Ikko OH10 in-Ear Monitor, Detachable Design in-Ear Headphone/Earphone,10mm Dynamic Drive + Knowles 33518 Balanced Drive Dual Hybrid

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The tuning can likely be characterized as ‘safe.’ It’s a popular (for good reason) sort of sound signature that makes most music sound great. What’s remarkable is how well it’s done in this case. Sure, there may be trade-offs in ultimate imaging, high-end extension, or midrange presence. But the resulting pleasing, energetic, and clear sound signature makes it evident that IKKO crafted these IEMs with eyes (and ears) fully open. Comparisons

A technology enthusiast since he was a kid, Alberto is not overly attracted by novelties for the sake of themselves, he’s indeed not a compulsive gear roller, and is interested in understanding why and how a given piece of equipment produces better or worse results. His articles are about sharing his experience with the hope that it may be useful to others on the same quest. The OH10 treble perks up again and adds a clear and energetic quality to the music reproduction. Thankfully it doesn’t stray into sibilance or excessive brightness but adds a good counterbalance to the weighty low end. Things sound articulate, with decent resolution and impression of space and air. The sheer number of ear tips included with the Gems is impressive and can likely be attributed to the unusual oval-shaped nozzles on the IEMs. While the foam tips are standard round-shaped versions (albeit quite short), all the silicone tips are longer and oval-shaped. The vast majority of my listening was done with my iPhone paired to the IKKO Zerda ITM01 portable DAC/ amp and my portable rig comprised of a Hidizs AP 80 Pro DAP and a Chord Mojo. The Gems plugged into the IKKO Zerda DAC/amp. Last week I’ve tested some smooth, relaxing and warm sounding IEMs that could be listened to no end, but today some very bold, mean and visceral music making machines will be hitting my ear drums unmercifully. I’ve already met IKKO Audio when their OH1 hybrid IEMs landed on my table somewhere in 2019, but their newer OH10 feels like a completely different animal, even if both share the same hybrid architecture, shape and body.The 2-pin connector housings, Y-split and right-angled plug are all matching aluminium. The cable handles and drapes well with minimal microphonics. Overall, it’s a decent cable but is slightly underwhelming for an IEM in this price range. Sound While flailing about for proper alliterative text, I typed “ the rumble down under.” This led me to Google it to see if this is an actual saying. It turns out that this turn of phrase was the name of a great video game level that I haven’t played for a decade or so. I hereby commit to adding this saying to the current common vernacular.

Nevertheless, pairing the Ibasso DX150 with the Gems OH1S still produced a good overall synergy. Overall tonality is pleasing with a clear and transparent presentation, which makes it easy to enjoy listening to minute details. They are medium to drive, any high quality DAP will do just fine, like the Shanling M3X, FiiO M11, or iBasso DX150. The comfort is not exactly perfect because they are a bit heavy, but the silicone ear guides do an excellent job at supporting that weight in such a way that you don’t really feel it. These are not a bass-boosted pair of IEMs, and they impart an impressive level of clarity and coherence. Thankfully, the Gems do this without all-too-common unpleasantly harsh-sounding peakiness and remain natural and fairly smooth throughout the audible frequency range. I don’t consider them recessed, nor bass-light, rather I hear their tuning as more neutral and flat, without being too sterile for enjoyment. IKKO Gems frequency response graph as measured on a IEC 603118-4 compliant occluded ear simulator (OES). Bass Does very well in the bass and technicalities department but not so much in the midrange and the treble.NM2+ treble is more forward and has added density making it very accurate and precise but brighter in tone. The NF Audio IEM has more accurate imaging and a holographic albeit smaller soundstage, in part, due to it’s lighter bass and crisper treble. OH10 would be better suited for those who like a fuller bass response and smoother treble. Conclusion In reality, OH10 are one of the most beautiful entry-level IEMs I’ve held in my hands. Their shells are carved on a CNC machine, they used pure copper and you can actually feel the added weight it brought to the table. OH10 are slightly heavier to usual aluminum or stainless-steel IEM bodies and that adds a feeling of a higher quality and confidence in a product. I’m a flashlight junkie and the best flashlights are using copper and I’m getting the same vibe from the beautiful OH10. The added mass, lowers the vibration of the shell at higher volume, seriously reducing the overall total harmonic distortion, for a clearer and more natural sound. Full copper structure is supremely sturdy and heavy at the same time. While worrysome at first impact, housings effectively uncommon weight (32g without cable) is much less annoying that one might fear, possibly due to the prefect fitting, which makes them properly seat and be sustained by external ear constructs.

Overall, the frequency response of OH10 resembles quite a lot the Harman target curve that works phenomenal with fast and punchy music. Pure copper cavity hybrid structure:It is made of pure copper combined with the acoustic driver design of the dual titanium driver, the internal harmonic resonance distortion is reduced, and the sound is more delicate and natural.5.7mm nozzle IEMs: 64Audio A18s, A12t, & N8, MMR Thummim, CA Andromeda 2020 & SuperMoon, ThieAudio Prestige, Monarch (OG) and Monarch Mk2, Subtonic Storm, AKG N5005, Oriolus Szalayi, SoftEars Twilight, Dunu EST 112, Penon Serial, Letshuoer EJ07M (Resin) and S12, Ikko OH10, Etymotic ER4XR & ER3XR, Technics EAH-TZ700, Fearless Audio Provence, Sony XBA-N3, TRI OG i3 & Meteor, HifiBoy OS V3, Tin OG P1 & T3+, Hidizs MD4, CCA C10, BQEYZ KC2, TRN M10, etc The OH10 is a dual-driver (1DD+1BA) in-ear monitor with a titanium-coated copper alloy housing. Since I was really impressed by the previous OH1 model, I was really looking forward to testing the OH10. Read on to find out how it performs!It should be noted that I have absolutely no affiliation with IKKO, I am not receiving any incentive for this review or to sweeten things out. I’d like to thank IKKO for providing the sample for this review. Every opinion expressed is mine and I stand by it. The purpose of this review is to help those interested in IKKO OH10 Obsidian find their next music companion. All the mystic stuff aside, there may be something in there that pertains to the OH10. Perhaps these IEMs do have the ability to ‘heal the soul’ or bring ‘depth and clarity to emotions.’ I certainly feel that way when I get lost in the music I love, played on gear that excels. The OH10 shine like finely polished hematite. To give you the helicopter perspective: the OH10 excels by its fantastic bass slam and its excellent imaging. The price paid is recessed vocals and treble extension.