Putting Sonion’s Technology Into Your Ears and BGVP's Electrostatic Hybrid Series
With plenty of new emerging technologies in the market – hybrid drivers, planar magnetics etc., what’s the deal of combining Sonion’s electrostatic tweeter in in-ear monitors (IEMs) and headphones?
Sonion has been a global leader establishing and crafting products and solutions for hearing instrument to enhance people’s quality of life. Since 2005, Sonion starts producing transducer products in non-hearing instrument applications. The new customers include some Chi-Fi manufacturers (like BGVP) of IEMs and advanced headsets. How does these technologies impact our lives – through our ears?
A Sonion electrostatic tweeter
Photo from Sonion official website
Sonion Electrostatic Tweeter
Imagine savoring your favorite music with audiophile quality in your ears anytime and anywhere you like, just with a pair of IEM or headphones. Sonion makes it possible by inventing a mini electrostatic tweeter (approximately the size of 3.5 x 3.5 x 1.3mm) using the electrostatic technology. The extremely light moving membrane used gives a highly precise transient response, produces excellent sound details and clarity.
The smoother harmonics of the tweeter make even the mid-sound really sweet, every bit of detail sound awesomely wonderful. To make things even better, no external amplifier is required. Any space required is the space in your ear canals!
BGVP ARTMAGIC ES12
Photo courtesy of Oardio
Premium. Detailed. Clarity. The ES12 is more than an upgrade from BGVP ArtMagic ES8! The ArtMagic ES12 presents 4EST + 8BA Electrostatic Balanced Armatures Hybrid Earphones utilizing four newly manufactured Sonion electrostatic drivers from Denmark. The ultra light membranes effectively powered the high voltage mini transformer into a life like soundstage in your ears with highly enjoyable accurate tonality and timbre, extending treble response up to 70kHz with incredible details and fine-tuned articulation on every frequency!
Fine quality and comfortable fitting - With four Sonion balanced armatures and four Knowles balances armatures, this pair of impressive IEM not only supports a full and engaging listening experience, but with 4 tuning switches (balanced, low-frequency-enhanced, mid-and-high-enhanced, or all-enhanced), it allows the user to create versatility and experience up to 8 different tuning styles.
Photo credit: BGVP website
Specification
Drivers:
4 Sonion Electrostatic Drivers
4 Sonion Balanced Armatures
4 Knowles Balanced Armatures
Features: 3 Tuning Switch; 8 Styles of Tuning Available
Sensitivity: 114dB
Input impedance: 30 Ω
Frequency response: 10Hz-40kHz
The distortion rate: ≤0.5% (1 KHZ)
Channel balanced: ≤1 dB
Rated power: 10mW
Cable length: 1.2m ±5%
7 pairs of eartips
Photo courtesy of Oardio
MOONDROP S8
The other IEM that incorporated the Sonion technology is the Moondrop S8. The new launched S8 is an improvement from previous model A8. A8 was a success but the company decided to make things even sweeter for consumers by adding 4 more Sonion drivers on model S8!
The Moondrop S8 design looks sleek and edgy. Features 4 Sonion balanced armatures with added back volume - to give more space at the diaphragm for the air to move freely so that the bass can be enjoyed without distortion), 4 Softears customizable drivers (known for it’s low distortion and high cutoff frequency to give a flat, smooth and detailed treble tone) and 4 Knowles SWFK Balanced armature drivers are used to deliver the most natural tone and sound imaging, tuned with precision for perfection!
Photos courtesy of Oardio
Specification
Drivers:
4 Sonion Balanced Armatures (for lows)
4 Softears Balanced Armatures (for mids)
4 Knowles SWFK Balanced Armatures (for highs)
Sensitivity: 122dB
Input impedance: 16 Ω
Frequency response: 20Hz-40kHz
The distortion rate: ≤0.5% (1 KHZ)
Channel balanced: +-1 dB
Cable: Litz 6N OFC 1/8” jack
Photo credit: Moondrop official website
As you can see, S8’s phase measurement graph shows high phase consistency. This allows S8 to give the most natural, lifelike soundstage and imaging, with a full and smooth tone.
The last good news about S8 is – these semi-custom designed shells isolate noise so well it’s perfect to be used as professional IEM. The fit is comfortable it felt like a customized IEM!