There’s a notion in us when hearing the word Tin, being a metal itself has the “sturdy” linked to it but not the type that will stand some beating. Then there’s the Tin which we all know is associated with cheap and low-end. For a company to use Tin in its company name shows their gamble or they might have a reason for choosing otherwise which we might know soon. What we have now to realview is the Tin Audio T2, the successor to their former audiophile offering, the T1. It can be purchased at Amazon and AliExpress for $49.99. I would like to thank Tin Audio for sending the T2 in exchange for an honest review. The Tin Audio T2 is a dual dynamic IEM in 10mm woofer + 6mm tweeter configuration with an Impedance of 16Ω, 12-40000Hz FR and sporting the comeback of the MMCX interface. Tin Audio’s slogan of “Listen and Enjoy every day” will be put to the test with the T2 as its champion.
Packaging and Build Quality
Packaged in a glossy white rectangular cardboard box, printed on the lower left front is the TIN HIFI branding and the T2 model name on the upper front corner. The Tin Audio is also present and is well-thought, one that I would be proud to parade. Opening the cardboard box reveals the matte navy-blue book with a cream palette interior which is very pleasing to the eye, Tin Audio nailed this one. The manual covers the T2 underneath. Laying my eyes on T2 for the 1st time is a very positive experience, only the rounded edges and the color resembles the T1. Checking the manuals description for the T2’s color shows “gun color” which I think is intended to be Gun Metal. The IEM itself has heft to it and feels premium.
It has a vent on the round faceplate and another on the lower portion of the nozzle, using the foams attached on the T2 didn’t block the vent went in use which is unlike other IEMs which is blocked right away when used failing to function as a vent otherwise.
The cable is supple and uses the round braid, it is a 1.2M 5N OFC silver-plated wire. The male MMCX interface on the cable is transparent which adds to its sleek look with L and R markings respectively. The 3.5mm Carbon fiber gold-plated straight plug used on this one was already turning silver after a week’s use however the 3.5mm plug itself is still gold-plated which is the important thing. Microphonics is minimal and the Y-split and 3.5mm plug has adequate strain relief, no cable cinch was present and the included silicon tips was left untouched and unopened ever since. No pouch and case were provided as well. The mentioned vents would be put to the test in our Sound analysis.
Tonality
The Tin Audio T2 fresh off the box was already sounding flat and after the recommended 50-hour burn in period which is observed for this case since the T2 is a dual dynamic IEM. Listening to MJ’s The Girl is Mine in DSD on the Opus 1 was a smooth and easy experience. The lows were defined, the midrange articulate and the highs crisp. Progressing through MJ’s Thriller album supplemented the fact that the T2 is indeed a balanced sounding product.
Lows
Get your bass clean and lean, that is true for the seafood and the T2’s bass performance. MJ’s Wanna Be Startin Something in DSD on the Opus 1 delivered a full-bodied bass impact with a non-overbearing subbass. Adding a bump on the T2’s low-end will greatly alter the experience and signature so a controlled bass aspect as appreciated. The lows on the T2 knows when to provide you the clean and lean bass and when not to.
Mids
Tin Audio’s Midrange is its cherry on top. MJ’s Heal The World in DSD on the Opus 1 provided a lush outcome specially on the 1:45 to 2:02 part. Vocal range was well pronounced and the male and female vocals were realistic. It is clear that this is made for listening to acoustic music. The midrange of the T2 will be the reason you’d be wanting to add this on your shopping cart.
Highs
No peaks and no shrills. Lenny Kravitz’s Always On The Run in 16/44 on the Opus 1 was fun way of exploring the T2’s highs, it hovers on borderline bright yet still pleasant to the ears, no piercing highs and the treble is distinct on this. Considering how the highs works coherently with the non-overbearing bass of the T2 ensures the owner to a relaxing experience. This might not satisfy listeners who put a premium on the treble extension and sparkle but for a critical listener who adores their audio all flat, this is a great deal.
Soundstage and Imaging
Remember those vents? That is the only time you’d ever get a sense of being airy if there was ever one on the T2. Covering the vents indeed altered the signature which made the soundstage too intimate when covered, I’m glad this a functional design and not some gimmick to add to the aesthetic aspect of the T2. The T2 exhibits a pub-like staging which reinforces the affinity it has for the acoustic genre. Imaging was tight and articulate; each instrument is distinguishable most of the time. Clarity comes a close 2nd to the T2’s midrange for its primary weapon of choice.
Synergy
Get a neutral sounding DAP, pair it with the Tin Audio T2 and that is where you will get its optimal performance. The Opus 1 had 90% of the share for this realview for the fact that it compliments the T2 very well. Pairing the T2 with a warm DAP like the Sony ZX1 will make you lose interest on the T2 faster unless you are a guy who uses it on the go and getting an ambience of “Hmmm” is your cup of tea. The T2 when paired with the Hidizs AP200 was a close call between the Opus 1, I just found the highs on the T2 too emphasized.
Conclusion
The Tin Audio provides a balanced sounding affair, a great stock cable (note that I was able to carefully unscrew the 3.5mm gold plug and see the internal solders it has without the cable breaking apart) and excellent build quality makes at an easy product to love. Adding a cable cinch and a pouch or case and the T2 warrants a “must-buy” recommendation regardless of the competition it is facing on the $49.99 market. It is with joy that we can say Tin Audio T2 proudly embodies Tin Audio’s slogan of “Listen and Enjoy every day”.
