Hi, firends. Here also that moment when stars of the sound universe have met has come as it is necessary, and at me it has turned out to tell you about remarkable 2BA's model StageDiver SD-2 IEM from the German InEar brand.
A few years ago at me was a transient meeting with these earphones, but it insufficiently to turn the feelings of that time from acquaintance into the text was obvious though desire was big. Today we at last will make up for lost time. But at first there are a little words about the company.
InEar for 25 years successfully researches in the field of professional audio, production of in-ear monitors and also hearing aids and ear protection. Musicians and sound producers use her specialized production, and for judges of a high-quality portable sound there is a series of in-ear StageDiver earphones.
Text by Alexey Kashirskey aka Hans Barbarossa
Technical characteristics
System: 2-way system (2 drivers)
Transmission range: approx. 20–18000 Hz
Output sound pressure: 119 dB
Impedance: 40 Ohm
Cablelength: 140 mm
Appearance, set and ergonomics
IEM have arrived in reliable plastic "PELI CASE" of black color with a company sticker of InEar StageDiver. Inside besides SD-2 there are also a cable 140 cm long, cleaning wipes for care of earphones, the adapter 3,5/6,3 mm and four couples of silicone tips of the different size.
The quality of assembly, as well as in a case with earlier surveyed SD-5 model, doesn't raise questions. The shell of earphones cast, is made of black glossy plastic/acrylic . It very clearly and convenience reminds an acrylic shell of CIEM - the monitors executed on an individual mold of an ear.
All range StageDiver has two sizes of the of IEM shell: usual and "S". It seems to me that most of listeners will suit reduced option, but to exclude probability of a mistake better to consult in this respect to the producer.
Besides, since recent time an opportunity and the choice of color of earphones has appeared. So, our SD-2 are available both in black luster, and in the "aubergine metallic" version, it will be such peculiar "eggplant metallic". And StageDiver SD-5 can be chosen even in the wooden case with various shades, well and of course in plasticity with the richest choice of color. Moreover, all StageDiver series is available also in a custom look (the section "LivePro" on the website of the InEar).
But we will return to technical characteristics of our experimental. In SD-2 sound waters the replaceable filters serving for protection of earphones against hit in them of moisture and sulfur are installed.
Complete cable of black color, fork 2pin, jack L-shaped 3,5mm. He is replaceable, it is executed by a texture from four wires. As well as in a case with the senior models from InEar, he hasn't caused serious complaints in me. However, you can pick up easily for earphones other cable with 2pin connectors (0,78mm).
With sound insulation at ears a full order, it is necessary to pick up tips only correctly.
Well, go already to listen to our charm!
Sound
Listening was carried out on: MyST DAC 1866OCU V.2, Lotoo paw Gold, iBasso DX200 (AMP7), iFI xDSD, iFI micro iDSD Black Lable, & Colorfly BT-C1.
With all devices IEM were won back wonderfully well. From the first steps of music it becomes clear that SD-2 of the professionals of the business adjusted. Ideal coherence of drivers, without hint on joints and distortions and also excellent voice-frequency balance is available. All in an adult way.
Sounding of SD-2 neutral, well balanced, powerful, without peaks and failures, sounded in a little warm manner. If it is absolutely short, then a sound at earphones "correct" and "rich".
Low frequencies are fulfilled expressively, precisely, with the powerful hard notable blow and a fast bass which isn't encroaching on other frequency range. The area of a midbass is some accurately forced, at the expense of it the subbass fades into the background a little, but isn't lost: if he needs to give serious "growl" and to transfer vibration, it does accurately, quickly and it is perceived.
Midbass strikes with fine transfer of textures and vigor, tracing all depth of a musical cloth, loading the listener with the incredible drive.
Mids is equal, smooth and extremely natural. Any sound is allocated with the corporal cover. Giving of mid-frequency range at the same time dense and detailed. Each timbre, each vibration of a voice or a string is transferred naturally and deeply, with drive and slightly in chamber style.
High frequencies exact, clean and smooth. They are a little maleficiated to please to comfortable listening, but in too time of a lack of them isn't felt. Perhaps, quantitatively they can lack fans of bright giving a little, but it is impossible to carp at quality of working off and transfer of textures. Though, of course, here all as always individually. For me this ideal combination of quantity and quality of high frequencies.
The musical cloth appears the integral massif where all details are harmonized. The virtual scene doesn't strike with the width, but perfectly transfers space depth. Seriously, it is just magnetic chasm which tightens you during the sound whirlpool and it is tenacious there holds, and you at the same time don't want to get out from there at all.
These earphones will hardly suit those who needs air and width with the flitting filigree images. And here those who love orotund timbre rich and naturalistic giving, StageDiver SD-2 will be unambiguously pleased. Their a little assombri fascinating handwriting constantly keeps the listener in suspense. It is the real, honest and full-blooded sound in which there is a wish to revel as long as possible without interruption.
Still SD-2 very much please with the genre universality. They fascinating give surroundings of classical music, instrumental music and jazz, it isn't less interesting and is fascinating win back rock and electronics.
For example: Depeche Mode "Going Backwards"
The composition moves powerfully and monotonously, clouding gloomy fog the listener's head.
The hard, direct shot shatteringly hits into a bone. The shaking bass as if the pendulum, resounds with an eardrum and enters into a trance. The accruing wave of a synthesizer rolls on you, and the velvet Dave Gahan's voice is detached, but penetrating removes:
«We are not there yet
Where we need to be
We are still in debt
To our insanities
We're going backwards
Turning back our history
Going backwards
Piling on the misery…»
And here all booming "depeche's" artillery is connected, scorching from all tools where each sound shell is depicted to the smallest particles.
These IEM as the skillful conductor in the jungle, enter you into the hypnotic atmosphere of a song. Even to goosebumps!
If to compare SD-2 to the earphones which are earlier surveyed by me from InEar, then SD-5 play "is more juicy" and in expressive way at the expense of the emotional middle, accurate emphasis on a joint of Mid/High and distinguished "spark" at high frequencies. ProPhile-8 sound more widely, paying more attention to nuances that no wonder, it is model absolutely of other category.
Anyway StageDiver SD-2 have a special charm, a natural manner of a sound and identity. They have an interesting giving of a sound, a pressure and enviable power that a rarity for the earphones constructed on only two BA drivers. It is sure that this model will have many admirers.
Conclusion
I will be short: in my opinion, it is one of the best models in price category up to €500-600. On the official site of inear-monitoring StageDiver SD-2 there are €399. As you have already understood, I consider that SD-2 - it the most right option is correct to spend 400 euros.
Pros
Sound, comfort, assembly, quality of material, price.
Cons
No.
