Kiiboom Evoke: The Best In-Ear Earbuds for the Money?
I am delighted to have the opportunity once again to share my thoughts on the remarkable in-ear monitors (IEMs) hailing from the esteemed KiiBOOM brand. As a collective of diverse and passionate enthusiasts with various areas of expertise, they have consistently delivered exceptional audio products. This time, we delve into the pinnacle of their range, the illustrious Evoke model, which stands proudly alongside its sibling, the Allure. Boasting a configuration that incorporates the timeless triple driver setup of 1 Dynamic Driver (1DDD) and 2 Balanced Armature (2BA) drivers, the Kiiboom Evoke showcases a level of craftsmanship and sonic brilliance that is truly unparalleled.
At the heart of the KiiBoom Evoke lies a dynamic driver with a diameter of 10mm, featuring a meticulously engineered liquid crystal polymer diaphragm (LCP). This specialized diaphragm material has been carefully chosen to prioritize acoustic precision, resulting in a tonal signature reminiscent of high-end studio monitors.
The sonic translation of this design philosophy becomes evident as the Evoke renders thunderous sub-bass impact while maintaining a neutral midrange, thus ensuring accurate tonality for both instruments and vocals. It’s an experience that encapsulates the essence of a physical studio monitor with the added benefit of a subwoofer, all neatly packaged within a headphone design. Let’s take a look at the rest of this model’s goodness in the following review.
Table of Contents
Unboxing
When you open the box, you’ll find an impressive extra-large zipper carrying case that is designed with meticulous attention to detail. The case is not only functional but also visually appealing, with its sleek design and premium feel. It features a soft felt lining that provides an extra layer of protection for your valuable belongings. The thoughtfully designed compartments inside the case ensure that everything stays organized and secure.
Design of Kiiboom Evoke
The KiiBOOM Evoke boasts an exceptional design feature in its resin shells, which are exquisitely crafted to provide a comfortable and semi-custom fit for the majority of users. The shape of these shells is so well thought out that wearing the Evoke for extended periods becomes a breeze. The ingenious design extends to the cable, which effortlessly loops around your ears, further enhancing the comfort factor. I can confidently say that throughout my experience with the Evoke, I encountered no discomfort whatsoever, regardless of the duration for which I wore them.
Once you find the perfect set of tips to suit your ears, the fit of the KiiBOOM Evoke is truly remarkable. The housing shape is expertly designed to accommodate a wide range of individuals, making it an ideal choice for most users. Moreover, these earphones are impressively compact and lightweight, contributing to a secure fit that stays in place, even during active movement.
In terms of isolation, the KiiBOOM Evoke performs exceptionally well. While it may not offer the same level of isolation as a sealed Balanced Armature-based earphone, it surpasses the performance of the Allure. Although there is a vent present, which allows for some degree of airflow, the Evoke still manages to provide a commendable level of isolation. This makes it an excellent option for daily use and commuting purposes, as it effectively blocks out external noise, allowing you to immerse yourself in your audio experience.
Sound Quality of Kiiboom Evoke
Low
With a remarkable single 10mm dynamic driver dedicated to handling the lower frequencies, these earphones exhibit an exceptional level of control when it comes to transient response. It’s truly impressive how they manage to maintain such tightness and precision while still delivering a satisfying kick that effortlessly extends down to the sub-bass region. The bass reproduction is incredibly well-behaved, striking a perfect balance that never overwhelms or dominates the overall sound signature. Yet, it possesses a certain richness and depth that adds a delightful fullness to the listening experience.
What stands out most about these earphones is their ability to hit with impactful weight and authority, without allowing the decay to linger unnecessarily. The punchy kick drums sound remarkably realistic, achieving a tone that many other earphones struggle to replicate accurately. This authenticity in sound reproduction enhances the overall musicality and offers a level of immersion that is truly captivating.
Notably, these earphones cater to fans of pop and electronic-based music, providing an engaging and enjoyable listening experience. Despite their ability to deliver powerful bass, they manage to avoid the pitfalls of being overly bass-heavy and muddy, ensuring that the other elements of the music are not overshadowed. The result is a well-balanced soundstage that allows all frequencies to coexist harmoniously, creating a cohesive and pleasurable sonic presentation.
Mid-Range
The hybrid design of these audio devices truly excels in its ability to separate the lower midrange from the bass region, ensuring minimal to no bleeding of dynamic bass frequencies into the lower midrange. This remarkable feature allows for an unparalleled level of detail to shine through without any masking effects. However, it’s important to note that despite this emphasis on clarity, the midrange does not come across as thin or lacking in substance. Quite the opposite.
The midrange reproduction of these devices is impressively linear, devoid of any artificial boosts or noticeable peaks that may induce listener fatigue. It effortlessly delivers a balanced and natural tonality that enhances the overall listening experience. Even when playing tracks with heavy bass lines, the vocals remain prominent and never get overshadowed or drowned out. They maintain their rightful place, both in terms of quantity and quality, ensuring that every lyric and vocal nuance is conveyed with utmost clarity and presence.
The midrange of the Evoke devices possesses a warm and inviting character that captivates the listener. Its tonal balance strikes a harmonious chord, allowing for extended listening sessions without any listening fatigue. Whether you’re enjoying your favorite music or immersing yourself in an engaging podcast, Evoke’s midrange performance guarantees an effortless and enjoyable audio journey that is both immersive and captivating.
High
Positive Aspects: When it comes to the highs, the Evoke earphones exhibit a slight restraint compared to the rest of the audio spectrum. However, it’s important to note that these earphones are by no means dark-sounding. While they may lack that initial bite and thrilling quality typically associated with treble, they compensate with an effortlessly smooth and highly detailed high-frequency presentation. Unlike some other headphones that forcefully push the treble forward, creating an artificial sense of detail, the Evoke takes a step back, offering a more natural listening experience that allows you to appreciate the subtle nuances without experiencing fatigue.
Despite this more reserved approach, the treble remains present and vibrant. The Evoke earphones prove themselves to be far from dull, as evidenced by tracks like Slipknot’s “Duality,” where the treble is consistently audible and not overshadowed by other elements in the mix. Furthermore, there is an ample amount of air and extension in the higher frequencies, ensuring a well-rounded and complete sound reproduction. Rather than trying to impress with an in-your-face treble, the Evoke provides a balanced signature that offers a holistic audio experience from the lowest to the highest notes.
Instrument clarity
The soundstage experience provided by the Evoke earphones is truly noteworthy. While it may not boast an expansive size, it compensates with an impressively balanced width, allowing for a pleasant and immersive auditory environment. One of the standout qualities of the soundstage is its ability to evenly distribute instruments throughout the space, resulting in exceptional stereo imaging. Each instrument finds its rightful place in the sonic landscape, preventing any sense of confinement or claustrophobia. Moreover, the treble response of the Evoke adds an exquisite touch of airiness to the overall soundstage, further enhancing the listener’s experience.
In terms of instrument separation, the Evoke earphones truly shine. The bass reproduction is not only full-bodied but also meticulously controlled, striking a harmonious balance that adds depth and richness to the music. The incorporation of two balanced armature (BA) drivers in the earphones further contributes to an impeccable separation of various sound elements. This meticulous driver arrangement creates a coherent and well-defined audio presentation, allowing each instrument to maintain its individuality and shine through without any muddiness or overlap. Consequently, the Evoke earphones offer a remarkable level of separation that truly elevates the listening experience to new heights.
One of the key attributes of Evoke’s performance is its ability to avoid any hint of congestion. Thanks to its snappy transients, the earphones excel at delivering precise and controlled sound reproduction. This characteristic grants the listener an exceptional level of command over the music, allowing for a detailed and nuanced listening experience. The crisp and well-defined transients work in harmony with the overall sound signature, ensuring that no notes are blurred or rushed, and enabling the listener to appreciate the subtle nuances and intricacies of the music.
Verdict of Kiiboom Evoke
The KiiBOOM Evoke stands out as a highly promising early model in the ever-evolving landscape of in-ear monitors (IEMs). With its unique blend of features and qualities, it caters to the preferences of audio enthusiasts who appreciate an emphasis on bass presence and a softer treble.
One of the standout characteristics of the Evoke is its warm tonality, which lends a pleasing and immersive audio experience. The enhanced bass response creates a sense of depth and richness, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy genres like hip-hop, EDM, or any music that benefits from a strong low-end foundation.
What truly sets the KiiBOOM Evoke apart is its surprising level of resolution and well-organized soundstage. Despite its warm signature, the Evoke manages to maintain clarity and detail across the frequency range, allowing individual elements of a composition to shine through with impressive precision. Whether it’s the delicate strumming of a guitar or the intricate nuances of a vocalist’s performance, Evoke faithfully reproduces the subtle intricacies that make each song unique. Moreover, the soundstage provides a sense of depth and spatial separation, immersing the listener in a three-dimensional sonic environment.
Another advantage of the KiiBOOM Evoke is its excellent passive noise isolation. The well-designed shells effectively block out ambient noise, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in their favorite tracks without any distractions. Whether you’re on a busy commute or in a noisy office environment, the Evoke ensures that the music remains the focal point, providing a private and immersive listening experience.
End
In summary, the KiiBOOM Evoke is a remarkable entry into the IEM market, offering a warm tonality, enhanced bass presence, and softer treble. Its surprising resolution and well-organized soundstage contribute to an engaging listening experience. Additionally, the attention to detail in its design and the excellent passive noise isolation make it a compelling choice for discerning audio enthusiasts.
