Review: Alclair Curve

The Curve has a bit of a V-shaped sound signature, so the midrange sits a little behind both the treble and the bass. So, if you love a big, warm, forward midrange, this might not be your IEM, but like its fellow frequencies, the mids here are clean and smooth.   Even though it doesn’t see quite the focus of the other areas, it is never overwhelmed and buried.  The voices, however, is where this is at.  With the right source, they really pop.  Although the tonality of the Curve is a touch cool, do not mistake cool for unmusical, because it certainly isn’t.  Instead of being seduced by Shirley Manson, you are getting your ass kicked by her.  A different, but equally pleasurable sensation.  Male vocals are equally well served.  Eric Clapton, Thom York:  they all rock.

Let’s not kid ourselves: the Curve is all about the bass, and it is a joy to behold (behear?).  I love the bass.  I have become an addict.  Looking for a neutral bass response?  This is not for you.  The bass is definitely the focus here.  It’s big.  It goes pretty deep.  It hits hard.  The reason it is so impressive, however, is that it manages to be big and bold, yet delicate when needed.  Take, for example, the Rilo Kiley song “Capturing Moods”.  The song has persistent, but gentle bass throughout the whole song.  Despite the emphasized bass, it never encroaches on the midrange and lets the wonderful vocals stay in focus.  It manages to have its cake and eat it too.  I do have to offer one word of warning.  Be careful with your volume levels.  The Curve, especially its bass, is just begging to be driven hard.  One could easily get carried away.

Detail level of detail on the Curve is strong.  Texture in the bass is surprisingly good for the price.  The clarity is pretty good, but given the stronger bass presence and the darker tonality that brings, it isn’t a strong point, nor is it a weakness.  One of the biggest drawbacks to the Curve is that it is revealing enough to point out flaws in your music or upstream components (and I really wish this weren’t so.  You will find out why in my next review).  The soundstage performance is solid.  It isn’t as large as a good full sized headphone, but it never feels claustrophobic.  Width and depth are both decent, bringing with it a pretty nice 3d presentation for the price.  I wouldn’t rank that as the Curve’s strongest suit, but again, I certainly wouldn’t list it as a weakness either.

It should go without saying that the Curve does well with rock, having powerful bass and a strong vocal presentation.  It also goes really well with acoustic, rap, techno.  It should go well with most.  The only genres I wouldn’t go with are jazz or classical.  Given the right setup, classical can work, but the Curve would never be my first choice.

What is important with the Curve is to make sure you are pairing it with the right gear.  While it isn’t a difficult IEM to drive, it does better from a source that has, shall we say, a little attitude.  The Concero HP is one such setup:  Great bass slam, sparkly highs, fantastic speed.  On the other end… ok, I quite like the ifi Micro iDSD, but one thing it does NOT have, is attitude.   It makes for a fairly boring pairing.  It sounds clean and detailed and everything; it just doesn’t have anything.  Imagine this totally awesome, badass chick dating a painfully buttoned up, completely straight-laced guy and he gets to plan all the dates, that’s what it sounds like.  The Curve desperately wants to cut loose, but it can’t.  Surprisingly, my favorite combo might be with the Matrix M-stage 3u.  As long as you can overlook the slightest bit of noise, they kick ass together.  Vocals are especially great with these two.

Just to amuse myself, I thought I might connect the Curve to my Violectric V100/ Matrix Quattro II (review at some point).  I figured it would be pointless overkill with the Curve, but I was quite surprised.  It scaled up nicely.  The detail and soundstage both bumped up a notch while connected.  It really whets ones appetite for Alclair’s CIEMs.

I am struggling here trying to find much negative to say.  Its strong vocal performance and very addictive bass, combined with solid comfort make it a blast to listen to.  They can be purchased through Alclair’s website www.alclair.com and retail for $249.  If the Curve sounds in any way like something you would enjoy, go for it!

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4.4/5 - (9 votes)
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2 Comments

  • Reply November 24, 2015

    ohm image

    Dave, it is a pleasure to have you back.

    Edit: hit ‘enter’ too soon. Great review of what I assume is a great earphone.

  • Reply November 24, 2015

    kimir

    Sounds like this could be a good upgrade from the SE215 SE for deeper bass with less congestion? I’m also looking at the 64 Ears U4/U6, but this sounds like a great option.

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