In today’s article, we review the new $1,199 USD Lime Ears Terra, a hybrid IEM from Poland.
Disclaimer: Lime Ears sent the new Terra IEM in exchange for our honest opinion.
Lime Ears
Lime Ears, a Polish IEM company, has evolved significantly since its founding. Initially focused on professional sound engineers and musicians, the brand has, in recent years, shifted its attention toward the audiophile community. Emil, the founder, shares the company’s origin story:
“The company started in 2010 when I was an acoustic designer and active bass player. After discovering CIEMs (custom in-ear monitors) and teaming up with audiologist Karolina, we spent two years experimenting with prototypes. In 2012 we officially launched Lime Ears, slowly gaining recognition among Polish musicians and, eventually, audiophiles worldwide.”
Emil emphasizes his interest in tuning CIEMs by altering the sound path, using acoustic filters, and adjusting canal shapes to unlock unique sonic qualities. Today, Lime Ears is known for its innovation and craftsmanship in IEM design.
It’s been a long while since I reviewed a Lime Ears IEM, but to assure you, there’ll be two more in a very short time. The last time I reviewed one of its IEMs was the original Pneuma. Its V2 version will be online here soon:
Lieven reviewed their flagship Anima, which also has a V2 model which will also be reviewed here, probably next month.
TERRA
The Terra is Lime Ears’ new offering with a hybrid configuration in the upper mid-range IEM market. With this model, Lime Ears introduces its first metal IEM shells, which translates to a more premium and robust feel in its IEMs in universal models.
Terra is a living, personified entity charged with risk and countless potential, reflecting the relations between our conscious and subconscious.
Specs
- One 7mm Titanium-Diaphragm DD for infra-sub frequencies
- Two BAs for low-mid frequencies
- Two BAs for mid-high frequencies
- One 2023 Knowles RAU New Generation BA for ultra-high frequencies
Tech Features
- TiTE™ Module: The Titanium Tonal Energy Module uses a titanium dynamic driver, known for its rigidity and weight, to deliver powerful, organic lows. This enhances the realism and warmth of sound, improving the listening experience with a rich, resonant bass response. It is derived from the flagship ANIMA.
- HERO™ Super Tweeter: A 2023 generation Knowles RAU Balanced Armature driver provides extended treble performance up to 25kHz. This super tweeter boosts treble output and resolution without needing a high-voltage amplifier, offering detailed, high-frequency sound with minimal distortion.
- VariBore™ Acoustic Design: Varying bore diameters optimize sound transmission across frequencies, particularly improving high-frequency extension. This design reduces air friction and resonance, delivering smoother, more authentic highs.
- SAAS Core: The IEM’s shell is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminium, combining lightness with durability. This material supports the integration of heavier drivers without adding bulk, ensuring comfort and long-lasting performance.
Packaging
Lime Ears Terra is a partnership IEM with Effect Audio. So the package and its contents is provided by EA for this release. The package includes:
- Stock Copper Cable from Effect Audio
- Premium Top Grain Leather Carrying Case
- Spinfit W1 Eartips
- Owner’s Manual
- Cleaning Kit
- Cotton Pouch
You can also get the Terra with two bundle options from Effect Audio. You can get the new IEM with EA’s Cadmus 8W and CODE 24 cables, for enhanced performance. About the package itself, I think for the price you get a pretty good package, and having Spin Fit tips is always nice. A better selection of tips would’ve been nicer, but overall a premium unboxing for sure.
Design & Build Quality
The design of the new Terra looks punchy, colourful, and unique. Emil prepares the unique-looking face plates himself and the result is fantastic. You get much more boring-looking designs for this price but Terra has none of it, it goes all out with colours and richness. Apart from the faceplates, you see a green theme everywhere; from the packaging to the aluminium shells and the cable itself. A very consistent, complementing design overall. The cable looks like a toned-down iteration of EA’s Code 23 Limited Edition Cyber Green, which suits the new Terra very well.
Regarding build quality, Lime Ears Terra impresses with the first aluminium shells from Emil’s hands. It is very durable, and indeed quite lightweight, which contributes to having a comfortable experience, which I will mention shortly. The nozzles are unibody with the shells and they have wax filters as well. Top-grade craftsmanship here.
Fit
The fit of the Terra is a standout feature, offering a snug, flush fit in the ear. Its ergonomic shape and lightweight shells are ideal for extended listening sessions, showcasing Emil’s correct decision in the design phase.
When paired with SpinFit tips, the Terra is even better in terms of comfort, but as usual with SpinFits, you lose the passive isolation in noisy places. You can improve that with different options and especially with foam tips. But overall, the fit is comfortable, secure, and impressive, leaving little to be desired.
Page 2: Sound Quality
Page 3: Technical Performance, Comparisons, Conclusion
