Review: Alpha & Delta AD01

Sound

All the descriptions below are based on the AD01 using the upgraded cable. Without the upgrade cable the AD01 sounded very dark, warm and had more bloated bass. The Alpha and Delta upgrade cable, according to LMUE, improves the AD01’s sound by tightening the bass and improving on the clarity of the mids and highs and that’s exactly what it does.

Some would certainly describe the AD01 as being v-curved and maybe you could say that but it isn’t really a v-curve as we are used to. The mids here just are a bit recessed and that’s mostly because the bass has put up front. The overall sound signature of the AD01 definitely on the warmer side of neutral with a smooth, fun and musical delivery.

There’s a clear focus on the AD01’s bass but don’t mistake the AD01 for a bass head’s IEM. Bass has more than neutral body and is always present. It’s the kind of bass that can give you a rumble, it’s also the kind of bass that isn’t the tightest or fastest so if you’re looking for that you might not end up being a happy customers. Bass also does tend to bleed in to the lower mids a little which is also giving the impression of the recessed mids. You wouldn’t expect it but even with this bass you overall get a pretty good clarity over the spectrum.

The mids are indeed a little more in the background, there’s no denying that. At the same time the mids have good body and they don’t sound thin either. Helped by the little peak in the lower treble, voices can even sound a little more upfront which is especially nice when listening to dance music. Treble wise these IEMs don’t score big as in they’re not really extended. But they also have good clarity and a nice sparkle making the contrast with the bass really nice and engaging. It’s especially because of this that I like these IEMs so much with electronic/dance music.

Sound stage wise the AD01 doesn’t surprise or shock, it’s good but not spectacular. Same goes for the level of detail and the depth: nothing special good or bad, it’s just what you can expect of IEMs in this price/quality range and that’s completely ok. I’m used to listening to a lot of different customs and what I personally miss most listening to the AD01 is depth, tightness and speed but at the same time I enjoy the set when I don’t have to concentrate on the music and I can just enjoy my favorite (bass) tracks. I like the AD01 most when listening to rock music and electronic music.

Conclusion

LMUE did quite good with their first set of universals. They went for a very specific sound where bass and clarity were most important. The upgrade cable to me is a must have, with it bass gets tighter and clarity improves. You will get a fun sounding set of earphones where bass will be always present and full bodied but not overpowering.

Sound wise (detail, depth and width) you will get the usual for IEMs in this league but in combination with the good build quality, modularity and good price, the AD01 turns into a very interesting IEM if you’re looking for this specific sound signature.

It of course is available in Lendmeurears’ webshop here and I really suggest you order the upgrade cable with it. And there you go, I managed to finish this review in exactly 1291 words, who would have thought.