Jomo Nautilus - Making Waves

 4⭐️

+ Energetic and well-balanced V-shaped tuning

+ Bold bass that's not overbearing

+ Sonion BCDs work some midrange magic

+ Treble sparkle and air

+ Immersive and holographic soundstage

+ Superb technical performance 

+ Build quality

- Can be a little harsh at high volumes and source dependant 

- Not the most engaging tuning; leans more technical than muscial

- Bass is a little hollow and mid-bass impact is on the softer side

- Cable could be better

- Would like a longer nozzle for deeper insertion 

- A little light on note weight

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 product was sent to me on tour for a trial period through the Audio Geek group in exchange for an honest and impartial review. I received no compensation, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Non-affiliate link for those interested:

https://shop.musicteck.com/products/jomo-audio-nautilus

Gear used: 

●Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

●HiBy R3 II

●Various DAC/amps

Source:

●Listening was done using Amazon Music HD/Ultra HD and local FLAC files. 

Introduction: 

Jomo Audio is a Singaporean IEM manufacturer founded in 2015. The company is the brainchild of Joseph Mou, and the name “JOMO” is both an acronym for “Joy of Missing Out” and a combination of the first two letters of his name. I had not really heard of Jomo before they gained notoriety with the release of their most recent, and arguably most popular, IEM, the Nautilus. This features a tribrid driver configuration consisting of one 10mm dynamic driver, one 6mm planar driver, and two Sonion bone conduction drivers, and it comes with a price tag of $800. Without further ado, let's dive into the Jomo Nautilus and see what it's all about. 

Build, fit, ergonomics:

Since this is a tour unit, I did not receive the retail packaging, so I cannot speak to the unboxing experience. Also, it did not include any of the stock tip options, but I did receive the cable and case for evaluation. The shells are made of CNC gold-plated brass with natural mother-of-pearl inlay. According to Jomo, "the Nautilus draws its design inspiration from the steampunk aesthetic, heavily influenced by the illustrations in the novel '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea'". Admittedly, I have not read the book, but based on the description alone, I think they hit the mark pretty well. The steampunk inspiration is obvious, and the nautical theme is a little more subtle but the mix of the two is quite unique. Personally, I wouldn't say it's my favorite design, but it is sure to turn heads and definitely stands out. The shells feel very sturdy and solid in hand, but they are not overly heavy. The right faceplate features the Jomo logo, and the left the seashell Nautilus logo. As for the fit, they are comfortable, but not the best for my ear shape. The nozzle angle is a little too straight, and I would prefer a deeper insertion depth. However, the Nautilus' nozzle measures 5.9 mm at the lip, which should fit most people well enough. There are two vents to prevent pressure buildup: one next to the flat 2-pin connection and the other on the bottom of the shell. The stock cable consists of four strands of selected premium 21 AWG OCC copper with a 4.4 mm termination. It's black, fabric-sheathed, and somewhat thick, which I like, but it's also a bit stiff and exhibits some minor microphonics. I do like the juxtaposition of the colorful, shiny shells and the matte black cable, but I would prefer a more pliable option. I didn't have access to the stock tips, but I found that the Penon Liquers provided the best fit and seal for me. The leather pocket-style case is nice and a little unique from others I've seen. It has a magnetic clasp and is also a bit wider and more rigid than similar ones. There is just enough room for the thicker cable and IEMs to fit, but it's snug, and I would like to see a slightly larger case. The last accessory to mention is the little mesh shell pouch, which is always welcome to help protect shinier shells against scratches and dings. 

Sound impressions:

The Nautilus has an energetic V-shaped tuning with a mild bass boost, an upper midrange emphasis, and a decently accentuated treble. The note weight is a little light, and I would prefer it to be thicker and more robust. This set isn't particularly difficult to drive and can reach high volumes with a simple dongle, but I prefer using an amplifier to get the best performance from the bone conduction and planar drivers. The Nautilus is quite a strong technical set, having notable resolution and detail retrieval without being too overly clinical. It has a decent enough balance of detail and musicality, but I would say it is more of the former than the latter, which is the opposite of my usual preference. The soundstage is very impressive. It's deep, wide, and immersive, and the BCD are definitely at play here. The imaging is another really impressive quality, which plays well with the soundstage. I would venture to say it's even a standout at this price point. The timbre, while mostly natural and organic, does have a slight sheen at times, specifically with vocals, which may be attributed to the planar driver. Instruments, though, sound particularly great. This is not the most dynamic set, but it's not quite lacking either. The tuning works well at lower volumes but performs better at medium to high levels. The separation and layering are also strong features, but I feel it lacks a bit of cohesiveness. Overall, I'd say the technical performance is superb and punches above its weight.

The Nautilus is not extremely source-sensitive, but finding the right synergy can make a big difference. In my opinion, it does not pair well with more technical sources like the Questyle M18i or energetic ones like the iFi GO blu link Max. The FiiO RR11's analog-style sound signature is a decent match, making the Nautilus sound buttery smooth. However, the trade-off in detail and resolution is noticeable, and the treble can still be a bit peaky at times. The best synergy I found is the iFi GO blu, due to its more controlled top end and a bit of added fullness and warmth in the bass.

●Lows - The bass is fairly well-balanced, but there is slightly more focus on the sub-bass. The quantity is generally fine and well-balanced with the midrange and treble, but as a bass enthusiast, I would like a little more. Alternatively, if there were less emphasis on the upper mids and treble, the bass would come through better. The bass attack and impact are on the more polite side and not really my preference. I expect the kick drums in rock tracks to be punchy and well-defined, but those on the Nautilus are a little more subdued and soft. There is also a slight hollow quality and lack of fullness, which don't detract too much from the enjoyment but it's worth noting. The texture is not quite muddy but it does sounds off to my ear, and the bass lacks definition at times. The sub-bass extension is decent, and there is a certain subwoofer-like effect on very bassy tracks. It's not the "rattle your skull" type, but it can tickle the ear a little and is fun to experience. The decay is slower, and sometimes bass notes peter out and float off without a clear punctuated ending, which takes some getting used to. Overall, I do find the bass enjoyable, though it's not quite the level of performance I expect at this price point.

●Mids - This is where the BCDs are focused, and where the real magic of the tuning takes place. According to Jomo, these two Sonion drivers are "for mid-range texture rendering, enhancing the richness and depth of the audio," and I believe that's exactly what they do. There is a sense of space and depth to vocals and instruments that is quite unique and simply a joy to experience. The layering, too, is something to behold. It simultaneously presents as both smooth and cohesive yet detailed and well-separated, which is a rarity. Vocals do occasionally exhibit a little thinness and can become slightly shouty at higher volume levels, but they are still very enjoyable. Instruments, too, come across with a sense of depth, detail, and natural timbre that plays fantastically well with orchestral arrangements. I truly think the midrange is what makes the Nautilus special, but I wish they could have spared one of the BCDs for the bass to apply some of that magic there, as well.

●Highs - As with typical V-shaped tunings, the Nautilus' treble is elevated and energetic. It has good extension, a spacious amount of air, and just a little sparkle. It also has a snappy and crisp presentation that lends itself beautifully to claps, snaps, and snares, but can also verge on incisive or sibilant, depending on the track and individual tolerances. Cymbals and hi-hats perform well and are not splashy or metallic-sounding. Unfortunately, there can be a little harshness on certain vocal notes, notably "s" and "sh" sounds, and especially with breathier vocals. It's not the worst I've heard, but it's enough to detract from some of my favorite tracks. Also, the treble has a thin or brittle quality that pulls me out of the musical immersion, and the texture of some notes can be dry and coarse, almost like a fine-grit sandpaper. It's hard to describe, but the treble definitely lacks the smooth quality found in the midrange. Overall, it's not my favorite treble response, but it's also not too bright or piercing, and, as a whole, I'm able to look past some of the faults and enjoy the tuning.

Comparisons: Credit to Jaytiss for the graphs.

● A&K x EE NOVUS ($5000) - I was lucky enough to have both of these tour units at the same time, so why not do a comparison despite the vast difference in their prices. The Nautilus is a 1DD, 2BCD, 1 planar tribrid versus the NOVUS' 2DD, 5BA, 4EST, 2BCD quadbrid configuration. Unfortunately, I did not receive all of the accessories with either unit, but I am able to compare the stock cables and cases. Both have fabric-sheathed cables, and while the Nautilus' is decent, the NOVUS' is a little softer and feels more premium. The case situation is similar as well. The Nautilus' case is made of leather and is a little more pocketable, but the metal case that accompanies the NOVUS is really nice and sturdy. Both sets also have metal shells. The Nautilus are smaller and made of heavier brass, while the NOVUS are quite large but a lighter-weight aluminum. The fit of the Nautilus is fine, but the NOVUS' slightly longer and more angled nozzle makes for a much better fit for me. The overall designs are quite different, and I personally prefer the NOVUS' very classy and premium aesthetic. Unfortunately, there is no graph available for reference, but I would describe both as having generally V-shaped tunings, albeit differently flavored. The Nautilus is a little more energetic and has more of an in-your-face presentation style, while the NOVUS is more even-keeled and better balanced, yet still V-shaped in nature. In the low end, the NOVUS is a little bolder and more sub-bass focused, with better extension and rumble. Unsurprisingly, it also has the better texture and resolution of the two. The Nautilus, however, has a more forceful attack and impact, and quicker decay. As for the lower midrange, the NOVUS has a cleaner bass-to-mids transition and a more natural instrument timbre, but the Nautilus has a weightier presentation of instruments, which I prefer. The Nautilus presents vocals more forwardly with an energetic presentation, but they can also be a little incisive at times with certain tracks and do not always sound the most natural. The NOVUS' vocals may not present as forward as I usually prefer, but they exude a certain maturity and clarity that is hard to fault, and the entire midrange is better balanced for me. In the treble, the Nautilus has more sparkle and energy, but it also has more troublesome peaks with some intermittent sibilance and can be somewhat fatiguing during long sessions. The NOVUS' treble response may not be as "fun," but it is definitely better for me due to the combination of more than sufficient air, clarity and detail, and just the right amount of sparkle without harshness or sibilance. As should be expected, the NOVUS offers superior detail retrieval, layering, separation, soundstage, and timbre, but the Nautilus actually has superior dynamics. Honestly, this comparison should not be close, but I feel like both models excel in different areas. While the NOVUS wins for me in almost every identifiable category, the Nautilus excels in one particular area: orchestral music. The more energetic and dynamic sound signature lends itself incredibly well to this genre. The NOVUS' superior balance across the frequency response means it does justice to all genres and makes it a great all-rounder. The Nautilus is the more exciting and energetic choice, with a touch more musicality, but I am personally drawn to the NOVUS' lower-reaching sub-bass, balanced midrange, slightly tamer treble, and incredibly impressive technical prowess.

My pick: NOVUS

● Elysian Apostle ($1800) - Here we have a contest of two tour units, both tribrids, but with quite different driver configurations: 1DD, 2BCD, and 1 planar versus 1DD, 2BA, and 2EST. I did not receive the retail packaging or all stock accessories with the Nautilus, so I'm unable to compare everything. Both sets have thicker cables, and while the Nautilus' is a bit more pliable, the Apostle's cable feels bette built and more premium. I do think the Nautilus has a nicer case, though. As for the build quality of the shells, both are made of metal and feel very sturdy. The Nautilus is smaller, but the Apostle is better contoured and a little more comfortable for me. I also prefer the Apostle's more subtle and nuanced design compared to the Nautilus' extravagant-looking shell. When it comes to tuning, both generally have V-shaped sound signatures, but they sound very different in-ear. The Apostle has a fuller and bolder bass response with more rumble, reverberation, and better sub-bass extension. The Nautilus has decent bass too, though it is lower in quantity and a little more mid-bass oriented. It also has a softer impact, lighter attack, and a slight hollowness to it. In the midrange, the Nautilus emphasizes vocals more, though it can become shouty at higher volumes, and the BCDs add spaciousness and depth to instruments and vocals. The Apostle's midrange is slightly more recessed in comparison, but not significantly. It may lack some of that BCD magic, but the trade-off is a smoother and more emotive vocal response, which better suits my preferences. However, the lower midrange is somewhat dominated by the bass, and I would still prefer vocals to be accentuated a bit more. Interestingly, the set with ESTs actually has a treble response more in line with my tastes. The Apostle rolls off slightly sooner but still retains a crispness and energy that is enjoyable, even for a treble-sensitive listener. The Nautilus is definitely brighter and more energetic, but it also has more air and better extension, which some may prefer. As for the technicalities, the Apostle is superior pretty much across the board. I will give the Nautilus the edge in soundstage, though, thanks to its BCD magic, but that is the only area I can concede. In conclusion, the Nautilus would probably be my choice if I stuck to instrumental genres only, but the Apostle simply dominates everywhere else. It's true the Elysian is more than double the cost, but I think it's well worth the upgrade for bass enthusiasts and those who want a more musical V-shaped tuning without sacrificing technical performance.

My pick: Apostle

● Intuaura Splendor II - Here we have the single dynamic driver of the Splendor versus the tribrid configuration of the Nautilus. I can't compare all of the accessories, but from what I received with the tour, I'd say they are pretty comparable. The Splendor's cable is more pliable and soft, without any microphonics. The zipper case is nice, but not as well built or as pocketable as the Nautilus' smaller one. The Splendor also includes a USB-C DAC that offers an alternative tuning. The build quality and designs of these two are very different. The solid metal shell of the Nautilus is much heavier and sturdier than the resin of the Splendor. However, the latter offers better fit and comfort for me. The Splendor has a somewhat eye-catching design, but it cannot hold a candle to the Nautilus' glitzy design, though I personally find the latter a little much and prefer the Splendor's more toned-down aesthetic. Despite their quite different driver configurations, these two sound pretty similar in-ear. They both have a V-shaped tuning with deep bass and plenty of upper midrange and treble excitement, but the Splendor offers a warmer tilt while the Nautilus is less colored and more transparent. In the bass, the Splendor has a similar quantity but is a bit more mid-bass focused. It also has a little more rumble, reverberation, and impact, and the bass notes are better defined. But it does lack the holographic nature and low-reaching subwoofer effect that the Nautilus does so well. As for the midrange, vocals are a bit smoother and more accentuated on the Splendor, but they are also positioned closer to the ear. The Nautilus is more balanced throughout the midrange, with better instrument representation and a more natural timbre. The Splendor's treble is a bit more incisive, especially with snares and cymbals. It also exhibits slight sibilance on certain vocal notes at higher volumes. The Nautilus offers superior air, extension, sparkle, and energy, but cymbals can be a little splashy, with a slight metallic sheen. Technically, the Splendor lags behind the Nautilus in terms of total resolution, detail, layering, separation, and imaging, as expected. But it actually manages to hold its own in the soundstage and dynamics. The Nautilus has a more natural-sounding timbre, but the Splendor has a thicker note weight and a certain sweetness and smoothness that is more pleasing to my ear. Overall, the Nautilus offers better tuning balance and technical performance, but the Splendor is a bit more energetic and engaging. There's also a certain musicality that helps make up for its deficiencies. If I had to choose the "better" IEM, it would be the Nautilus. But for easier listening and pure enjoyment, I slightly prefer the Splendor.

My pick: Splendor II

● EarAcoustic STA Pro Max ($80) - The STA Pro Max utilizes a dual DD configuration, and while these two are quite far apart in price, they generally have pretty similar tunings. The STA has great accessories for the price, but the Nautilus' cable and case are a tier above, which should come as no surprise. The Nautilus' build quality is much sturdier and it both looks and feels much more premium. The STA is much lighter and honestly feels a little cheap. The Nautilus has a more eye-catching design, and I do prefer it, but some may find it too ostentatious. The fit, though, is actually a little better for me on the STA due to the nozzle length and angle. When it comes to tuning, both have a V-shaped sound signature, but the STA is a more intimate and warm version, while the Nautilus is more energetic with an added bit of magic thanks to the BCDs. In the bass, both sets have relatively similar quantity, but the STA is a bit more mid-bass focused, while the Nautilus is sub-bass focused. The STA exhibits a little more rumble and bass impact and also has a slower decay, while the Nautilus is more resolving with a cleaner texture. The Nautilus' midrange is better balanced, and the transition from bass to midrange is cleaner. The vocals are a bit more forward, and the more expansive stage really helps the entire midrange spread out and sound more natural and less encumbered by the bass. The STA is a bit darker in comparison but also more colored, which I do like. As for the treble, the Nautilus conveys more energy, air, and sparkle. The STA still has a good amount of sparkle for me, and the entire treble is more controlled with fewer bothersome notes even at higher volume levels; however, the lack of air is apparent, and I would like more extension. When it comes to the technicalities, the Nautilus is the clear winner, and it is not close (nor should it be considering the price difference). The most notable are the Nautilus' detail retrieval, timbre, and expansive soundstage. I do believe that the STA performs really well in its price tier, though, and it has a sweetness, musicality, and warmth to it that I thoroughly enjoy. In the end, I believe that the tunings are close enough that the Nautilus can be considered the clear evolutionary path of the STA. The STA is a little more musical and intimate-sounding of the two, but what the Nautilus lacks in musicality, it more than makes up for in technical ability. It is so much more resolving and energetic, with a bigger soundstage, more natural timbre, and an added amount of air that really helps improve the balance and avoid a darker tilt like the STA has. If you are thinking of picking up the Nautilus, I would suggest giving the much cheaper STA Pro Max a try to see if you enjoy the overall tuning but would like the energy and technical prowess elevated further. 

My pick: Nautilus 

In conclusion:

I have not had the opportunity to try any of Jomo Audio's products, so I was excited to get the opportunity to review the Nautilus. It has a very unique aesthetic with great build quality and solid accessories. The energetic V-shaped tuning has a slightly inherent musicality but doesn't sacrifice overall technical performance. The bass response has a subwoofer-like rumble effect and can reach low frequencies when pushed. The midrange is really the star of the show, employing the two Sonion BCDs to add an extra level of immersion. The treble is energetic and fun and strikes a good balance with the other frequencies. There are a few caveats to the tuning, however, that do not quite hit my ear right. The mid-bass is not as punchy as I would like, and there is a certain hollow quality at times. Also, vocals can be a bit shouty at higher volumes, and the treble is a little brighter than I prefer. While it has a decent balance of technical performance and musicality, I feel it leans too far toward the clinical for my preferences, as I value an emotive tuning over superb detail and resolution. It is not the best all-rounder for my library, but I find it works well for pop, orchestral, and instrumental genres. I think where it really excels, though, is with sub-bass-oriented music like EDM and dance, but it's not the first I'd reach for when listening to rock, due to the lack of mid-bass impact. I found that the Nautilus does take well to EQ, if that's your thing, and the addition of an impedance adapter can take the edge off the treble and elevate the bass level a notch or two, depending on the impedance. I only own a few adapters and found that 50 ohms was a bit much, but 10 ohms was not quite enough; somewhere in the middle would be my recommendation. In the end, I do find the Nautilus to be an impressive IEM, and the BCD effect offers some soundstage and imaging magic that I find very appealing; however, there are a few too many faults that add up. I can still recommend the Nautilus for those looking for a unique aesthetic paired with immersive, well-balanced tuning, and I feel like it is a solid contender at the $800 price tier.