PVC insulator coating and with that material, it offers a seamless audio signal transmission with no loss of data nor distortion issues at all, and there's not a hint of any unwanted microphonics. Another thing that the cable has is that it features a modular termination as you can simply replace its adapter plug to another type of adapter plug for a versatile analogue connectivity, and PULA AUDIO is generous enough to include 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced adapter plugs.

When it comes to wearability, its UIEM-type resin shell design offers an excellent fitting as if that comfortably rests well into our lug holes as it fits perfectly that we wear them for long listening sessions. With its firm and secure fitting, it delivers an excellent passive noise isolation that is capable of blocking unwanted external noises from the outside surroundings.

On how it presents its overall product packaging presentation, it has a medium-size rectangular packaging box with a minimalist design that its cardboard box sleeve with some glittery substance has simple print of audio brand logo and the model name of its forefront and then while on , we can find its specs, company addresses and QR codes. The contents inside are well-organised and it was compartmentalised with a simple cardboard divider for accessories like stock cable and ear tips.

Here the following contents that we can find inside of its packaging box:

• A pair of PULA AUDIO UNICROM transducer pieces.
• Stock cable with modular termination feature.
• 3.5mm plug adapter
• 4.4mm plug adapter
• A cigarette-box type PU-leather storage case
• Three (3) pairs of KB Ear type 08 silicone ear tips in different standard sizes.
• Three (3) pairs of white-coloured balanced bore silicone ear tips in different standard sizes.
• Warranty card

As for its scalability on amplification response, with an impedance rating of 32 ohms and a sensitivity of 101db of sound pressure level, this set is fairly sensitive that it can be driven with a standard gain output that were usually implemented on smartphones, tablets, laptops and PCs on its optimal performance level. And in a 4.4mm balanced gain output mode, I was barely able to reach 40% of volume level. A medium volume level is pretty sufficient that it is able to deliver a fairly loud output with a full and dynamic sound.

As for its tonal profile, The UNICROM has a U-shaped sound signature with a balanced-warmish with a slight vivid tonality on it. It has more emphasis on the lows and high frequencies with a neutrally-tuned midrange.

LOWS/BASS:

In my initial impressions, I thought that in first instances that it has a more mid bass-focused bass response but when I played some tracks with some strong sub bass presence, I just found out that the bass quality of this one is indeed relatively balanced as I clearly felt its deep physicality with an ample texture for slam, although this type of tuning isn't an ideal for ardent bass heads looking for more authoritative and fuller bass response.

I definitely felt that sub bass sensation as it has clear and deep reverberation and rumble produced by synthesisers, drum machines and also from low-tuned strings like bass guitars and double-basses. Meanwhile, the mid bass texture seems to have a rich with ample heft that gives a sufficient note weight on bass-clef instruments and low octave male vocals as the bass guitars sound resonant and sustaining while the double-basses sound rasping with a bit of mellowness, and bass kick drums have a more sonorous and eerie somehow but a bit hollowed in some notation. Deep male vocals like the bass and bass-baritones, while they have that rich and deep reverberating sound from them, it has some lack of dark timbre, warmth and heft to give that strong and powerful tone as some of the singers that possess this distinctive type of vocals like Peter Steele, Barry White and Andrew Eldritch sounds less dusky and dense but rather a bit hollowed and transparent sounding.

Overall, the bass response of this one is definitely rumbly, punchy and precise with some tidiness that it was able to control most of its mid bass bleeding.

MIDRANGE:

Certainly that it has some recession of its presentation on the entirety of its frequency response, that it has a clean and transparent midrange with an ample warmth and at the same time, energetic sound as this part of frequency region has a sufficient note weight for the full and rich sound on male vocals, a more delicate and  expressive sound on female vocals and a clear yet natural sound on the instruments. I also noticed a mild lift in the end of the lower mids and also on upper-mids to have that more frontal vocal presentation and it is also responsible for its transparent sound as PULA AUDIO intended to do so, that if these frequency sections were way too boosted, it might sound thin, nasally or honky.

On male vocals, baritones have smooth, mild  and milder which are more ideal on both light and lyric types of baritone voice, tenors have that clear, dazzling and ringing sound on this set's tuning that makes the accurate and natural sounding and the countertenors have a light, velvety and tender as it delivers a more expressive sound on their falsettos. In regards to female vocals, contraltos have  rich and raspy with a coarse texture on their chesty vocals but it has that lacking of dark tone to convey a moody and intimate vibe, while mezzo-sopranos have that fiery and golden sound to deliver that emotive voices, and then on sopranos, it has crystalline, gleaming and silky sound that makes them an excellent all-rounder on projecting this this vocal type from dramatic up to the coloratura type.

As for instruments, on string ones, guitars have a crisp, balanced and lingering sound from plucking, strumming and riff lines, while violins sound vibrant, lustrous and sweet, and cellos have a lyrical and lively sound on them. When it comes to woodwinds, piccolos have light and brilliant sound, concert flutes have rich, graceful and clear sound, clarinets have lustrous and expressive sound, and saxophones have hollow and reedy sound. The brass instruments known for their buzzing tonality, trumpets sound full with a hint of metallic timbre, while trombones have a powerful and eruptive sound and the horns have warm and clear sound with metallic tone. On the percussives, snares produce a bright and penetrating sound, tom-toms have warm resonance on every stroke, field drums sound full and sonorous, and lastly, the kettledrums have a resonant and dry sound. Pianos have a balanced sound as it has a rich, graceful and clear tone as I'm enjoying listening to some piano tracks from Yiruma.

HIGHS/TREBLE:

On how the treble quality of this one was tuned, it seems that it is on a bit brighter side of tuning but it has a smooth response that makes it more lustrous with a moderate amount of airy extension. As I analyse the entirety of its treble region, it has a noticeable accentuated presence treble section that was carried through from elevation of the upper-mids or probably on the end point of the lower midrange as it gives a more forward presentation on musical elements as it enhances its clarity and definition on the articulation on vocals and a sharper and precise attack on instruments. While I don't hear any sibilance nor harshness, it has some slight tinniness and metallic sound that can be heard.

On its brilliance section it has a moderate airy extension as dynamic drivers with beryllium-coated diaphragm known for this performance and UNICROM possesses it too. It has a well-balanced sparkling brilliance that cymbals have a lustrous sound while hi-hats have a hollow and resonant tone from its chick-y sound. The celestas sound  mellow and sweet while glockenspiels have a bell-like sound on them.

SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING & OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

The perceived sound/speaker stage of this set has moderate-size sound field dimensions as it has a reasonably wide lateral span, good height ceiling but it has less immersive depth as it is somewhat a bit flatter in some instances but somehow it still gives me moderately roomy head room with my aural perception. The stereo imaging projection of this one presents a concave-like stereo presentation with a fairly layered soundscape with good separation on each musical element in which I was able to pinpoint its exact placement within its spatial sonics.

Dynamic driver with beryllium-coated diaphragm known for their exceptional driver coherency and UNICROM have it as it was capable to deliver a fast transient response for the well-defined bass attack and a clear and well-extended treble response with a subdued and low distortion. As for its resolution capabilities, it has a firm macro-dynamics as it was able to differentiate the varying level of loudness and quietness from chorale lines and instrumental passage, and as for its micro-dynamics, it has sharp definition as it was able to exact details, nuances and grains from an audio track like vocal ends, note textures and instrumental reverb tails.

PEER COMPARISONS:

KIWI EARS CADENZA

• The one was priced at US$35, therefore the cheapest one in this product comparison.
• It has a 10mm dynamic driver with beryllium-coated diaphragm and it was housed in a 3D-moulded acrylic resin shell.
• It has a lean stock cable in a four-core structure with  an L-shaped termination plug.
• The sound signature also has a U-shaped sound signature which is quite similar to the UNICROM in terms of tonal character but it has less punchy and tactile bass response, with less energetic midrange and a bit smoother treble response with less airy extension.
• It has a smaller head stage size but it has a bit better depth, a linear stereo imaging presentation with less defined layering and separation, and a bit blunted and softer micro-detail definition.

KB EAR KB 02

• This set is currently priced at US$40 at KEEPHIFI.
• It has a dual driver set-up, aside from its dynamic driver with beryllium-coated diaphragm, it is also paired with a contact-type bone conduction driver and they are encapsulated in a resin shell chassis.
• The cable is alright, although not on par with UNICROM's stock cable and also, it doesn't have a modular termination feature.
• This one has V-shaped sound signature, a rumbly with a sufficient mid bass punch, a recessed midrange with an energetic tuning with enough warmth, and a lustre but less airy treble response.
• It has an average head stage sound but it has a concave-like stereo imaging presentation with just decent layering and separation, and a bit blunted micro-detail definition.

ORIVETI OD200

• The most expensive among its peer comparison products here as it costs around almost $200.
• On its internals, it sports a 9.8mm beryllium-coated dynamic driver that was connected to its proprietary  acoustic pressure technology inside of aluminium alloy shell chassis, and also, it features a detachable tuning nozzle for tonal versatility.
• The stock cable of this one is a bit better on this one as it has a tad thicker profile and also features a modular termination plug with an additional 2.5mm balanced plug adapter.
• Two distinctive tonal profiles that this set has; a mild U-shaped, with a tighter and rumbly bass responsible, less recessed but a bit energetic midrange presentation, and shimmering treble response, and on the other hand, a warmer V-shaped sound which has more punchy and impactful bass response, a recessed but with ample warmth and less energetic midrange and a glossy and a bit veiled treble response.
• It has an above average head stage stage but well-proportionate in a concave-like stereo presentation but less defined layering and depending on the tuning nozzles, it offers a different performance of its resolution capabilities from balanced to sharp definition on its micro-detail retrieval.

SIVGA QUE

• It was priced around US$80 at the time of its release.
• It has a beryllium-plated diaphragm on its 10mm dynamic driver and it was encapsulated in a composite shell chassis made of metal alloy on its cavity base and a maple wood panel faceplate.
• While it has better stock cable as it has more premium build quality but it doesn't have a modular termination feature.
• The tuning of this one is quite similar with the UNICROM as it also has a balanced-warmish U-shaped signature but it has more full mid bass that makes it more punchier and impactful, a recessed but well-balanced midrange presentation as it has an ample warmth and energetic on it, and a bit brighter but a glossy treble response with a good airy extension.
• It presents a moderately spacious soundstage as it has wide lateral span, good height reach and more immersive stage depth in a concave-like stereo imaging presentation and a sharper definition of its micro-dynamics aspect.

To sum up this product review, it's been a while since I've tested a dynamic driver with beryllium-coated diaphragm as I have an optimism on its full potential about this particular transducer technology as it will further continue to develop its performance. It is like that the innovation of dynamic driver is keep evolving after evolving in every generation that will be beneficial for both mass production and scale of economics as these components are getting standardised and streamlined for a high efficiency with a lower cost production of each driver that audio companies will be driven on a very competitive pricing that makes them affordable to its consumers, and PULA AUDIO is one of those audio companies on taking some steps to make its brand more recognisable in a very competitive portable audio market.

PULA AUDIO UNICROM is one of the latest entry-level sets that I think is truly capable and impressive in its own right as it delivers a fast bass response, clean and transparent midrange and a clarity and detailed highs that beryllium-coated dynamic drivers are able to deliver. And I applaud this audio company as they produce a set that is truly a good value for the dosh with its good sound quality at a very affordable price as we will finally enjoy a high fidelity listening experience.

PULA AUDIO UNICROM is now available and upon its availability as there will be a 10% early bird discount for its customers from August 13 up to August 17. Aside from links, I also included a voucher code below.

HIFIGO LINK:

https://hifigo.com/products/pula-unicrom

VOUCHER CODE:

818UNICROM

ALIEXPRESS LINK:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009613860305.html

VOUCHER CODE:

818UNICROM

AMAZON (US) LINK:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJY7SS5S

(Just claimed the discount coupon on the HIFIGO Amazon product page before placing upon ordering this product)

More PULA AUDIO product review?

★PULA AUDIO ANVIL 114

SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: PULA AUDIO UNICROM

IMPEDANCE: 32Ω

SENSITIVITY: 101dB

FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz – 20KHz

CABLE LENGTH: 1.2m

PIN TYPE: 0.78 2-PIN CONNECTOR

PLUG TYPE: (MODULAR) 4.4mm, 3.5mm

DRIVER UNIT(S):  (1) DYNAMIC DRIVER

PROS:

● Solidly built and well-crafted resin shell structure.

● It uses maple wood with laminated resin on its faceplate as woods are also known for their excellent acoustic properties.

● Its UIEM-type shape is pretty ergonomic as it offers comfortable wear and secure fitting for better passive noise isolation.

● Fully-loaded with accessories in its packaging box.

● Two types of stock ear tips to choose from.

● Inclusion of a high quality stock cable and also, it has a modular termination plug feature.

● Pretty easy to drive.

● It has a U-shaped sound signature as it shows a mature tuning of this particular model.

● Clear deep reverberating sub bass presence.

● Punchy and precise bass response

● At least, it delivers that ringing resonance from bass instruments and deep sounding male vocals.

● Clean and transparent midrange with ample warmth and energy.

● Good for vocal tracking on baritones (lyric and light types), tenors, countertenors, contraltos and mezzo-sopranos as its tuning depicts that light, agile, ringing, tender and sweet sound on respective voice types.

● Crisp, vibrant and sustaining sounds on string instruments.

● Expressive and vibrant sounding soprano vocals.

● Delicate and airy sounds on woodwinds.

● Lustrous and airy treble response 

● Fairly roomy head stage with ample layered soundscape.

● Not a hint of harshness nor sibilance.

● Exceptional driver coherency.

● Good detail retrieval.

CONS:

● Coloured sounding sets aren't the exact tonal profile preference by neutral sound advocates.

● It has a slight hollowness and softness on mid bass and low midrange due to its transparent note weight texture.

● Noticeably recessed midrange presentation.

● Instances of a bit of a dry, metallic and tinny sound on some tracks.

● Some treble heads might think that its high frequency response is lacking the brimming brightness that they would enjoy.

TRACKS TESTED: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)

Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *

Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**

Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **

Mountain - Mississippi Queen *

Queen - Killer Queen **

Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*

Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'

Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'

Pearl Jam - Daughter **

Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *

Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*

Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *

New Order - Blue Monday *

The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *

Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *

The Madness- Buggy Trousers *

Metallica - Motorbreath **

Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *

Destiny's Child - Say My Name *

Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *

Mozart - Lacrimosa *

New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *

Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*

Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *

Exciter - Violence and Force *

Diana Krall - Stop This World **

Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*

The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**

Suzanne Vega – Luka **

Lauren Christy – Steep *

Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *

Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*

Type O Negative - Black No.1 *

Felix Ayo - Vivaldi: Presto **

Three Tenors - Nessum Dorma *

Mercyful Fate - Witches' Dance *

P.S.

I am not affiliated to PULA AUDIO nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to Ms. Alex Cheuk of HIFIGO for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate her generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.