Review: Oriolus V2 | Gold

Disclaimer: Oriolus V2 was sent us by Oriolus Japan free of charge, for this honest review. This is the version that comes with the PW Audio upgrade cable.
EDIT: Oriolus informed us they now have an English store front!! Buy them here: en.oriolus.jp
INTRO

I’ve been lurking for the Oriolus V2 IEM since the first news. After all the wait, my friend got the chance to try it first (yes I was jealous) and he glorified it so much, the curiosity of me just wildly increased. A couple of months later my turn came out when the opportunity arose for me to try it. And a “wow” at the first 10 seconds… I realized my friend was pretty much right about the success of this amazing IEM. After that, I wanted a pair to make a review here and thankfully I got the sample in the end.

BRAND

Oriolus is a new Hi-end audio brand made by a very famous professional audio management company in Japan: Hibino Intersound Co. Ltd.’s engineering team and the chief hardware engineer of HDP-R10 – RAO YOU LIANG. Cyras Co. Ltd. is in charge of this brand and planning awesome audio devices. Purity in sound is their only mission.

So setting the manners straight, they explained their mission as “purity in sound”. That obviously means they will just focus on the sound quality alone. Although I liked this definition of the mission for it’s openness, I can’t see a clear vision about the company. What they want to do or achieve next? What’s the strategy going to be? Will there be a diversity among their lineup, or will they just put the emphasis on IEM’s? There might be a 10BA IEM in the future and I know that there could also be a new DAP, but there hasn’t been too much news since those hearsays. I think they need to be more informative and clear about their goals or developments. They can be in touch with the community via Head-Fi or other platforms. Luckily they provided us this sample so we’re able to make this review.

o1

IEM

Oriolus is a bird name. Yes. It makes sense to put such a name to an audio company. I don’t know how an Oriole bird sounds like but I guess it’s beautiful. I suppose the word was given to that specific bird family because of their golden colour. It also sounds very charismatic if you ask me.

The name “oriole” was first used in the 18th century and is an adaptation of the scientific Latin genus name, which is derived from the Classical Latin “aureolus” meaning golden. Various forms of “oriole” have existed in Romance languages since the 12th and 13th centuries.

Oriolus V2 is a renewal product from the original IEM. In terms of configuration and technicality nothing has changed (3 balanced armatures assisted with a dynamic driver), the changes are at the shell and the new cable. Other than that, there’s a little improvement on build quality and it now has a soft case provided by PW Audio, the makers of the upgrade cable. The cable, which named No.5, is made by high quality 7n OCC that is often used in many High-End audio products.

BUILD

Oriolus V2 is a well-built IEM with an acrylic shell and recessed 2-pin connection holes. The nozzle is also unites very well with the rest and giving a robust impression. I liked the simplistic design language of this gem dressed up with the full black color. It’s also finished great with the Oriolus brand name engraved to the face plate area with gold color, which is appropriate.

There are 3 bores in the nozzle and the quality of the nozzle itself is very nice. Additionally, the bores are not so small like other IEM’s I’ve faced before, so it’s easier to clean them up with the tool. Another plus is the recessed connection holes as it helps to secure the 2 pin connectors snugly. The general quality of the IEM is no doubt premium overall.

o8

FIT

As far as I know the housing and size is a little bit different on V2 but I’ve never seen the original version. Therefore I can’t compare the two versions in terms of fit and isolation. As for this V2 model, I can say the fit is pretty nice if you’re used to these big sized Universal IEMs. It can be a bit better though. Especially when you consider the short nozzles you can figure out; a deeper insertion could’ve been a better choice. As it is, you need to find some longer tips than Oriolus supplied in the box. Well, at least for me that’s how it’s been going.

Altough the fit significantly depends on the ear shape, I should remark the supplied tips didn’t work for me in any way. They remind me the Spiral Dot tips, which are not necessarily bad but they’re simply too short. Add a pair of short nozzles to the mix and you have somewhat a shallow fit. Even if you push them to have a deeper fit, they come out after around 15 seconds and they take their usual position. To get rid of this problem I tried the foam tips. They stuck very well and provided much better isolation than silicone.

Speaking of isolation, it takes a little blow from those short nozzles. So it’s not the best among Universals but it’s fair enough to satisfy the casual listeners. Of course one must take the CIEM route if they want the ultimate isolation experience, and Oriolus V2 has also a custom version of this IEM.

Comfort-wise Oriolus V2 is very comfortable in my experience. When you find the right tips you don’t have a problem, and when you consider the rounded shape of the IEM, it’s not harsh to ears. Although it’s not the best in terms of blocking outside noise with short nozzles, it’s one of the best big size TOTL Universals in terms of comfort. The nozzle angle is very well done at this regard, to have an ideal position inside the ear.

o6

CABLE

Cable is the main addition to V2 which makes the IEM look more professional and sound different in a positive way. The cable itself is very high quality and it also solves a problem I’ve been come across on upgrade cables: Stiffness. Some custom cables are really inflexible and hard to work with as far as portability is concerned. This cable from PW Audio is somewhat elastic and it’s very convenient to carry around. In favor of comfort, the earguide is also very soft, therefore it doesn’t affect the fit. You can put it in your pocket, you enfold it and put it into the carrying case without hustling to tidy up.

Speaking of it, the carrying case is noticeably bigger than other usual aluminum cases, so it’s very easy to put your Oriolus into it. And if you find it to be so big to pack, you can take the additional soft case with you. So overall, with the big plus of the flexible upgrade cable, the general use of this IEM is very easy and you can use it anywhere you want.

The impressions about the sound are on page two.

4.3/5 - (69 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.

38 Comments

  • Reply December 13, 2016

    CL

    thanks for that thorough review, i too enjoyed the Oriolus 2, but i did prefer the TG334 thou it could well be my mind playing tricks as the fitear felt better physically in my ears. if you get the opportunity, take a listen to the fostex fitear UIEM collab… they are almost like brothers from different mothers.

    • Reply December 13, 2016

      Berkhan

      Thanks for the comment.

      It is unlikely for me to try that because FitEar products are hard to get. But we’ll see 🙂

      • Reply December 13, 2016

        CL

        it’s actually branded as fostex so it’s more widely avaliable than other fitears 🙂

        http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/products/TE100.shtml

        • Reply December 13, 2016

          Berkhan

          From that webpage: “THIS PRODUCT IS SOLD ONLY IN SELECTED COUNTRIES. NOT SOLD IN EUROPE.”

          So I don’t know… 🙂

          Do you have any idea how we can get in touch?

      • Reply December 22, 2016

        Surya Pratama Wijaya

        Hi Berkhan,

        Your article on the oriolus was spot on. A very special iem indeed. I too have auditioned the oriolus and agree with you about the shallow insertion. You mentioned that the oriolus is available in a custom. I wanted to ask you how i could go about ordering a custom version. All the retailers online only seem to sell the universal version.

        Thank you
        Best Regards,
        Surya

        • Reply December 22, 2016

          Berkhan

          Thanks for the comment Surya.

          Well I don’t know how to get the CIEM version, I guess you should contact directly with them. Maybe they make CIEM’s only for Japan I’m not sure. Try to contact Oriolus Japan.

  • Reply December 13, 2016

    Nick

    If you haven’t had a chance yet, I hope you can try Campfire Audio Vega and Andromeda. I would love to know your comparison between the Oriolus MKII and those two.

    • Reply December 13, 2016

      Berkhan

      Yeah if I ever listen to those I could also add them to my IEM list on Head-Fi.

    • Reply December 13, 2016

      CL

      Nick, they complement each other quite well, i listened to all 3 and ended up getting the Andro which is a better fit to the music i listen to. Oriolus is more a “big speakers” like listening experience, it is less in your face than either of the CAs, whereas CAs are more in your face (in the best sense of the term), O2 is more relaxing (but not boring). O2 has more in common with another favourite of mine, the fitear parterre but O2 has much better technicalities, from tonality and resolution.

  • Reply December 13, 2016

    Serge

    Would it be appropriate to compare Oriolus with ASTELL&KERN AKT8IE MKII, which is $200 less and got here, on Headfonia, some good recommendations? Thanks!

    • Reply December 14, 2016

      CL

      Serge, very different sound signatures. T8IE is a lot drier and less laid back. Both are good at what they do, T8IE is more fun vibrant exciting compared to the more laid back, rich Oriolus, imho. T8IE is super comfortable though

      • Reply December 2, 2021

        AUDIOPHILIA

        Can i get a more detailed review between the oriolus v2 and the fitear tg334 in terms of sound?Thanks!!

    • Reply December 14, 2016

      Berkhan

      I think Oriolus is the better IEM overall, especially at the bass department. But as CL said, it’s super comfy and has a good sound as well. If you seek for just the sound quality alone, Oriolus is the better choice IMO.

  • Reply January 19, 2017

    PH

    Great review, I also really like my Oriolus. Couple of questions. How much impact does the the new cable have? I have the older cable with my MKII and was wondering what I would notice with an upgrade (or more like what did you notice)? Genres that I listen to most are edm/trance and I am skeptical if I would notice much difference for that added cost. I am more of an music enthusiast than a true audiophile and unfortunately majority of my music is compressed and i have always been semi critical of cable upgrades. Lastly do you have some recommendations on the foam tips? Mine fit fine, but become slightly uncomfortable after about an hr of continous use. Thanks.

    • Reply January 24, 2017

      Berkhan

      PH I’m sorry for this late response. With the cable you will hear a bigger bass with a better resolution and intimacy across mids. For foam tips I don’t have a specific choice but grey foams that supplied within the box are pretty nice to me.

  • Reply August 12, 2017

    gunwale

    i got a thor silver ii for my oriolus and it sounded much better in every spectrum.

    i tried pw no5 and it sounded quite closed to the stock cable.

    • Reply August 13, 2017

      Berkhan

      Never tried it with a Thor Silver unfortunately.

      Much thanks for sharing your experience.

  • Reply December 6, 2017

    Thurein

    Hi Berkhan,

    First of all thanks for your review. It is spot on for me in my audition with my WM1Z. I have 2 questions if you could kindly answer. Thanks..

    Firstly, may i know what is the different between MK II and V2?
    Is the different only the PW No.5 cable only?

    Secondly, what is the best after market cable do you think for jazz, country, pop and string instrumental song for Oriolus iem.

    Thanks.

    Thurein

    • Reply December 6, 2017

      Berkhan

      Hi Thurein

      Thanks for your comment.

      MKII and V2 is the same thing. Some say MKII and some say V2, it’s exactly the same IEM.

      I use Effect Audio Ares II 4.4mm Balanced with my Oriolus. DAP is Sony WM1A. Of course there are lots of options but Ares II worked out very well for me so I can recommend that one.

  • Reply December 6, 2017

    Thurein

    Hi Berkhan,

    Thanks for the reply.
    Phew… I thought I just bought old version of Oriolus. ????

    Ares I noticed is using litz copper.

    My WM1Z being more of full bodied and warm signature, should I go for the more of silver and copper base mixture like lionheart or Leonidas?

    As do not want to be overly bass impact and full sounding.

    Thanks.

    Thurein

    • Reply December 6, 2017

      Berkhan

      Ares II is not a typical copper cable. It still has the openness and treble extension. But yes, if you have the 1Z then it would be better to get a silver or silver plated copper cable. You’ll have a more balanced signature overall.

      • Reply December 7, 2017

        Thurein

        Hi Berkhan,

        Thanks for the reply, I will try those cables and decide on one. Now enjoying with stock cable n 1Z.
        ????

        Thanks

        Thurein

        • Reply December 14, 2017

          Thurein

          Hi Berkhan,

          Finally settled on the upgrade cable for me Oriolus MK II with Eos cable from music sanctuary Singapore.

          They told me this cable was a collaboration between them and effect audio. The main cable is also what you mentioned Ares II.

          True enough from what you said this cable although is copper base, it never overwhelm bass department with my 1Z and Oriolus. Improved mid-range lushness, extend treble quite a bit and Low end feel more tighter with good presence.

          Now I am really enjoying a good quality after market, thanks to you.

          ????Thumbs up.????

  • Reply December 21, 2017

    Harlan

    Hi Berkhan,

    Your review just convinced me to buy the Oriolus MK2:).

    Unfortunately being the chinese version the PW Audio no5 cable will not be included.

    I’m looking for an aftermarket cable for the Oriolus MK2 which I can find in Europe and I understand that you prefer the Effect Audio Ares II with them? How is the pair up Ares II – Oriolus compared with the PW Audio no5 – Oriolus? Thanks

    • Reply December 22, 2017

      Berkhan

      Hi,

      I like it with Ares II. PW No.5 is warmer and darker than that, and I think silver plated or silver cables doesn’t play well with it.

      Copper helps to reflect its own warm character in my opinion. Both Ares II and No. 5 are pretty good. If you like to have a little more open signature you can go with Ares II.

      • Reply December 22, 2017

        Harlan

        Thanks Berkhan. I think I’ll order the Ares II 🙂 Merry Christmas!

  • Reply June 9, 2018

    S.Yu

    Hi Berkhan,

    I had a week with the O2 paired with a L&P L3Pro and I’d say I mostly agree with your review, I also tried a generic cable about $100 (mainly for the 2.5mm balanced plug) and immediately noticed too that the mids don’t work, not on L3Pro’s 2.5mm nor on its 3.5mm with an adaptor, the original cable is a very good match.
    Another thing I’d like to add is that with its relaxed presentation and wide soundstage, it’s not a really good match with the more exciting genres of music, it presents almost everything effortlessly and listening to those it felt hard to get engaged with the music.
    By the way, I’m looking into a second-hand AKR03 right now, but I’m struggling to find reviews, it seems to be of much better value than the Layla for starters. I believe you guys on Headfonia didn’t write about it either (though many other JH models have been covered) but do you by chance know why its rarely covered?

    • Reply June 11, 2018

      Berkhan

      Hi,

      Yes, it’s not hyper engaging with the tunes that requires that much energy.

      By AKR03 I think you mean the Roxanne? I remember some reviews of Roxanne on Head Fi, it was a really popular item when it was released. You sure you can’t find reviews about it?

      JH is Linus’ responsibility. They’ve chosen to send him Layla, their flagship but not the Roxanne. I’ve listened to it before by the way, and found Angie to suit my tastes better.

      I don’t know the communication between Linus and JH, but a Roxanne review is unlikely if you ask me.

  • Reply November 1, 2018

    rob

    I just picked up the “Reborn” version of this IEM and i can say that in 30 minutes of 90’s Drum and Bass, this article is still 100% on point – and describes why i like it so much. I will say this though, i noticed when i bought my Campfire Lyra that after some hours listening the bass will mellow a bit. Either the drivers eases up or my ears get used to it – but either way the bass usually feels less overpowering. I’m sure that will be the case here as well.

    • Reply November 2, 2018

      Berkhan

      Enjoy, it’s still one of the best IEMs.

  • Reply December 14, 2018

    Jonathan

    Hey there, so apparently I have the opportunity to purchase these as a CIEM for ~$1,000. Would you say that this IEM is still worth it at this price point?

    • Reply December 15, 2018

      Berkhan

      Yes it does. There are many options for 1000 $ though. It all depends on your taste.

      • Reply December 17, 2018

        Jonathan

        Well, from how you describe it, it sounds like the oriolus is the kind of sound signature I’m looking for. I’m looking for something that somewhat sounds like an IEM version of the HE-500. What are some other good options at the 1000 range that you could solidly recommend?

        • Reply December 18, 2018

          Berkhan

          I would say;

          P-EAR-S SH-3
          M-Fidelity SA-50
          Warbler Prelude
          JH Angie
          InEarz Nirvana
          Lime Ears Model X
          Lime Ears Aether
          Cosmic Ears CE6
          Ultimate Ears Pro Reference Remastered

  • Reply October 13, 2022

    Steve

    Hi, can you make a recommendation in 2022? I am also wanting both musicality and resolution but more so musicality. I have n5005 but it sounds a bit sharp at the high end to me. I think I prefer the xelento for its lower end but the resolution is definitely better on the n5005. Something with both musicality, some resolution, and a wider sound stage is what I am looking for. Close to $500 but less than $1000 for sure would be great.

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