Intuaura Splendor II - Double Dip
4.5⭐️
+ Two distinct tuning options
+ L shaped analog tuning
+ Wide soundstage
+ Great stock cable
+ Case big enough to hold 2 iems
+ DSP adapter offers a neutral/neutral bright tuning
+ Generous accessories
+ Large vent means no pressure build up
- Bass isn't the cleanest, lacks texture and impact on analog
- A bit lacking in treble extension and air on analog
- DSP tuning loses some bass quantity and can be slightly harsh
- One tuning option locked behind USB-C DSP adapter
- Large vent also leads to more noise leakage/less isolation (my wife told me to put this, she doesn't like to hear my music in bed 😒)
thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure
Disclaimer:
This set was provided by Linsoul in exchange for my honest and impartial review. I recieve no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own. Non affiliate product link:
https://www.linsoul.com/products/intuaura-splendorii
Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
●Kiwi Ears Allegro
●Letshuoer dt03
Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.
Introduction:
Intuaura is a relatively unknown iem manufacturer. Through my searching, I found that they only have about five iems on the market today. However, reviews are scarce except for those on their latest product, the Splendor II (there is also an original Splendor). The Splendor II features a single dynamic driver and includes a DSP adapter that offers an alternate tuning to the original analog one. Some members of the audiophile community have expressed their distaste for the practice of including a DSP adapter that "corrects" the tuning from the one offered with a standard cable. My personal opinion is that the inclusion of DSP adapters is acceptable and welcome as long as the analog tuning is also worthwhile. The Intuaura Splendor II is currently available for $259 on Linsoul. Let's break it down and see what value the two tunings hold.
Build, fit, ergonomics:
The unboxing experience is pretty good. It's not extraordinary for the price bracket, but it doesn't feel cheap, though the art on the box isn't the best print quality. Upon opening the box, the iems can be found resting in the foam cutouts. Underneath the foam is a chunky little case that holds the cable and the DSP adapter, a nice offering of tips in a plastic holder, a cleaning cloth, and 4 replacement filters. The shells are made of resin and are well built. They have a decent weight balance and feel good in the hand. The design of the faceplate is simply stunning. The colors are gold and a blue/purple hue that alternates depending on the direction of the light. I think they have an elegant and captivating aestetic, maybe a bit flashy for some. The words "IN" and "VIEW" are printed on the shell. There's also a vent on the side cut out in the shape of the word "VIEW", which is a really neat inclusion. The size of the shell is about average, neither big nor small. The nozzle length and width are also about average and I had no issue with fit or comfort. There is also a small lip on the nozzle to securely hold tips in place. The standard cable is available in either 3.5 or 4.4 terminations, along with the appropriately sized DSP dongle. It's tightly woven and has a decent weight to it, yet it remains pliable and smooth. The provided case is somewhat larger in comparison to the more commonly encountered ones. Its sturdy with a decent build quality and can easily fit 2, maybe 3 iems if there share a single cable. The tips come in a small plastic holder, which is much better than little bags, in my opinion. There are six sets in total: three standard and three wide-bore. I tried the supplied tips, but I found a better fit and seal with my trusty Penon Liqueurs, as usual.
Sound impressions:
The analog tuning features an L-shaped frequency response. The bass shelf is prominent and extensive with boosted upper mids/lower treble. The soundstage is quite expansive with plenty of width and depth. Detail retrieval is slightly below average for the price but still adequate for my tastes. It definitely leans more musical over technical. The separation is good but there is some bass bleed into the mids, which is no surprise due to the large bass shelf. There is adequate dynamics and accurate three dimensional imaging. Vocals and intruments have a natural, realistic timbre. The note weight is just slightly thinner than my preference but I wouldn't characterize it as thin overall.
Using the DSP adapter presents a more balanced tuning over the L-shaped analog. I would characterize the DSP frequency response as neutral/neutral bright. The bass is less in quantity and behaves much better using the DSP adapter. The somewhat pillowy nature of the bass is cleaned up, and the bleed is resolved with improved separation between the bass and mids. The upper mids/lower treble seem to retain their boost from the analog tuning but come through much more prominently with the reduction in bass. The vocals present more forward as well without the large bass shelf. The note weight seems slightly thinner, but there's more air and extension in the treble as well. There is a little more spice and some troublesome notes to my ears using the DSP adapter. I wouldn't necessarily call it sibilance, but the notes sometimes hit my ear with just a twinge too much energy. Neutral/trebleheads will much prefer the DSP tuning, whereas warmth lovers and bassheads will like the analog.
The following impressions were made using the analog tuning, as it better suits my preferences.
●Lows - Obviously L-shaped iems have a lot of bass and this one is no exception. The sub and mid bass are pretty well balanced with neither taking presence over the other. The sub bass has good, deep extension with a decent rumble and reverberation. The texture is somewhat pillowy and soft and the slam isn't very impactful. The weight is thick and syrupy and the speed is also a bit on the slower side. The mid bass extends into the lower mids and there is some bleed but I've definitely heard worse and it's not much of a detriment for me personally. The quantity is abundant but the quality of the bass is a bit lacking. Even though it's not the cleanest or best presentation, it's still enjoyable and makes for easy listening. It's not overbearing and the added warmth gives the tuning a nice musicality that is relaxing and enjoyable.
●Mid - The presentation of the mids is where the analog tuning really shines. The mids present just slightly behind the bass, but I wouldn't say they are necessarily recessed. The upper mids are boosted to combat the big bass shelf but never sound shouty or fatiguing. Vocals are clear, well separated, and just forward enough to feature prominently with most genres. Both male and female artists sound buttery smooth with no hint of sibilance. The timbre and note weight create a sultry, captivating vocal experience. I could (and have) enjoyed the Splendor II's midrange for hours. There is some mid-bass bleed, and the note weight could be just ever so slightly thicker, but I will chalk that up to personal preference. Instruments and vocals can get a bit overshadowed when the bass gets big on certain tracks, but overall, I find the midrange to be excellent and one of the highlights of the analog tuning. It's not perfect, but it has that warm, smooth quality that I find very enjoyable.
●Highs - The treble is quite tame with the analog tuning, which aligns well with my personal preferences. The lower treble is boosted, along with the upper mids, to combat the large bass shelf. However, there are no real troublesome peaks or sibilance to worry about. There is no harshness with breathy vocals, which is something I’m quite sensitive to and watch out for. Cymbals, claps, and hi-hats are noticeable and distinct, yet they maintain reserved and do not detract from the overall warmth of the tuning. The extension and air of the treble do leave something to be desired, though. The treble has a bit of a blunted quality, but I think it really works well for me, as it fits my preferred tuning. The treble is likely to be the weakest aspect of the analog tuning for some, but its polite, mild nature serves me well. It's worth noting that the treble of the DSP adapter might be better suited to your individual preferences.
In conclusion:
There is just something about the Splendor II that really captivates me. I understand the analog tuning won't be to everyone's liking. It's not the most resolving, has bass that's a little pillowy and soft, and lacks a bit of air and treble extension. But it's also somehow more than the sum of its parts. Despite its flaws, the inherent musicality of the Splendor II wins for me. It is easy to overlook its shortcomings as I became engrossed in the music during extended listening sessions. The enveloping, comforting bass, velvety smooth vocals, and gentle, polite treble are akin to wearing a cozy sweater on a cool evening. The analog tuning suits my preferences better, but both tuning options have their own merits. Adding the DSP adapter takes the Splendor II in a welcome, new direction. I found that the analog pairs best with pop, soft rock/pop, and chillhop, or when I was in the mood for relaxation. The DSP pairs best with classical, rock, and country music, or when I wanted a more detail-focused, lower-volume listening session. The entire package is truly a great value. The shells are well-built and stunningly beautiful, with a unique aesthetic. The cable is smooth and tightly braided, the leather case is sturdy, if not slightly large, and the included tips are commendable. The Splendor II's biggest drawback is that one of its tuning options is locked behind the included USB-C adapter. This was not truly detrimental to my experience as a strictly portable Samsung user, but I can understand the frustrations of those who prefer DAPs or desktop setups, or iPhone users.I still solidly recommend the Splendor II for the right use cases and think it's a fantastic offering from a relatively unknown company. In fact, conducting this review has piqued my interest in trying Intuaura's other products.
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