ACTUALLY GREAT TUNING SWITCHES!! | ArpegEar Hane Review

Summary

The Topping Hane by rPEG ears is a versatile IEM featuring four tuning switches that offer flexibility in sound customization. Priced at $129, it delivers an upper midrange and treble-forward sound, with bass that feels secondary. While the treble is detailed, it can be harsh for some listeners. The switches allow users to adjust bass and treble levels for a more balanced sound. However, despite its versatility, the Hane doesn't outperform competitors like the Arya 2, which is cheaper and provides a more cohesive and natural sound. Overall, the Hane is a fine entry but struggles to stand out in a competitive market.

Takeaways

• 😀 Topping has entered the IEM market with the Hane, their first ever IEM offering.
• 😀 The Hane features a single dynamic driver setup with four tuning switches for sound customization.
• 😀 The Hane is priced at $129 USD and comes with a solid accessory package, including ear tips, a cloth cable, and a small carrying pouch.
• 😀 The stock sound signature is midrange and treble-forward, with vocals and treble highlighted, but the bass feels secondary.
• 😀 The Hane's treble is peaky, which some listeners may find congested and unnatural.
• 😀 Bass is underwhelming, lacking definition and punch, making it feel just 'okay'.
• 😀 The upper midrange can sound shouty, which could be uncomfortable for sensitive listeners.
• 😀 The tuning switches are a highlight, offering a range of customizable sound options.
• 😀 Switch 1 boosts sub-bass by 2dB, making the sound more balanced and less shouty.
• 😀 Switch 2 boosts mid-bass by 4dB, creating a V-shaped sound with increased bass and treble.
• 😀 Switch 3 reduces treble and upper midrange above 3kHz, improving the natural sound and tamber of vocals and instruments.
• 😀 Switch 4 boosts treble above 3kHz, but it's not recommended due to already peaky highs.
• 😀 While the Hane offers versatility with its tuning switches, it doesn't outperform competitors like the Arya 2, which sounds more cohesive and natural.
• 😀 The Hane is a fine sounding IEM, but its tuning quirks and lack of standout features make it hard to recommend over other options in the same price range.

Q & A

What makes the Topping Hane unique in the IEM market?

The Topping Hane is unique primarily due to its four tuning switches that allow users to customize the sound profile. This level of versatility is rare in IEMs at this price point, offering users multiple configurations to adjust bass and treble levels.

How is the sound signature of the Topping Hane in its stock form?

In its stock form, the Topping Hane has a midrange and treble-forward sound signature. This means that vocals and treble nuances are more prominent, while bass feels secondary in comparison. It’s not bass-heavy but has enough presence to be noticeable.

What are the main flaws of the Topping Hane according to the review?

The main flaws of the Topping Hane include a peaky treble, which can sound congested and unnatural, bass that is just 'okay' and not well-defined, and a potential shoutiness in the upper midrange that might be unpleasant for sensitive listeners.

How do the tuning switches on the Hane help address these flaws?

The tuning switches on the Hane offer several adjustments. For instance, the first switch boosts sub-bass, making the sound more balanced and less shouty. The second switch boosts both sub-bass and mid-bass, leading to a more V-shaped sound. The third switch reduces upper midrange and treble, making the sound more balanced and natural. The fourth switch boosts treble, although it's not recommended due to the already bright stock sound.

How does the Topping Hane compare to other IEMs in its price range?

The Topping Hane, while decent, doesn’t stand out in its price range. Competitors like the Arya 2, which is $40 cheaper, are praised for their better sound quality, particularly in terms of timbre, cohesion, and snappiness. The Hane’s performance, especially in treble, is not as refined.

What are the advantages of using the Topping Hane's tuning switches?

The tuning switches on the Hane allow users to adapt the sound profile to their preferences, offering flexibility. Users can turn it into a vocal-forward IEM, add more bass, or create a V-shaped sound, making it a versatile option for various listening tastes.

Is the Topping Hane suitable for those sensitive to treble?

The Topping Hane may not be ideal for those sensitive to treble. The treble is described as peaky, and even with tuning adjustments, it can still sound too bright or harsh for certain listeners.

What kind of accessories come with the Topping Hane?

The Topping Hane comes with a cloth cable, six sets of ear tips (three silicone, two foam, and one spring-type), a SIM card tool for adjusting the tuning switches, and a carrying pouch, though the pouch is considered too small for the IEMs.

Does the Topping Hane offer any advantages in terms of value for money?

While the Topping Hane offers good value with its tuning versatility, its sound quality isn’t exceptional enough to make it stand out in its price bracket. The ability to adjust the sound through switches adds some value, but other IEMs in this range offer superior overall performance.

What is the overall conclusion about the Topping Hane from this review?

The Topping Hane is a fine entry-level IEM, offering good sound quality with some redeeming qualities like its tuning flexibility. However, it doesn’t outperform its competitors enough to be highly recommended, especially when there are other IEMs in a similar price range that offer better sound quality without the need for customization.