CVJ CSA in Ear Monitor, Dual Magnetic DD and 1BA in-Ear Earphone Noise Isolating IEM Earphone/Earbud/Headphone with Resin Cavity,Wired Earbuds with 0.75mm 2Pin Detachable Cable(with Mic, Black)

Ok, Context first: I have a number of headphones and earbuds, from $3 cheapos to $300+ ANCs and "audiophile" from brands you'd recognize. (No Stax, but I really don't want to find out $2000 headphones are worth it, ya know?) And I have better than average hearing, confirmed by audiologist testing, as I've protected my ears from a young age. And I don't give a lot of 5-star reviews, for anything.For the price, there aren't enough stars. Independent of price, it's hard to justify spending any more. Especially if this is the style of sound you prefer. Get them.Now, bear in mind when reading reviews for these and others: There are two main styles of sound design for quality IEMs like these: "U-shaped curve" and "flat." U-shaped really turn up the knob on both bass and treble -- if you have blown out your ears and think most sound lacks highs and/or really like a "club" / "Beats" style of exaggerated bass, you'll need to find a different style IEM, or use an equalizer with these. These are flat, or "neutral", but the bass _is_ there, the treble _is_ there... but as it's supposed to be, not cranked up cartoonishly, unlike anything shy of _substantially_ more money. They are closed-backed, not open-backed, so some will feel the soundstage is less expansive, and I would tend to agree, but that's not a dig, just a style comment.Added bonus, if you're sensitive to this kind of thing, the tube bit you actually insert into your ear is on the smaller side. I wish this were something that was measured and published with every decent earphone, honestly. Bigger is not better, just more uncomfortable!They arrive in very packaging with a "luxury" feeling. I've certainly spent MUCH more for products that were packaged in horrid clamshells with palpable hate. Getting these was quite a nice surprise, just opening the Amazon box.All the stupid standard superlatives apply "hear things you've never heard before," "lifted veils," whatever. Read stereophile or a thesaurus if you need that confirmation.They are a little awkward/large to wear, compared to buds, but that's unavoidable with this style, and they do stay in place. The benefits you gain from the sound quality drastically outweigh that downside.For the record: i paid for these myself, bought them after too much research on the internet (especially for the price.. but I also hesitated because of the price... "Less than thirty bucks? They can't be _that_ good, can they?") and bought a couple different pairs in different styles. If you want flat/neutral and comfortable (for an IEM that isn't custom-molded), these are a no-brainer. I'm looking forward to trying new, more expensive styles from this brand... but mostly because I have a masochistic inability to be happy with my audio gear, not because there's really any reason to upgrade from these.They won't replace my ANCs for air-travel (I don't think... but we'll see), nor will they replace my small, don't-even-notice-they're-there poor-sound little disposable earbuds for under ear protectors when working with power tools, but they they are my go-to favorites out of a big pile of candidates -- I'm reviewing them here because I'm also raving about them to all my friends, and looking forward to what else this company creates!

The CVJ CSA is a bright-sounding IEM with a neutral bass presentation. It sounds best at low-to-moderate volumes. The CVJ CSA is easy to drive with a variety of source devices. While CVJ should be applauded for offering an alternative to the dominant tuning in this price range, the CSA needs further refinement, particularly in its upper midrange presentation.PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES:The CVJ CSA comes in a small rectangular wooden box. The lid of the box is inscribed with the CVJ logo and tagline in silver text. The rear of the box is inscribed with CVJ's contact information. There is also a sticker listing technical specifications specific to the CSA. This is a novel presentation for such an inexpensive IEM. The package includes a detachable .75mm 2-pin cable with a 3.5mm termination, three pairs of white silicone eartips (S, M, L), and a small brown drawstring pouch marked with the CVJ logo. A velcro zip-tie is affixed to the cable. Also included are a quality control pass chit, a user manual, and a warranty card. BUILD QUALITY / DESIGN:The CVJ CSA uses a two-part plastic shell. The inner body of the shell is clear, revealing the internal components. The faceplate is painted with a shiny white carbon fiber pattern. The CVJ logo is printed in black on the faceplate. There is a small circular vent on the inner face of the housing above the dynamic driver. The top of the inner shell is marked with white "L" and "R" indicators. The nozzles have soup strainer-like metal nozzle grills and substantial lips for securing eartips. The use of plastic as the primary shell material is acceptable given the low price point but there are many IEMs around or below the CSA in cost that utilize all-metal construction or at least metal faceplates. The included cable is simple, with four black rubber sheathed strands. It strongly resembles the cables found on entry-level TRN headphones. The cable does tend to tangle when shoved into the included fabric pouch. The Y-split and jack hardware are anodized black metal. The CVJ logo is printed in white on the 3.5mm jack hardware. There is strain relief above the 3.5mm jack and below the Y-split but there is no chin-adjustment slider. The cable has pre-formed heat-shrink ear guides. "L" and "R" indicators are embossed on the 2–pin connectors. COMFORT / FIT / ISOLATION:The CVJ CSA is intended to be worn cable-up only. The earpieces have a moderate insertion depth and were comfortable for me. The housings are low profile and sit mostly below the outer surface of the ear. Secureness of fit is average. The angle of the housings in the ear tends to shift throughout wear and requires occasional readjustment, though the CSA sits more securely than the KBEAR KB04. Isolation is slightly above average for an IEM with vented dynamic drivers. I did experience driver flex with the CSA with most of the silicone eartips I tried. SOUND:Sub-bass extension is fair. The sub-bass draws the listener's attention more than the mid-bass. The bass response has good speed and articulation but is lacking in texture. Bass resolution is good overall. The midrange has a cool tonality with plenty of presence. There is not enough mid-bass to bleed into or color the midrange. The lower midrange is thin-sounding and recessed compared to the upper midrange. Male vocal intelligibility is average and there is little body to male vocals. Female vocals have better intelligibility. There is quite a bit of sibilance, especially with female vocals. Female vocals sound fuller and more colorful than male vocals. Female vocals are forward of midrange instrumentation, while male vocals must compete with electric guitars and other instruments for the listener's attention. The treble response is uniformly elevated in line with the prominent upper midrange. The treble sparkly, detailed, and airy. Transient delivery is slightly diffuse and splashy-sounding. Soundstage width and depth are in line with my expectations for a budget hybrid IEM. Instrument separation and imaging are both excellent.

This is the only pair of in ear monitors I have ever owned. I use them instead of earbuds to listen to music. The reason for using the monitors is I wear them while working on remodeling in my house. Instead of wearing ear plugs while using a saw and nail gun I use the in ear monitors to block out external noise while listening to music.I use large foam form fitting ear pieces instead of what comes with the JVC monitors. They block external noise better.