Tin HiFi P2 Review: Going lavish
There are numerous brands available from the Chi-Fi market, yet only some of them are the ones that are holding compelling attention. As many of us would already know, Tin HiFi is one of the Chi-Fi brands acquiring strong support from budget audiophiles. Their basic T series that started as T1 with a simple cylinder earpiece design has already reached model T5 with a lot more advancements in earpiece ergonomics and tuning. Alongside their first TWS product, Tin HiFi’s new premium (or flagship) line-up, the P series, started off with the successful debut of Tin P1. As a sequel to the prior flagship, Tin HiFi has released the new premium model, Tin P2. Let us find out the differences, features, and in-depth sound analysis with comparisons.
Packaging
P2 comes in a sizable packaging with a variety of accessories. Removing the outer white sleeve reveals the inner brown box that presents the including with sliders like a wardrobe. on the top layer sits the earpieces with the carrying case and the rest of the accessories on the bottom drawer. Other than the earpieces, P2 comes with a 2.5mm stock cable, 3 pairs of silicone tips, 3 pairs of foam tips, 2.5mm to 3.5mm L-shaped adapter, 2.5mm to 4.4mm I-shaped adapter, a carrying case, and some paperwork.
Earpieces
P2 has a brand-new form factor that differs from their previous barrel-like designs. Using a stainless steel chassis, the shape has been advanced into a more ergonomic type that offers a noticeably better fit and secureness. Earpieces have a matte silver color with smoothly sanded surfaces, making them feel friendly to the skin. It also has a small, grainy faceplate to aid its aesthetics. Another important change is that the earpiece connectors have been changed to QDC 2pin (or extruded 2pin) sockets.
Just as P1 did, P2 uses a single planar magnetic driver but with upgraded components. Alongside the 2nd generation driver, the size of the driver has been increased from 10mm to 12mm. Tin HiFi introduces that they’ve matured their tuning based on the learnings they’ve acquired from the P1, managing to create an even SPL (sound pressure level) throughout the diaphragm, leading to a wider, higher-definition, and balanced sound.
With 32-ohm impedance with 90±3dB sensitivity, P2 requires some major power source to bring out proper performance and volume. It reaches about 90% of what the monstrous power-demanding flagship IEM Astrotec Phoenix required, so you definitely need an amp or a DAP that is capable of pulling off some loud output. And no, P2 is definitely not meant for listening on phones unless you pair up with a solid amp.
Cable
As much as these drivers require such strong output, Tin HiFi has put some thoughts on their stock cable too. The cable is terminated with TRRS 2.5mm balanced plug, which can be converted to TRS 3.5mm or TRS 4.4mm by using the included converters. Though considering the fact that the total length of the plug becomes pretty long and bulky once installed the converters, it sure would’ve been better if Tin HiFi incorporated modular plugs instead. The cable is made of 6N OCC audio-grade wires with QDC connectors that grip on well to the earpieces.
Sound impression – Lows
P2 has a mildly w-shaped sound signature. Lows are deep, weighty, and plentiful. The bass quantity is just about similar to slightly v-shaped IEMs – not flat but definitely not so bassy. P2 brings out good depth and those dark, voidness that the ultra lows ooze. Alongside, lows feel as if they have some level of viscosity or “stickiness” to the texture, making the bass strikes more chewy and dynamic. Lows feel evenly distributed in density among the low range, showing no particular cloggy area. The upper lows have a bit more emphasis which gives a small uphill to the bass flow. Overall, the bass is calm and gentle that they strictly remain on the lower end of the headroom – as if acting as an anchor point for the sound.
One of the common characteristics I’ve found from planar IEMs is that the sound feels “flat” throughout their destined spectrum. Not necessarily in terms of quantity (while it does apply for quantity to some extent) but in density. This is the same characteristic that I’ve mentioned just above. The same applies to the mids – but now more evident.
Sound impression – Mids, etc.
Compared to non-planar IEMs, mids from P2 feel less bulged-out or clogged. Here’s a very rough example only to give an idea: if the density to area ratio for non-planar IEMs is 3:1, planar IEMs like P2 are more like 2:2. I also like using a metaphor that planar IEMs feel like they’re relieving a cramped muscle. This doesn’t degrade the density or loosen the sound. The foundation point of the sound feels to be set on the posterior, having more front-and-back coverage. This makes the vocals feel less close to the ears but not recessed, however.
Other than these, the thickness of mids is neutral or just mildly tilted towards the slimmer side. Vocals still have a full enough body with good meat but not to a point of calling it bold. Mids have mild airiness present throughout the range with a cool tone in temperature. Sibilance areas are nicely managed, causing no spikes or dips but a small hill that benefits the upper-mid shine. The sibilance area is finished with a slim edge that gives a mild incisiveness but thankfully this doesn’t develop into a sibilance and become a deal-breaker. However, it is recommended to use foam tips if you are sensitive to hearing upper ranges or slim vocals.
Sound impression – Highs, etc.
highs are placed as same as or a bit closer than mids. The tone is set organically that feels modern and “well seasoned”, adding a good taste to the music. P2 tends to extend the trebles gradually but daringly, giving a well-spread, vibrant expansion among the upper range. By doing this, the texture does tend to feel a tad sandy. The texture grains are fine which prevents the trebles from sounding spiky, though if you’re used to tenderized or soft-textured trebles, it is possible that this may irritate you a bit. It doesn’t get out of control, however. the quantity and brightness of the treble still remain on the scope of being manageable, resulting in the same conclusion as we’ve talked about mids – using foam tips. Thus, if you’re fairly used to bright and vivid trebles, the trebles on P2 may not bother you from the first point (which is also the case for me).
If we look at the big picture and evaluate P2’s sound, one of the strongest highlights of this IEM is on its treble details. Very fine treble layering and texture details pop out cleanly and well-divided. P2 ability to display these fine and high-resolution details in such a calm and flat matter is the clearest part that I could detect and appreciate P2 is using a planar driver. One thing to point out, however, is that this also makes P2 source-sensitive. The recording details are exposed rather explicitly, meaning that badly-recorded sources could cause the trebles to sound dry or make the textures feel rugged.
Comparisons – Tin HiFi P1
First to talk about the ergonomics – For me, the P1 did not have the most ideal shape. I prefer to use normal single-flanged eartips with these, yet the earpieces were quite small and flat. The nozzles were a bit on the shorter side (not drastically though) and barely had lips for eartips to hold on to. Unlike that, the P2 has an ergonomic and long-enough body, a shorter nozzle stem, and deeper nozzle lips. This works out great in both comfort and eartip selection.
The nuance is similar but with noticeably fuller and richer headroom. The sound stage is wider and larger, and more spatial. Lows are significantly improved in many ways. It’s far deeper in extension and larger in body, producing the masculine slam and bold bass grooves that were lacking from the P1. P2 also carries more weight to the bass, better filling up the lower atmosphere with dark and thick bass presence.
Highs are also improved big time. P2’s treble reaches higher extension and altitude, giving finer strands of details and sparkles. P2 is also more clearer in tone, making the treble details stand out even nicer. The crispier and tighter textures add up to P2’s analyticity to be superior to P1. Positioning is another element that P2 outdoes P1. The transitions between different frequencies are better leveled, creating a more natural, flatter, and larger imaging.
Volans has a calmer, flatter sound that puts its primary highlight on the mids. With a warmer, analog taste to the sound, Volans focuses more on the music’s natural, smoothing flow rather than going into full analyzing mode. Volans does have decent separation and analyticity, though it dedicates itself more to the consistency (or wholeness) of the overall sound. The tone is more neutral and clearer in color, making the sound feel more water-like.
Meanwhile, P2 takes an opposite approach where it shows more vibrance and engagement – both in quantity and color. Volans had round, polished edges for the texture whereas P2 blatantly exposes the textures with clear grains and bumps. P2 is overall airier, expansive, and analytical. This is an interesting comparison that shows strong contrast as one shows soothing retro sound while the other (which is P2) follows the modern trend of strong detailing.
Verdicts
P2 has a fine, crisp resolution that approaches near to flagship-level IEMs, offering a very charming planar sound that is further sophisticated from the older generation. While P1 felt more like a single DD having a taste of planar drivers, P2 definitely feels to be utilizing the planar characteristics effectively. P2 would be a very powerful and effective solution for those interested in planar IEMs or those who simply couldn’t give up the accurate single driver sound but still wants extra analyticity. There aren’t many planar IEMs available in this price range, which I appreciate the birth of this model even more. As long as you have a source with decent output power, plus being able to cope with a portion of vividness from the trebles (through foam tips or simply through your personal taste), the P2 is going to be one of the high-resolution IEMs with to choose under $400.
Thanks to Tin HiFi for providing P2 in exchange for an honest impression/feedback.
I am not affiliated with Tin HiFi and none of my words were modded or asked to be changed.
