When I was handed over several 1MORE headphones, the 1MORE PR rep advised me to test the Triple Driver variant first, before going for the Quad Driver. Being less of a rebel, I followed his instructions, for what it’s worth. So now that I have finished the Triple Driver review, here’s the Quad Driver review.
Unboxing
It is interesting to note that despite both Triple Driver and Quad Driver earphones contain the exact number of accessories, the internal box layout is completely different. The Triple Driver displays only the earphones when the box is flipped open, with the accessories packed beneath. The Quad Driver has all the accessories laid out neatly, in plain view to the unboxer. Every accessory has a plastic flap to easily lift up from the box, thoroughly thoughtful.
Design
The Quad Driver earbud housing is a little larger than the Triple Driver, while keeping the same conical shape. As the name suggests, there are 4 drivers in the unit: 3 balanced armature and 1 dynamic driver.
1MORE Triple Driver (right) and Quad Driver In-Ear Headphones
The in-line controls are encased in metal with tiny round buttons instead of the strip ones on the Triple Driver. They felt more stiff and in my opinion harder to press.
THX Certified
1MORE Quad Driver In-Ear Headphones are one of the firsts to earn the THX Certification. What it means is that the earphones have undergone rigorous certification program that gives special attention to interpreting high frequency correlation, improving dialog intelligibility, and low frequency extension. THX ensures nominal balance deviation between the left and right channels to create a well-transferred and well-balanced audio signal.
The tests look for sufficient sensitivity levels to achieve a premium level of audio output, while maintaining minimal distortion at the required sound pressure level. THX engineers also look for virtually no crosstalk between channels to ensure the device will accurately reproduce the complexity of the spatial sound.
Audio Impressions
True to my original impressions during the CanJam Singapore 2017 brief audition, the Quad Driver is generally less sparkling. It may not give a good first impression as the earphones deliver less aural impact.
A quote that appears on the box:
“Sound should be shaped around the needs of human ears, not flat lines that only please laboratory engineers. In tuning the Quad Drivers, I wanted everyone to hear every single detail from the deepest lows to the clearest highs with pleasure. I was filled with passion when the finished results allowed me to discover elements in songs I had never heard before. This is music.” – Luca Bigardi
The greatest strength in the Quad Driver is in the midrange, and they bring out the textures of the instruments that are frequently overlooked for the sake of punchiness and “just sound”. The quality of the midrange enhances the richness of the audio, achieving warmth yet exuding details. The highs are not as transparent, the bass is not as forceful-punchy as the Triple Drivers. But there is this cohesiveness in the reproduction that blends all audio spectrum instead of fighting for attention. The bass extends upwards to offer a more broad and sustained impact. And once you get used to the sound balance, the highs naturally becomes more noticeable to the ears, just like wine appreciation.
The result is that the Quad Driver are earphones built for critical listening rather than casual daily commute, where users need the boost at the extreme frequencies to counter the ambient noise.
Verdict
Given the positive opinions on the Xiaomi earphones, the 1MORE Quad Driver is worth a buy for consumers who are exploring audiophile quality music and prefers balanced audio. Between this and the Triple Driver, the latter is definitely more excitable, and lower priced. The Quad Driver, on the other hand, is smoother, exudes more musical quality, and a testimony of 1MORE’s achievement to audio excellence with fantastic value.
Visit official 1MORE website at www.1MORE.com. The 1MORE Quad Driver retails in Singapore for S$299 and is available at authorized 1MORE retailers such as TANGS (Orchard & VivoCity), Robinsons (The Heeren & Raffles City), Analogue+ (VivoCity), LIVE OUT LOUD SG (ION Orchard), EpiCentre Singapore Stores (Wheelock Place, Bugis Junction & MBS), selected Popular Book Stores and also online at Lazada.sg/Official-1MORE-Singapore.
1 comment
Nice… Love to try it sometime. ;)