Understanding Sound Through Curves: In-depth Analysis of the Frequency Responses of ivipQ-iQ14, rtr1, CCA Trio, and White Tiger
In-depth Analysis of ivipQ-iQ14 and Popular IEMs: The Acoustic Mysteries Revealed by Frequency Response Curves
Note: This article refers to YouTube blogger: Akros
Rewritten based on in-depth review videos. For detailed content of the video, you can go to the original address.：https://youtu.be/v5Lij-vO2AM
The frequency response curve is a visual language for understanding headphone sound quality, telling the story of sound balance and characteristics.
This article will analyze the frequency response curves of several popular in-ear monitors (IEMs) such as ivipQ-iQ14, rtr1, CCA Trio, and White Tiger to compare their sound quality characteristics. These curves intuitively reveal the similarities and differences among these earbuds in terms of low-frequency impact, mid-frequency clarity, high-frequency extension, etc., helping us understand their sound characteristics and potential performance.
Understanding Frequency Response Curves: A Visual Guide to IEM Sound Quality
The frequency response curve is an important tool for measuring headphone sound quality. It describes the audio output level of headphones at different frequencies (from low to high frequencies).
Through the curve, we can intuitively "see" the headphone's sound signature. For example, whether it emphasizes low frequencies (boost in the low-frequency band), highlights vocal clarity (prominent midrange), or pursues high-frequency brightness (enhanced high frequencies).
Frequency response analysis helps us comprehensively understand the dynamic characteristics of headphones, including steady-state gain, phase delay, and frequency selectivity, thereby evaluating whether their performance meets the design requirements.
Detailed Interpretation: Sound Characteristics of ivipQ-iQ14
ivipQ IQ-14 Shanhai is a multi-driver unit IEM, with each side consisting of three dynamic drivers, including a 10mm beryllium-plated dynamic driver for high frequencies, and a coaxial mounting setup where a 10mm composite diaphragm driver is connected to a 6mm titanium-plated dynamic driver.
The frequency response curve of the ivipQ-iQ14 shows the following notable characteristics:
- Rich and melodic bass：The curve shows that it has very abundant bass, which becomes relatively flat starting from around 350Hz. This tuning makes the bass sound full, organic, and melodic, avoiding muddiness or excessive "leakage" (bleed), presenting a very old-school and pleasant bass performance. The bass is described as deep and distinct, powerful, and authoritative, while maintaining a clean quantity.
- Smooth mid-to-high frequency transition：The curve shows a slight roll-off in the midrange (Mids) and upper midrange (Upper Mids). This usually means that the vocals and main instruments may not sound overly prominent or aggressive, providing a smoother and more forgiving listening experience. The midrange is described as creamy, prominent, melodic, rich, and clean, making it very suitable for vocal performances.
- Soft high frequencies：The high-frequency part also continues the trend of a slight roll-off. This makes its overall sound very coherent and easy to accept, suitable for long listening without causing fatigue. The high frequencies are described as non-fatiguing and very competent.
iThe overall sound experience of the vipQ-iQ14 is very similar to that of some more expensive earbuds, fully demonstrating its success in sound tuning. Its sound is described as very full, immersive, and holographic at this price point, with rich/organic timbre and excellent musicality.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Curve Analysis of Four IEMs
By comparing the frequency response curve of the ivipQ-iQ14 with that of three other popular IEMs, we can see that each earphone has its own strengths, but there are also striking similarities.
| model | Bass characteristics | Medium/high frequency characteristics | Overall sound impression | Drive unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ivipQ-iQ14 | Adequate, flat, melodic, organic | The mid-frequency and mid-high frequency have a slight roll-off, which is smooth. | Coherent and pleasant, similar to more expensive earplugs | Triple Dynamics |
| rtr1 | Very similar to the iQ14, with slightly cleaner bass | Overall, it is very similar to the iQ14, and the high-frequency extension may be slightly better. | Very similar to the iQ14, with extraordinary performance | 8mm Dynamics |
| CCA Trio | More sense of volume and good control（"tucked bass"） | The mid-frequency is full, but the extreme high-frequency may lack delicacy. | Overall balanced, hard to find fault with, and high cost-performance ratio | 8mm dynamic (x3) |
| White Tiger | The sense of volume is similar to that of the iQ14. | There is more high-frequency energy, and the curve shows more improvement. | The most V-shaped tuning feel, the strongest technical capability, and a more colored tone | Not specified |
It can be seen from the comparison that these four headphones have more similarities than differences in their frequency response curves. Their core tuning concepts are similar, and the differences mainly stem from the different materials and size choices of the driver units, as well as the resulting subtle differences in timbre and quality.
CCA Trio is worthy of special mention. Its electronic three-way frequency division technology provides rich tuning options and balanced sound for the budget price range. It has a customizable sound signature, and different tuning styles can be achieved through four switches: bass boost, mid-high frequency boost, or full-frequency boost.
Practical considerations: construction, wearing, and sound source matching
In addition to frequency response, the following practical factors significantly affect the listening experience:
- Construction and Design：The ivipQ-iQ14 features an all-resin structure with a unique marble-patterned panel, and the panel of each pair of earbuds is one-of-a-kind. The shell is relatively large to accommodate three dynamic driver units, which may be too big for some people's ears, but provides excellent comfort and sound insulation for others.
- It is recommended to replace the earbud covers.：Like many IEMs, the ear tips included with the ivipQ-iQ14 may not bring out its best sound. Trying third-party ear tips (such as Dunu S&S or KBear 07) can significantly improve the sound, offering a crisper response, tighter bass, and more controlled mid to high frequencies.
- Sound source sensitivity：Although the ivipQ-iQ14 has a relatively low impedance (16 ohms) and good sensitivity (104 dB), it benefits from a more powerful audio source. Using a high-quality DAC/amplifier can reveal its full potential, especially in terms of soundstage and dynamics.
- Wire considerations：The cable included with the ivipQ-iQ14 is a usable 8-core silver-plated copper wire with a 4.4mm balanced terminal. However, replacing the cable (for example, with a KBear Chord cable) can bring improvements in aesthetics and sound quality.
Conclusion: Based on the logic of curve selection
Through the analysis of the frequency response curve, we can draw several key conclusions:
- The ivipQ-iQ14 is an IEM with mature tuning and a comfortable listening experience.Its sound signature is gentle and pleasant, suitable for long hours of listening. The bass is musical, and the overall balance is excellently controlled, providing a listening experience close to that of higher-priced products.
- Fierce market competition leads to different approaches achieving the same result.Despite their different models, rtr1, CCA Trio, and White Tiger show a high degree of consistency with ivipQ-iQ14 in terms of core tuning goals, indicating that this sound signature is currently popular in the market.
- Details determine success or failure.The final choice often depends on your preference for subtle factors, such as extreme high-frequency extension, the clarity of bass, cost performance (e.g., CCA Trio), or the shell material and wearing comfort.
The frequency response curve is not the only criterion for evaluating sound quality, but it helps in understanding headphones'General sound characteristics It provides an objective and visual starting point. All these IEMs are highly capable and excellent choices. Understanding the curves allows you to more clearly see which "good" one is the most suitable for you.
Disclaimer：This analysis is based on a subjective interpretation of frequency response curves and sound description. The actual listening experience may vary depending on factors such as individual hearing, wearing conditions, and audio source equipment. Frequency response analysis may have limitations for nonlinear systems. If possible, it is recommended to listen to it in person.