TinHiFi T2 Plus Review
Tags: Review, Tech, Music, Headphones, Audio

INTRODUCTION AND DISCLAIMER:

The TinHiFi T2 Plus is an in-ear monitor (IEM) using a 10mm nickel-zinc alloy dynamic driver. The T2 Plus retails for $59 at Shenzhen Audio. I received the T2 Plus from Shenzhen Audio in exchange for a fair and objective review.

SOURCES:

I have used the TinHiFi T2 Plus with the following sources:

JDS Labs The Element

Apple USB-C to 3.5mm dongle

Meizu HiFi Pro dongle

Fiio BTR1K Apt-X Bluetooth Receiver

Qudelix 5K

I have tested these headphones with local FLAC and Spotify Premium. Visit my last.fm page to get an idea of what I listen to.

PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES:

The TinHiFi T2 Plus comes in a rectangular blue box with a white slipcover. The box and slipcover are mostly unmarked, with the TinHifi logo the only emblem of note. The package includes a detachable MMCX cable, 12 silicone eartips (2x small, 2x medium, 2x large), 1 pair of foam eartips, and a user manual. I would have liked to see some kind of carry bag or case included with the T2 Plus at this price point but I am glad to see the foam eartips.

BUILD QUALITY / DESIGN:

The TinHiFi T2 Plus has simple aluminum alloy teardrop-shaped housings reminiscent of the Blon BL-03. The housings have two circular vents, one on the inner face of the housing in line with the nozzle, and one at the base of the housing just above the seam between the faceplate and the inner housing face. “TINHiFi” and the unit serial number are printed in white at the top of the inner housing face. “L” and “R” are inscribed into the inner faces of the housings. The nozzles have a small lip to secure eartips.

Each strand of the 4-core MMCX cable has a transparent 200D Kevlar sheath. The Y-split and straight 3.5mm jack hardware are metal, and there is a clear bead-like chin adjustment slider. There is strain relief above the 3.5mm jack. and there is no chin slider. In addition to printed “L” and “R” indicators, the right MMCX connector has a red rim. The cable has pre-formed rubber ear guides.

COMFORT / FIT / ISOLATION:

The TinHiFi T2 Plus is intended to be worn cable-up only. The earpieces have a shallow-to-moderate insertion depth and should be very comfortable for most listeners. The housings are low profile and sit mostly below the outer surface of the ear. Secureness of fit is great, but isolation is average. I did not experience driver flex with the TinHiFi T2 Plus using the stock foam eartips, Moondrop MIS foam eartips, or SednaEarfit XELASTEC TPE eartips.

MEASUREMENTS:

My measurements were conducted with a Dayton iMM-6 microphone using a vinyl tubing coupler and a calibrated USB sound interface. The headphones are driven using my Element, which has an output impedance of no more than 1 ohm. The measurements use a compensation file derived from relating my raw measurements to published measurements from Crinacle and Antdroid. The measurements are presented with 1/24th smoothing. There is a resonant peak at 8k. Measurements above 10k are not reliable.

SOUND:

Note: The following impressions are from use with the stock foam eartips.

The TinHifi T2 Plus has a warm U-shaped tuning with a mid-bass emphasis.

The sub-bass is well-extended, and the mid-bass is impactful without being bloated. There is a satisfying amount of slam and rumble. The bass response has good speed and articulation. The bass is also very textured and quite resolving. There is some mid-bass bleed, but the bass response tapers off early enough to avoid creating too much congestion.

The midrange is smooth if a little thin sounding. The lower midrange is less prominent than the upper midrange and vocals are emphasized over instruments in the midrange. I would have preferred slightly more body to the lower midrange. Male vocals are slightly less prominent than female vocals, though vocal intelligibility for both male and female vocals is great most of the time. Female vocals have a breathy, wet quality to them but avoid sibilance. Timbre is realistic if slightly dry.

The treble response is detailed and mostly even-sounding across the lower treble. There is more lower-treble than upper treble, but the upper treble has good extension. There is abundant sparkle and adequate air. The speed of transient delivery is realistic but there is a sense of ringing with some cymbal crashes. While these crashes jump out at the listener I did not find the treble response harsh or painful to listen to.

The soundstage is expansive for a single dynamic driver IEM. Instrument separation is very good. Imaging is good but not exceptional.

AMPLIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SOURCE PAIRING:

The TinHifi T2 Plus is easy to drive with a variety of source devices. I did not notice hiss with any of my sources.

CLOSING WORDS:

The $50–75 segment is something of a desert. IEMs in this segment typically have at least one crippling flaw or do not adequately justify their price premium over products in the $40–50 price range. I am happy to say this is not the case with the TinHiFi T2 Plus. While there is technical performance to be gained from IEMs in the $75–100 range, the T2 Plus stands out in its price range for its near-universal competency.