Early this year when I attended the CanJam Singapore 2017, I tried some 1MORE headphones briefly and offered my opinions. Recently, the Singapore distributor passed me the 1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones (E1001) loan unit so that I can have a more intimate review. As the name suggests, the earphones have three drivers: two balanced armatures and one dynamic driver. Technically-speaking, balanced armature drivers are smaller and more precise in the frequency range delivery, frequently used to drive higher frequencies. Traditional dynamic drivers are powered by diaphragm and generates sound through air pressure, and delivers better low frequencies. As such, having multiple drivers in headphones achieve best outcomes to create a full audio spectrum. In theory, that is.
Design
One thing that truly impresses me is the packaging and the sheer volume of the accessories packed into the product. The box design is also full of intricate details, design sketches, inspiring text to inspire the user about the product quality.
Flipping the top cardboard containing the earphones reveal 4 boxes of various shapes stacked neatly and compactly. And the individual accessory is stored in each box.
The long thin box contains 9 pairs of ear tips, another box contains the leather hard casing, yet another box is packed with an airplane adapter and shirt clip to keep the earphones tidy. Finally, a separate box contains the user guide.
This quote appeared on the box. Food for thought:
“Sound should be shaped around human ears needs, not flat lines that are making happy only laboratory engineers. Tuning this earphones I was thinking to the music lover.” – Luca Bigardi
The earbuds are solidly constructed with aluminium alloy body and are some of the heaviest earphones I have reviewed, but they hold in my ears pretty well thanks to the angled ear fittings.
The in-line controls are also well-made, with firm clicks on the long buttons. Cable consists of enameled copper wrapped around Kevlar fibre for durability and tensile strength.
I have to give full marks to 1MORE for the packaging and accessories. You will love your purchase even before trying the earphones.
THX Certified
1MORE Triple 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.
I believe earning the certification gives consumers the assurance of the utmost audio quality ensured by 1MORE. Having said that, it does not mean other headphones did not pass the THX Certification, just that they did not get certified. Like all certifications, they are not mandatory, but certainly reveals the technical quality.
Audio Impressions
I can easily describe the 1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones to have very detailed highs balanced with a firm organic bass. It is uniquely spacious and delivers the transparency to listeners who yearn such characteristics in their music, especially on the vocals and upper-range instruments like violins. The clarity is not simply achieved by boosting the high frequency, but through careful tuning to achieve tonal precision without sounding too harsh. This is supported by a spacious sound staging to allow the transparency to breathe thus not sounding too forward. When sampling Hotel California live by Eagles, the shaker at the right channel during the introduction was played out so clearly even for the soft notes, which were often overshadowed by other instruments when listening on other headphones. Mid-bass has sufficient presence but sub-bass does not ruffle the eardrums too excessively. Mid-range is controlled with less emphasis, but does not dip as much as Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear WIreless.
Depending on the audio source, the 1MORE Triple Driver earphones can sound quite balanced, or it can be slightly elevated in the highs. I auditioned them with the Sony NW-WM1Z Walkman and it drives the earphones well to experience the subtle transparency.
Comparatively, the Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro, with dual hybrid drivers and also made by 1MORE, has a slightly stronger bass and closer sound staging that makes the music a little more crowded.
Verdict
1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones is easily likable because of the well-tuned highs that delivers exceptional details without too bright, balanced with strong bass response. The elaborate package will make you feel the headphones are totally worth paying for.
Concurrently, I am reviewing the 1MORE Quad Driver version, which is arguably more musical and exudes audiophile quality, though it might not be as easily favoured than the Triple Driver model. I shall keep my opinions for my next post.
Visit official 1MORE website at www.1MORE.com. The 1MORE Triple Driver is available in Singapore at S$169 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.