Lime Ears Anima V2 Review

 

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Sound General

The original Anima was one of the standout IEMs of recent years, and the Anima V2 builds on that legacy with a new, more dynamic tuning. While it retains the core qualities of the V1, the V2 offers an option for listeners who prefer a stronger sub-bass presence and brighter treble. This model keeps Anima’s essence while catering to a different listening preference, balancing impactful low-end and a more pronounced high-frequency response.

So, how does the Anima V2 sound? With its stock tips, it delivers an energetic U-shaped sound signature, characterized by a crisp and forward treble, mids that lean toward neutrality without added warmth, and a sub-bass that ranks among the best in the market. But its true strength lies in technical performance—boasting remarkable soundstage, transparency, detail, and imaging. This combination of dynamism, fun, and technical excellence makes the Anima V2 a top contender in its price range, appealing to those seeking a lively yet technically strong audio experience.

Sound Classics

Bass

The new Anima V2 sounds very impressive in the bass, especially in terms of sub-bass rumble and impact. The bass is exceptionally good. It delivers bass that impresses both in quantity and quality, though it may feel a touch overwhelming if you’re after a strictly neutral bass profile. However, for those who enjoy a lively low-end, this tuning hits the mark. The bass response is spacious, vibrant, and full of depth, with excellent layering that adds richness to the overall sound.

While the bass performance is satisfying, pairing it with a bass-heavy source could tip the balance too far, so a more neutral source is recommended to maintain the IEM’s intended tuning. For listeners who appreciate an engaging low-end without excess, the Anima V2’s bass is sure to please.

Mid-Range

The original Anima offered a mid response with slightly more thickness and body, contributing to a fuller sound. In contrast, the Anima V2 brings a brighter, leaner mid-range, which sacrifices some of that body but enhances soundstage width, resulting in a more spacious and open presentation. This adjustment gives the mid-range an airy quality that adds a sense of depth and separation, appealing to those who prefer a more open sound signature.

The mids of the Anima V2 are both wide and deep, showcasing impressive layering. There’s a subtle emphasis on the vocals, bringing them slightly forward without overpowering the overall balance, which adds an element of excitement to the sound. The mids are characterized by a natural, smooth presentation with a lovely texture, enhancing the listening experience. Additionally, the note extension and decay are on par with reference monitors, delivering a high level of clarity and detail that allows for a more immersive and engaging audio experience.

Treble

The treble on the Anima V2 is simply fantastic, having incredible detail, airiness and definition. The articulation level is quite outstanding, and the level of detail leaves you astounded at times. Despite the decision to move away from the quad-EST system for a dual Knowles BA, the treble performance of the V2 is better than the V1, especially in terms of sparkle and extension. Again we see it’s not about the technology but implementation.

The transparency in the treble of the Anima V2 is superb, contributing to its detailed and high-resolution performance, which is one of its standout features. However, for those who prefer warm and smooth IEMs, the treble might come across as too sparkling and bright. This can become overwhelming during extended listening sessions, particularly with genres like metal and rock. Fortunately, this brightness can be mitigated by pairing the Anima V2 with a warm source or experimenting with different tips to achieve a more balanced sound profile.

While the treble of the Anima V2 may not cater to everyone’s preference for a smooth or laid-back sound, it undeniably stands out from an objective perspective. Its performance can compete with any IEM currently available on the market, showcasing impressive detail and clarity.

The review continues on page three, simply click here to keep reading.

Page 1: About, Packaging, Design & Build, Fit

Page 3: Technical Performance, Comparisons, Conclusion

4.4/5 - (37 votes)
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A keen audiophile and hobby photographer, Berkhan is after absolute perfection. Whether it is a full-frame camera or a custom in-ear, his standpoint persists. He tries to keep his photography enthusiasm at the same level as audio. Sometimes photography wins, sometimes his love for music takes over and he puts that camera aside. Simplistic expressions of sound in his reviews are the way to go for him. He enjoys a fine single malt along with his favourite Jazz recordings.

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