Today we review the Meteor In-Ear Monitors from Symphonium Audio. It retails for $599 USD.
Disclaimer: The Meteor IEM was provided by Symphonium Audio for the purpose of this review, at no cost. We thank them for the opportunity. As always, the article reflects my unbiased opinion.
Symphonium Audio
Conceptualised in 2015, Symphonium Audio was born out of dissatisfaction with the existing standards in the personal audio market. The company embarked on a journey to design and manufacture in-ear monitors with a strong focus on sound quality, reliability, the use of premium materials and innovative designs.
This journey was not without its challenges, including numerous prototypes and manufacturing difficulties, but perseverance and a commitment to excellence allowed Symphonium to overcome these obstacles and secure a place in the personal audio market.
The team at Symphonium has grown and evolved since the company’s launch and now manages the entire manufacturing process of each earphone in house, from top to bottom. The passion for creating exceptional products is a driving force for everyone at Symphonium Audio. I recommend checking out this link to find out more about them.
The Meteor
Symphonium Audio has formed partnerships over the years that, according to the team, have been instrumental in Symphonium’s growth and development in the audio industry. “Meteor”, the focus of this article, is the result of a collaboration between Symphonium and Nightjar Acoustics. The Meteor is a BA-based in-ear monitor, featuring a 3-way crossover and a couple of interesting technological advancements.
The Meteor is Symphonium’s first IEM to use their proprietary technology Phase Harmony Attenuation Technology, aka PHAT. Building on the success of the Symphonium Helios in 2021, Symphonium Audio sought to address the concerns of customers who found the fit of the previous model too big for their ears. The company embarked on a mission to design an In-Ear Monitor (IEM) with a smaller form factor to accommodate a wider range of ear sizes, including smaller ones, aiming to provide a more universally comfortable fit.
The Meteor features a design innovation known as PHAT (Phase Harmony Attenuation Technology), which essentially is a single bore sound tube design that mitigates the need for multiple driver sound tubings extending to the nozzle’s end, optimizing space within the shell and nozzle. The outcome is a more compact shell form factor, thus, enhanced comfort.
For those interested in delving deeper into the technicalities of the Meteor, I highly recommend you to read this blog post. It provides insightful information not only about the Meteor itself but also about the intricate technical aspects integral to contemporary IEM design.
Packaging & Design
The Meteor is presented in a meticulously designed box, decorated with a cardboard cover with the product name and the slogan ‘Small Size, Massive Sound’ at the top. Removing the cardboard cover reveals a two-tone box, with the cover in a sophisticated matte red colour, featuring the Symphonium Audio logo in silver.
Upon opening the box, the first thing that catches the eye is a small black letter with the Nightjar Acoustics logo on it. Inside we see a personalised card with a couple of Nightjar Acoustics stickers. This is followed by an orange pelican-shaped case, reminiscent of Westone’s carrying cases, with internal foam padding at the top and bottom. The case is large enough to hold the earphones, cable and 1-2 sets of tips, making it a handy and portable accessory that slips easily into a jacket pocket.
The earphones come with three different sizes of silicone ear tips, with a narrow bore/stem design highlighted in red. At the bottom of the box, three different sizes of wide bore/stem silicone ear tips and three different sizes of foam ear tips are neatly stored in a separate plastic box.
However, the most important accessory included with the Meteor is undoubtedly the cable. Designed in collaboration with Nightjar Acoustics, this special cable has been carefully selected to complement the Meteor’s sonic sound profile. It is constructed from 26 AWG Type 2 OCC copper alloy. The cable is of excellent build quality, with consistent earguide lengths and high quality connectors, reflecting the care that goes into every component of the Meteor’s accessories.
Before I close this section, I’d like to compliment Symphonium on their attention to detail. It’s nice to see that the Meteor offers a first class unboxing experience from start to finish, despite its low price relative to other IEMs in Symphonium’s range. No corners have been cut here. Kudos.
Design, Build Quality & Fit
It’s no secret to anyone who reads my reviews that I have a fondness for metal earphones, and the Meteor fits the bill perfectly with its all-metal construction. The combination of its compact shell and metal chassis not only makes it aesthetically pleasing, but also speaks to a design philosophy that values both form and function.
The Meteor is crafted from high grade T6 heat-treated AL6061 aluminium alloy, with an anodised red metallic finish to the faceplate and an anodised black finish to the interior of the shell. This attention to detail and colour contrast enhances its visual appeal, making it a standout in the competitive in-ear monitor market.
The faceplates are laser etched with a cascade of tiny meteorites, a thoughtful design element from which the Meteor draws its original name. Despite its small and compact form, the Meteor has a solid feel to it and the milling/craftsmanship is excellent.
In terms of fit, the Meteor’s compact size is a major advantage, providing a comfortable fit even for those with smaller ears. The well thought-out design ensures that the IEMs sit well in the ear, providing a stable, deep and secure fit, which is essential for an optimal sound experience. There’s an excellent article by Symphonium Audio that covers this subject in depth and it’s a great read for audiophiles new and old. The seal is of vital importance and this is true of any portable audio wearable.
The metal construction, coupled with the meticulous design, not only adds to the overall aesthetic appeal, but also contributes to the premium feel when held and worn. In my opinion, the design of the Meteor strikes a harmonious balance between style and practicality. The intricate etchings give it a distinctive flair and make it visually appealing, while its compact and robust construction ensures both durability and comfort. It’s clear that Symphonium Audio has put a great deal of thought and craftsmanship into the Meteor’s aesthetic.
However, I feel that the meteor artwork on the faceplate could have benefited from a more pronounced application of ink or a deeper etching, perhaps using bolder, blacker graphics to bring out the detail. This improvement could potentially enhance the visual appeal and make the artistic elements on the faceplate stand out with greater clarity and impact.
The review continues on the next page. Click here or use the jump below.
Page 1: Symphonium Audio, The Meteor, Packaging & Accessories, Design, Build & Fit
Page 2: Sound, Low, Mid, High, Technical Capability, Comparisons, Last Words
