Sound
You might assume the Monachaa to be a bass-oriented IEM or a bass monster, but it’s not that. Sure, the bass has a big impact and focus at times, but it doesn’t have an extreme presentation in any way. Overall the tuning is pretty much what we’re used to from past Oriolus IEMs:
- Natural and organic
- Dynamic and vibrant
- Airy and spacious
- Rich in mid-range texture and body
- Slightly coloured in timbre
- Good PRaT for a full dynamic setup
Let’s go into the spectrum.
Bass
When properly driven, the Monachaa exhibits an exceptional bass performance, boasting qualities in terms of rumble, impact, and decay. In the realm of pure bass performance within its price range, the Monachaa stands out as one of the best, with its commendable rumble and impactful delivery deserving special recognition.
Despite its powerful definition, the sub-bass avoids being overly boomy, maintaining clarity and separation from the rest of the spectrum. The mid-bass region is nicely defined, displaying a notable richness and texture, but it’s not as dominant as the sub-bass. The Monachaa’s bass possesses an addictive quality, especially evident in bass-oriented songs, where you might find yourself tapping your foot to the beat.
Oriolus, as a brand, demonstrates a profound understanding of effectively utilizing dynamic drivers, a prowess that was evident even eight years ago with the Oriolus MK2. The texture of the Monachaa’s bass is particularly impressive, showcasing excellent sub-bass definition and depth in the lower frequency range.
Is the bass of the Monachaa neutral or flat? No, this is undoubtedly an IEM designed to deliver the joy and vibrancy of bass frequencies. However, it doesn’t venture into excessive or overpowering territory. In my opinion, the Monachaa can assertively deliver bass notes with authority, striking a balance that avoids crossing into the realm of being overly flashy and potentially overshadowing the rest of the spectrum. The bass is adeptly controlled, contributing to overall enjoyable listening.
Midrange
The Monachaa’s mid-range offers a deeply musical experience, characterized by enjoyable timbre and an overall presentation that is rich and full-bodied. Staying true to Oriolus’ signature style, the note thickness strikes a perfect balance, resulting in a tonality that feels remarkably natural and organic. This immersive and full presentation, mirroring the excellence observed in the bass region, contributes to a delightful and pure musical journey.
However, as is often the case with dynamic mid-range drivers, there is a potential for vocals and instruments to sound a bit shouty depending on the recording. It’s worth noting that this can also be influenced by the choice of ear tips. For those accustomed to the typical BA driver timbre, the Monachaa’s dynamic driver mid-range may initially strike as unusual. On a different note, the upper mid-range exhibits a slight brightness in timbre, although it remains comfortably within the bounds of comfort.
On a positive note, the Monachaa’s mid-range is remarkably dynamic and lively, showcasing excellent energy and resolution. The open and spacious nature of the mid-range performance adds an airy quality to the overall soundstage experience. This becomes particularly evident in live concert recordings, where the Monachaa truly shines.
Overall, the Monachaa’s mid-range performance is characterized by a dynamic, focused quality that becomes more noticeable over time. In this range, there’s an appreciable level of detail, texture, and layering. The coherency is well-maintained, offering a consistent delivery with clear articulation and respectable instrument separation.
Treble
The treble performance of the Monachaa surpasses my initial expectations, offering impressive richness, accentuation, and extension. Surprisingly, the treble is both airy and well-articulated, defying the assumptions often associated with its driver configuration. In a market dominated by BA and EST treble drivers in the higher-end IEM segment, Oriolus manages to deliver commendable treble performance with the Monachaa.
This detailed and spacious treble presentation establishes the Monachaa as a noteworthy IEM in terms of staging and imaging. This characteristic significantly enhances the overall presentation of the IEM. While the bass and mid-range contribute their excellence, a strong treble response with detail and transparency is crucial. Without it, the advantages in other frequency ranges wouldn’t hold as much weight, as the treble plays a pivotal role in the overall performance.
So what the Monachaa puts on the table in terms of pure treble performance is noteworthy. You get a very clean yet natural treble response, with good crispness and micro detail.
Page 1: About, Package, Build, Design, Fit
Page 3: Technical Performance, Conclusion
