Delivery Content:
The overall package and wrapper represents the typical “new” iBasso appearance, with a nice presentation inside the blue box with magnetically closed lid, where we find red paper lining, and a manual with a frequency response measurement graph as well warranty card inside a black paper pocket in the lid.
Then, one will also find the ear pieces, a very wide selection of different, very nice and soft silicone tips, some foam tips, a protective storage/carrying tin, and last but not least a premium cable.
Looks, Feels, Build Quality:
First, let’s talk about the metal tin: personally, I don’t really like it – I’m honestly not a fan of its gunmetal-green-ish colour, really think that the inscription whose font I don’t really like should have been replaced with the new iBasso logo, and don’t like that the lid closes a bit loose-ish on the one I received. It is protective though, and softly cushioned with fabric and rubber on the inside.
Then, let’s talk about the cable. It is pure pornography (it’s probably better not to get too close to a children’s playground while flaunting that cable) and would probably cost more than the in-ear itself if it was offered by some “audiophile” “upgrade” cable companies.
It’s made of four very soft, super flexible copper conductors that are braided below the y-splitter (I wouldn’t mind a slightly firmer braid personally, but that’s just preference) and twisted above it, and is just great. Probably the best stock cable I have ever seen included with a sub-$100 in-ear so far, and it has got nice metal elements and doesn’t lack a chin-slider either.
The in-ear’s earpieces themselves are made of smoky, semi-translucent black plastic (a red & blue version is also available), have got nice “iBasso Audio IT01” inscriptions in grey colour on the faceplates and also don’t lack side indicators that also consist of grey letters.
The nozzle is made of metal and has got a protective metal mesh.
Overall, the in-ears appear well-built, sturdy and durable.
Comfort, Isolation:
The shells are ergonomically shaped and should provide a very good fit as long as your ears aren’t too small. I certainly don’t have any fit or seal issues in my large ears in any way, but that’s usually the case.
The cable is worn around the ears, which is the standard for most professional and higher-priced in-ears.
Microphonics are close to being inexistent thanks to the soft, flexible cable and integrated chin-slider.
Noise isolation is around average for in-ears that are vented.
Sound:
My main sources for listening were my iBasso DX90, the Cowon Plenue J, Plenue 2 and iBasso DX200 (AMP1 module).
I only used the largest black silicone tips that came included.
Tonality:
Tonality is not all that unlike the IT03, but with a less lifted, less bright/thin upper midrange and a somewhat brighter middle and super treble, along with a somewhat fuller and a bit more present bass in comparison – they’re still somewhat differently tuned in-ears after all, but they have some similarities and similar tendencies.
The bass starts climbing around 600 Hz, followed by some midbass slam and fullness further down, while avoiding too much thickness in the lower midrange, and reaches its climax in the sub-bass wherefore it has got more of an evenly integrated, “pushing” presentation. To my ears, it is around 11 dB north of neutral (diffuse-field flat bass à la Etymotic ER-4S/SR) in quantity – authoritative and impactful, but not in the sense of overshadowing the presentation.
The IT01’s upper midrange is really just very mildly lifted unlike the IT03’s that’s more airy and brighter, but therefore as a result thinner when it comes to midrange timbre. Objectively regarded, voices sound more linear and realistic with the IT01 as a very obvious result.
Yep, midrange balance is done really well.
Vocals are generally a bit further in the back in the mix and not intimate or “in your face” due to the rather v-shaped frequency response nature the IT01 has.
There is a hump both at 5 and 9 kHz, giving the IT01 an overall somewhat bright middle and upper treble reproduction with good air.
The 5 kHz lift could have been just a little lesser in order to lose the very slightly metallic flavour it brings, but the highs don’t appear harsh or overdone, which is really good. And while they are just slightly on the metallic side due to the 5 kHz lift, they aren’t too unnatural and don’t appear unpleasant. Sure, they are not smooth or linear. But they’re a good bit more even and realistic than on other in-ears such as the TFZ Series 2, Shozy x AAW Hibiki or RHA T20, and therefore only make the treble reproduction seem somewhat coloured, however without some sharpness/harshness or too many and/or too narrow peaks, and without emphasised sibilance. Overall, I would characterise the treble as having a moderate clarity lift, done tastefully.
Extension past 10 kHz in the super treble is really good, with some elevations around 12 and 14 kHz in my ears. Subtle sparkle and air are therefore also present.
- - -
Good job, iBasso. The IT01 is an in-ear with a more fun, v-shaped tuning, but not to the extent of overshadowing anything, and has got a quite realistic midrange timbre that takes a step back in the mix, coupled with a deep extending bass (I would say that it is deeper than the “Fritzl-Keller”, but it was filled with concrete in 2013) and a bright but definitely not sharp or too unrealistic treble.
Resolution:
Detail retrieval is surprisingly good – the IT01 is definitively a capable in-ear.
It features a tight, fast and precise presentation with good, precise note separation. Yep, it’s really good for a dynamic driver in-ear. Based on the pure technical presentation, I would rather place it in the $200+ range than what it actually retails for.
On the technical level, the IT01 is an in-ear that surpasses (rightfully) popular and good models such as the Shure SE215, ORIVETI BASIC or MEE audio Pinnacle P2.
The bass is really fast, tight and controlled for a dynamic driver in-ear. Definition is still good down in the sub-bass and bass details are certainly there and well-resolved.
Muddiness? Softness? Slowness? Boominess as a result of lacking control? Certainly not here.
The highs are separated nicely precisely, with single notes not sounding mushy even with fast, complex and crowded tracks. Thanks to the high level of treble details, the IT01 is also able to easily pull off an elevation in this area without being off, as it might appear with lacking precision and separation.
In fact, the really good note separation was one of the first things that I noticed with the IT01. A really good in-ear for the price that is technically more capable that one would expect, and definitely deserves some applause.
Midrange details are there as well and speech intelligibility is good, too, but generally the midrange seems to slightly take a step back compared to the lows and highs when it comes to resolution, which is mainly due to the v-shaped tuning that pushes voices a bit more into the background in the mix.
Soundstage:
In terms of soundstage, the IT01 is neither the weakest nor the strongest in-ear when it comes to pure size.
Lateral expansion is good and the iBasso has got a somewhat wider than average imaginary soundstage.
There is also a bit of depth and layering, but it isn’t as pronounced as the width and appears more like an effect of the tuning than actual z-axis depth, which is also represented by my impression of more of a front-back loudness difference projection instead of “true” front projection.
Separation, placement and layering are precise and sharp.
The overall package and wrapper represents the typical “new” iBasso appearance, with a nice presentation inside the blue box with magnetically closed lid, where we find red paper lining, and a manual with a frequency response measurement graph as well warranty card inside a black paper pocket in the lid.
Then, one will also find the ear pieces, a very wide selection of different, very nice and soft silicone tips, some foam tips, a protective storage/carrying tin, and last but not least a premium cable.
Looks, Feels, Build Quality:
First, let’s talk about the metal tin: personally, I don’t really like it – I’m honestly not a fan of its gunmetal-green-ish colour, really think that the inscription whose font I don’t really like should have been replaced with the new iBasso logo, and don’t like that the lid closes a bit loose-ish on the one I received. It is protective though, and softly cushioned with fabric and rubber on the inside.
Then, let’s talk about the cable. It is pure pornography (it’s probably better not to get too close to a children’s playground while flaunting that cable) and would probably cost more than the in-ear itself if it was offered by some “audiophile” “upgrade” cable companies.
It’s made of four very soft, super flexible copper conductors that are braided below the y-splitter (I wouldn’t mind a slightly firmer braid personally, but that’s just preference) and twisted above it, and is just great. Probably the best stock cable I have ever seen included with a sub-$100 in-ear so far, and it has got nice metal elements and doesn’t lack a chin-slider either.
The in-ear’s earpieces themselves are made of smoky, semi-translucent black plastic (a red & blue version is also available), have got nice “iBasso Audio IT01” inscriptions in grey colour on the faceplates and also don’t lack side indicators that also consist of grey letters.
The nozzle is made of metal and has got a protective metal mesh.
Overall, the in-ears appear well-built, sturdy and durable.
Comfort, Isolation:
The shells are ergonomically shaped and should provide a very good fit as long as your ears aren’t too small. I certainly don’t have any fit or seal issues in my large ears in any way, but that’s usually the case.
The cable is worn around the ears, which is the standard for most professional and higher-priced in-ears.
Microphonics are close to being inexistent thanks to the soft, flexible cable and integrated chin-slider.
Noise isolation is around average for in-ears that are vented.
Sound:
My main sources for listening were my iBasso DX90, the Cowon Plenue J, Plenue 2 and iBasso DX200 (AMP1 module).
I only used the largest black silicone tips that came included.
Tonality:
Tonality is not all that unlike the IT03, but with a less lifted, less bright/thin upper midrange and a somewhat brighter middle and super treble, along with a somewhat fuller and a bit more present bass in comparison – they’re still somewhat differently tuned in-ears after all, but they have some similarities and similar tendencies.
The bass starts climbing around 600 Hz, followed by some midbass slam and fullness further down, while avoiding too much thickness in the lower midrange, and reaches its climax in the sub-bass wherefore it has got more of an evenly integrated, “pushing” presentation. To my ears, it is around 11 dB north of neutral (diffuse-field flat bass à la Etymotic ER-4S/SR) in quantity – authoritative and impactful, but not in the sense of overshadowing the presentation.
The IT01’s upper midrange is really just very mildly lifted unlike the IT03’s that’s more airy and brighter, but therefore as a result thinner when it comes to midrange timbre. Objectively regarded, voices sound more linear and realistic with the IT01 as a very obvious result.
Yep, midrange balance is done really well.
Vocals are generally a bit further in the back in the mix and not intimate or “in your face” due to the rather v-shaped frequency response nature the IT01 has.
There is a hump both at 5 and 9 kHz, giving the IT01 an overall somewhat bright middle and upper treble reproduction with good air.
The 5 kHz lift could have been just a little lesser in order to lose the very slightly metallic flavour it brings, but the highs don’t appear harsh or overdone, which is really good. And while they are just slightly on the metallic side due to the 5 kHz lift, they aren’t too unnatural and don’t appear unpleasant. Sure, they are not smooth or linear. But they’re a good bit more even and realistic than on other in-ears such as the TFZ Series 2, Shozy x AAW Hibiki or RHA T20, and therefore only make the treble reproduction seem somewhat coloured, however without some sharpness/harshness or too many and/or too narrow peaks, and without emphasised sibilance. Overall, I would characterise the treble as having a moderate clarity lift, done tastefully.
Extension past 10 kHz in the super treble is really good, with some elevations around 12 and 14 kHz in my ears. Subtle sparkle and air are therefore also present.
- - -
Good job, iBasso. The IT01 is an in-ear with a more fun, v-shaped tuning, but not to the extent of overshadowing anything, and has got a quite realistic midrange timbre that takes a step back in the mix, coupled with a deep extending bass (I would say that it is deeper than the “Fritzl-Keller”, but it was filled with concrete in 2013) and a bright but definitely not sharp or too unrealistic treble.
Resolution:
Detail retrieval is surprisingly good – the IT01 is definitively a capable in-ear.
It features a tight, fast and precise presentation with good, precise note separation. Yep, it’s really good for a dynamic driver in-ear. Based on the pure technical presentation, I would rather place it in the $200+ range than what it actually retails for.
On the technical level, the IT01 is an in-ear that surpasses (rightfully) popular and good models such as the Shure SE215, ORIVETI BASIC or MEE audio Pinnacle P2.
The bass is really fast, tight and controlled for a dynamic driver in-ear. Definition is still good down in the sub-bass and bass details are certainly there and well-resolved.
Muddiness? Softness? Slowness? Boominess as a result of lacking control? Certainly not here.
The highs are separated nicely precisely, with single notes not sounding mushy even with fast, complex and crowded tracks. Thanks to the high level of treble details, the IT01 is also able to easily pull off an elevation in this area without being off, as it might appear with lacking precision and separation.
In fact, the really good note separation was one of the first things that I noticed with the IT01. A really good in-ear for the price that is technically more capable that one would expect, and definitely deserves some applause.
Midrange details are there as well and speech intelligibility is good, too, but generally the midrange seems to slightly take a step back compared to the lows and highs when it comes to resolution, which is mainly due to the v-shaped tuning that pushes voices a bit more into the background in the mix.
Soundstage:
In terms of soundstage, the IT01 is neither the weakest nor the strongest in-ear when it comes to pure size.
Lateral expansion is good and the iBasso has got a somewhat wider than average imaginary soundstage.
There is also a bit of depth and layering, but it isn’t as pronounced as the width and appears more like an effect of the tuning than actual z-axis depth, which is also represented by my impression of more of a front-back loudness difference projection instead of “true” front projection.
Separation, placement and layering are precise and sharp.
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In Comparison with other single Dynamic Driver In-Ears:
Shure SE215m+SPE:
The Shure is the warmer, thicker and darker sounding in-ear.
The SE215 sounds a bit thicker and fuller in the midbass and root. Sub-bass quantity is comparable.
The Shure has got the warmer, darker midrange that is closer, more intimate in the mix.
In the highs, the SE215 is the noticeably darker and more relaxed sounding in-ear. Generally, both have got a rather different treble approach – the Shure is smooth, dark and laid-back in the highs, whereas the IT01 is on the bright and forward side here.
When it comes to resolution, the iBasso is ahead. Not only in the mids despite being less intimate here, but also in the highs and lows.
Even though the Shure has got a nicely tight, fast and punchy bass for a dynamic driver in-ear, the IT01 manages to be even a bit tighter and faster in the lows. But it definitely doesn’t stop here, since its definition and details are also on a higher level in the lows.
Precision and separation are generally sharper and more precise on the iBasso.
The Shure’s stage is slightly wider while depth is comparable (it might appear to be a bit more present on the iBasso, but the actual difference is negligible). Instrument separation and precision are where the IT01 somewhat wins though.
ORIVETI BASIC:
I fully admit to preferring the ORIVETI’s carrying pouch.
The BASIC is a little more forward in the sub-bass while the iBasso is a bit more impactful in the midbass and lower root. Since the ORIVETI has got the softer and looser bass in comparison, both are subjectively rather close with the BASIC showing more decay while the IT01 has actually got the slightly “fuller” midbass and low fundamental range.
The ORIVETI sounds warmer and darker in the mids, and has got the darker, but also smoother treble. So while the iBasso has got highs that are on the forward, revealing, bright side, the BASIC’s are tuned for smoothness and a laid-back, dark-ish nature.
In the bass, the ORIVETI sounds audibly looser, softer and slower comparison compared to the IT01.
Resolution in the mids and highs is where the iBasso has got a mild to moderate advantage, and it also features the somewhat cleaner and more precise separation.
The imaginary soundstage the ORIVETI reproduces is wider and more open than the iBasso’s, wherefore it creates a more spherical, larger and more holographic sensation. Instrument separation is slightly more precise on the iBasso’s side.
Conclusion:
The price-to-performance ratio is very strong with the iBasso IT01 – one gets an amazing copper cable along with technically really capable single dynamic driver in-ears that feature a tonal tuning that makes sense while being more on the fun side, with (really) good note separation, speed, tightness and precise instrument separation.
- - -
It’s a good in-ear. A really good one, and modestly priced in relation to the technical performance it delivers. Additionally, it features a tuning that heads into the fun, more consumer-oriented direction, but isn’t overdone or overshadowing. Oh, and the included cable is by the way superb when it comes to aesthetics, flexibility and softness.