Sound Quality
Some brands have experimented with a full-range single-balanced armature (BA) driver setup to simplify design and reduce costs. However, this approach often faces limitations, especially in bass and treble extension. AFUL claims to address these issues in the Magic One by implementing a thin and long acoustic tube, promising improved bass performance. While the rest of the spectrum is expected to meet acceptable standards given its price, let’s explore further.
The AFUL Magic One is primarily characterized by its flat sound profile. Although the overall tone leans towards a somewhat dry and sterile quality, it stands out for delivering a remarkably clean sound with exceptional clarity, considering its affordable price. The IEM’s energy and transparency contribute to its overall appeal, creating an engaging and transparent listening experience.
Bass
Despite AFUL’s efforts with the acoustic tube solution, the bass performance of the Magic One remains characteristic of a typical single-balanced armature (BA) driver. The delivery is notably flat, lacking significant impact or depth. In comparison to setups utilizing dynamic drivers or multiple BAs, the bass is restricted, possessing a subdued character.
Furthermore, the bass exhibits a dry character without a distinct texture. This limitation may be notable for those who appreciate a rich, impactful bass with a pronounced sense of rumble. If your preference leans towards a more textured and resonant low end, the Magic One’s bass characteristics may fall short of expectations.
So in short, the Magic One has a ”papery” bass presentation, and I think it is more suitable for Jazz, Acoustic or Classical music. Anything bass-related would be an underwhelming experience, at least for the people who like to have a textured, impactful bass.
Mids
The standout feature of the Magic One lies in its exceptional mid-range performance, a characteristic not uncommon in single-balanced armature setups. Instruments and vocals are rendered with good clarity, transparency, and articulation. The mid-range demonstrates impressive resolution given its price point, and the notes are well-defined.
Nevertheless, the mid-range may exhibit a somewhat dry approach, attributed to a slight lack of fullness in sound reproduction. This results in a spacious and breathy presentation, as the mid-range, along with the mid-bass, refrains from dominating the overall soundstage. Despite the dryness, the Magic One’s mid-range manages to deliver a clean and detailed audio experience, particularly for its price.
Given my preference for IEMs with a warmer and fuller sound for daily use, it’s important to note that achieving a thick and full sound, especially with a distinct mid-bass and lower-mid section, can be challenging within a constrained price range. The Magic One, designed with cost considerations in mind, may not offer the advanced features required to produce the rich and full-bodied audio you seek.
Understanding the limitations inherent in its price point is crucial, and it wouldn’t be fair to anticipate high-end audio characteristics, such as an intricate mid-bass or lower-mid reproduction, from this unit. While the Magic One may not fully align with your preference for a warmer and fuller sound, it’s essential to evaluate it within the context of its intended market and budget-friendly positioning.
Despite the above considerations, the AFUL Magic One shines in terms of detail and resolution, showcasing an impressive level of clarity for both vocals and instruments. While some listeners might favour a fuller mid-range, the Magic One manages to deliver a smooth and flowing mid-range experience with commendable separation and transparency.
It’s acknowledged that a fuller tonality could have added to the overall appeal, but within its capabilities and price range, the Magic One holds its own. The IEM demonstrates its capability to provide clean, detailed sound reproduction, making it a noteworthy option for those who prioritize clarity and resolution.
Treble
The treble performance of the Magic One stands out with its crisp and well-defined character, offering excellent detail retrieval that captures every nuance. The overall resolution is particularly impressive, contributing to a treble presentation that is both articulate and, notably, on par with higher-priced units. It’s worth noting that the level of detail achieved is contingent on the quality of the source device, indicating that the Magic One has the potential to truly shine when paired with a capable audio source. This emphasis on treble clarity makes it an appealing choice for those who appreciate intricate and detailed high-frequency reproduction.
Conversely, the limitations of the single-BA become evident in the Magic One’s treble extension, especially in the upper treble range. The deficiency in extension becomes noticeable from the initial listening experience. While extended highs are often highly sought after in the market, the Magic One falls short in terms of the amount of extension in the upper treble.
Despite this drawback, a positive aspect is the absence of excessive sibilance or an ear-piercing treble response. The Magic One manages to maintain a balanced and controlled treble presentation, avoiding harshness and ensuring a comfortable listening experience. While the treble extension may not meet the expectations set by units with more advanced configurations, the lack of sibilance is a commendable feature that contributes to overall listening satisfaction.
Page 3 – Technical Performance, Comparisons & Conclusion
