TinHiFi T2 DLC Review
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INTRODUCTION AND DISCLAIMER:
The TinHiFi T2 DLC is a new revision of TinHiFi’s famed T2 in-ear monitor (IEM). The T2 DLC features a new 10mm dynamic driver with a diamond-like carbon diaphragm and adopts 2-pin connectors for the detachable cable interface. The T2 DLC retails for $52.51 directly from TinHiFi at the time of writing this review. TinHiFi sent me a unit in exchange for my impressions.
SOURCES:
I have used the TinHiFi T2 DLC with the following sources:
- Qudelix 5K
- Hidizs S9
MUSIC:
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:
XenosBroodLord’s Library | Last.fm
PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES:
The TinHiFi T2 DLC comes in a small rectangular black box. The TinHiFi logo and the text “T2” are printed on the top of the box in white. Inside the box is a second black-and-beige cardboard container designed to resemble a book. The top lid of this container features TinHiFi’s logo inlaid in silver. This “book” unfolds right-to-left, revealing the IEMs held in a foam mounting block. The included cable, accessories, and documentation are stored below this block.
The T2 DLC includes six pairs of silicone eartips (2xS, 2xM, 2xL) and one pair of the iconic teal TinHiFi foam eartips. A TinHiFi-branded velcro zip tie is also included. In terms of documentation, the T2 DLC includes a user manual and a contact card featuring scannable quick-response codes that link to TinHiFi’s Facebook and Twitter pages. The T2 DLC does not include a carry pouch or case.
BUILD QUALITY AND DESIGN:
Apart from the switch from MMCX to 2-pin, the TinHiFi T2 DLC largely resembles its venerable predecessor. The IEM is composed of a three-part polished metal assemblage. The faceplate is circular in shape and is marked with the TinHiFi logo in light blue. The bottom of the outer section of each housing has a pinprick circular vent, as does the back face of the midsection. The nozzles have perforated metal nozzle covers and substantial lips to secure eartips. The 2-pin ports are flush fit into a circular base that matches the cable-side pin connector base in diameter. This base is marked with a dab of blue paint to indicate polarity. The base on the right-hand side IEM and the base of the 2-pin connector of the right-hand side cable are made of red plastic. The corresponding left-hand side bases are clear resin. The cable and IEM housings otherwise lack directional indicators.
The included 2-pin cable uses a complex eight-strand braid below the Y-split and twin quad-braids above the Y-split. The cable has strain relief above the straight 3.5mm jack and below the Y-split hardware. The cable hardware is polished metal without any branding. The 3.5mm jack hardware does feature two knurled bands. The cable features pre-formed earguides and a plastic bead chin-adjustment choker. The cable is mildly microphonic.
COMFORT, FIT, AND ISOLATION:
The TinHiFi T2 DLC is intended to be worn cable-up. The earpieces have a moderate insertion depth. I found the T2 DLC to be average in comfort. Secureness of fit and isolation are above average. There is no driver flex.
MEASUREMENTS:
My measurements of the TinHiFi T2 DLC can be found on my expanding squig.link database:
TinHiFi T2 DLC — Squiglink by Bedrock Reviews
SOUND:
The TinHiFi T2 DLC has a Harman-ish tuning that strongly resembles the Moondrop Aria.
The T2 DLC features a sub-bass region that is more elevated than the mid-bass region, a comparatively recessed lower midrange, a broadly yet moderately elevated upper midrange, and a treble region that is slightly less emphasized than the upper midrange.
The T2 DLC’s sub-bass extension is above average but not exceptional. There is a satisfying amount of weight and impact to percussion. The speed of bass articulation is average. Bass texture is very good, and bass resolution is above average. There is a mild amount of mid-bass bleed, but in my opinion, this is a trade-off worth making for bass impact and lower midrange body.
Considering its price, the T2 DLC has a very natural-sounding midrange. Male vocals are vibrant and have excellent body, though harsh male vocals do sound slightly smoothed over. Vocals sit above midrange instrumentation but do not overshadow it. Midrange timbre is generally very good, but there is a smidge of compression to analog percussion. Overall midrange clarity is excellent, and the level of presence is generally appropriate. Distorted electric guitars do sound a hair overdriven.
The T2 DLC has a competent if unexciting treble response. There is a moderate amount of lower treble which prevents cymbals from disappearing completely into the mix, but there is an audible dip in the mid-treble which robs those cymbals of sparkle. With that said, the T2 DLC has very good upper treble extension. Overall resolution and detail retrieval are average at best, but imaging, instrument separation, and the size of the T2 DLC’s soundstage are very good for a single dynamic driver design at this price point.
AMPLIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SOURCE PAIRING:
The TinHiFi T2 DLC is easily driven to a usable listening volume. I did not notice hiss with either of my devices.
SIMILARLY PRICED ALTERNATIVES:
Listeners in search of a slightly more aggressive but still coherent presentation should look at the Truthear Zero, which features a more defined sub-bass shelf and slightly more upper midrange presence. However, the Zero is much more difficult to drive than the T2 DLC.
CLOSING WORDS:
The TinHiFi T2 DLC is competent in all respects and is a great addition to TinHifi’s lineup. I could not ask for more from an IEM with a street price of around $50, and I am happy to recommend the T2 DLC to new IEM listeners.
The TinHiFi T2 DLC can be purchased below:
