BASN MMCX In-Ear Monitor Headphone Review

Dive into our detailed review of the BASN MMCX IEMs. Discover their sound quality, ergonomic design, unboxing experience, and more.

In the ever-expanding market of in-ear monitors (IEMs), the BASN MMCX stands out as a noteworthy contender, especially for musicians and audiophiles seeking high-quality sound, impressive isolation, and ergonomic design. We will go into the design and comfort of these IEMs, detailing their robust construction and the thought that goes into their ergonomics and accessories, ensuring they fit seamlessly into the lifestyle of the user. The unboxing experience, often overlooked, is also highlighted to give potential users an idea of what to expect right from the moment they receive their BASN MMCX. Furthermore, the core of our review focuses on sound quality, including aspects like imaging and isolation, which are crucial for an immersive listening experience. We aim to provide a balanced perspective that can guide both musicians and audiophiles into making an informed decision about these IEMs.

Key Specifications

Type: IEM (in-ear monitor)
Driver Type: 2 x 10mm Dynamic Drivers (DD), 1 x Balanced Armatures (BA)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 22 kHz
Impedance: 34 ohms
Sensitivity: 107 dB SPL
Weight: 5.6g
Connection: MMCX connector on each earpiece, 3.5mm cable termination
Detachable Cable: Yes

In The Box

• MMCX IEMs
• 3× Memory Foam Eartips (S/M/L)
• 3× Single-layer silicone eartips (S/M/L)
• 3× Double-layer silicone eartips (S/M/L)
• 3× Triple-layer silicone eartips (S/M/L)
• 1.5m cable with in-line mic
• 1.5m upgraded Silver-plated detachable cable
• 6.3mm adapter
• Manual
• Carrying case
  
  

Packaging

The unboxing experience of the BASN MMCX is designed to be a memorable event, akin to unveiling a luxury item. The outer packaging is sleek, featuring a gift-box style that immediately signals a premium product within. Upon removing the outer layer, you are greeted with a jewelry box-style enclosure. This elegant presentation not only protects the IEMs during shipping but also enhances the overall excitement of getting a new audio device. The box itself is sturdy and features a clear window that showcases the IEMs prominently, set against a backdrop that lists key parameters, making every detail immediately apparent to the new owner.

The thoughtful inclusion of all the accessories ensures that users can customize their listening experience right out of the box, whether they’re at home, in a studio, or on the move.

This extensive array of accessories, combined with the high-quality presentation of the packaging, makes the unboxing of the BASN MMCX a truly exceptional experience, setting the stage for the audio performance that follows.

Design & Comfort

Looking at the BASN MMCX, the design and comfort stand out as pivotal factors contributing to its overall appeal and functionality. This section delves into the materials used and the ergonomics and comfort provided IEMs, highlighting how they cater to the demanding needs of audiophiles and musicians.

Materials Used

The exterior design of the BASN MMCX does not shy away from esthetics. With a golden-marbled effect (I have the Golden Obsidian model) on the plate and gold screen-printed branding, these IEMs exude a sense of luxury and distinctiveness. Despite using lightweight plastic in the construction, the transparent design allows users to view the intricate internal components, including the dual-chamber dynamic driver and balanced armature. This visual accessibility not only appeals to the curious eye but also reassures users of the careful craftsmanship involved.

All that being said, for a product retailing around $100 USD, one might anticipate a more premium feel akin to metallic shells, which are often associated with higher-end models. Instead, the BASN MMCX utilizes materials similar to those found in much cheaper earbuds. This aspect could be a drawback for users who prioritize a luxurious esthetic and feel in their IEMs.

Ergonomics and Comfort

Ergonomics play a crucial role in the design of any personal audio equipment. The BASN MMCX excels in this area with its teardrop-style shape and memory ear-hooks that ensure a secure and comfortable fit. These features make the IEMs suitable for extended use, allowing for hours of comfortable listening without inducing ear fatigue. The standard 6mm diameter nozzles are compatible with a wide range of ear tips, offering users the flexibility to find the perfect fit and achieve optimal sound isolation and quality.

Moreover, the inclusion of high-quality, pull-resistant detachable cables minimizes cable noise, enhancing the overall user experience. The ergonomic design is further complemented by the L-type jack and 0.5-inch plug sleeve, which provide additional durability and protection against cable damage. I actually love the included silver-plated cable. It’s light, has a good length (1.5m), and doesn’t have any memory so it straightens out quickly. The microphone cable is decent, and if you need inline controls it will get the job done.

Features

The BASN MMCX is a triple-driver IEM, meaning it contains three drivers: two 10mm Dynamic Drivers and one Balanced Armature driver. The different drivers are responsible for handling different types of tasks.

The two dynamic drivers handle the lower frequencies, namely the bass and sub-bass response. The balanced armature driver takes care of the mid and high frequencies, so areas such as guitars and vocals.

Sound Quality

Sources used for this review:
Qudelix T71
Sony NW-WM1AM2
HiBy R4
Samsung Galaxy Fold 5 with USB-C to 3.5mm dongle
iFi Zen DAC V2

The BASN MMCX are extremely easy IEMs to drive, with a 34 ohm impedance and 107 dB SPL sensitivity. I encountered no issues using a basic Apple USB-C to 3.5mm dongle, and they nicely scaled up when using a high-end DAP such as my Sony NW-WM1AM2, and my desktop DAC/Amp the iFI Zen DAC V2.

Bass Response

The BASN MMCX showcases a rich bass performance that initially presents itself as quite powerful, perhaps even overwhelmingly so. In my testing, a burn-in period was required as this allowed bass tones to settle into a more controlled and enjoyable profile. The low-frequency response is particularly enjoyable, which makes sense as the BASN MMCX is tailored for bassists and those who appreciate a full-bodied sound. There does seem to be a bit of a roll-off in the sub-bass, but the overall bass quality is dense, with drums and percussion delivering a substantial impact. Note that these are not bass cannons. There is a nice rumble, but the bass can be articulated quite easily instead of being muddy or drowned out.


Midrange

The midrange of the BASN MMCX is characterized by its neutrality and warmth, providing a well-balanced sound that does not favor any particular frequency. Detail and body are well-represented here, making it suitable for a wide variety of music genres. Male vocals appear slightly softer and more recessed, adding a layer of depth, whereas female vocals maintain a moderate dynamic presence, neither overly pronounced nor lost in the mix. This balance ensures that the midrange does not become fatiguing over long listening sessions, making it ideal for both casual listening and professional use.


Treble

Treble performance in the BASN MMCX is executed with a naturalness that can be attributed to the balanced armature design. While it may not satisfy those looking for a very bright treble response, it provides a realistic and pleasant listening experience for most users. Instruments like cymbals and claps are rendered with a slight muting, yet remain realistic, and pianos and brass come through with clarity and pleasantness. There’s very little sibilance, it’s a smooth sound that does not roll off too sharply, allowing for good separation and detail. That being said, it does lack a certain energy to it, leading to the upper treble sounding a bit dull at times.


Soundstage and Imaging

The imaging performance is commendable, providing accurate sound placement that enhances the immersive listening experience. The soundstage is as you would expect for an IEM, meaning it is on the narrower side. That being said, the BASN MMCX still manages to give you a good sense of space, so the audio doesn’t sound too condensed or claustrophobic.

Overall, the BASN MMCX excels in delivering a sound profile that should appeal to both casual listeners and audio professionals. The bass response, after a burn-in period, becomes well-controlled and enjoyable, providing a full-bodied sound that enhances the overall audio experience. The mids are balanced, ensuring vocals and instruments are clear and present without overpowering each other. Treble is pleasantly realistic, with a restrained response that avoids fatigue, making these IEMs suitable for extended listening sessions.

Final Thoughts

The BASN MMCX has a balanced sound profile, from the hearty bass to the detailed mids and controlled treble, which fulfills the auditory needs of both the casual listener and the discriminating audiophile or musician. Despite its minor drawbacks in the upper treble, the BASN MMCX’s overall performance and attention to user comfort firmly anchor its place as a top contender in the world of in-ear monitors.

For those in search of immersive sound and comfortable, long-wearing design, the BASN MMCX presents a compelling choice. While acknowledging areas for refinement, the strengths of the BASN MMCX resonate loudly, making it a strong consideration for IEMs in the $100 range for casual listeners and musicians.

Article written by Dawson Pearse

Reprint from website:https://www.hifioasis.com/reviews/basn-mmcx-review/