Audeze continues to break new ground in the planar magnetic department with the introduction of a new universal-fit IEM that sports the technology in a hexagonal shape outside the ear. Dubbed the iSine, the new IEM weighs around 20 grams and utilizes Audeze’s proprietary Fluxor and Uniforce designs to deliver the film-and-magnet based technology to a space usually inhabited by either balanced armature or dynamic drivers of varying materials.
The new shape houses a 30mm planar magnetic diaphragm and retails for $399 for the 10 and $599 for the step-up 20 model. The company website states the 20 features “an even longer Uniforce voice-coil that covers the ultra-thin diaphragm to a greater extent enabling better control and responsiveness for better bass, clarity, and improved imaging.” Other changes for the 20 include an aesthetic orange and brown motif and a spec shift from 16 to 24 ohms of impedance.
The Audeze website is currently up and running with the 10 and taking orders as of today. According to the site, the 20 is currently out of stock and will begin shipping in late October. The iSine is compatible with Audeze’s DAC/Amp Apple-compatible Lighting cable that is capable of a direct connection into the popular iDevices offered by the hardware giant. This could prove exceptionally helpful if the rumors of Apple removing the standard headphone jack from the next iPhone iteration prove to be true. This also opens up the opportunity to customize the sound of the headphone to a specific flavor or taste via the accompanying app which allows for 10-band EQ. You can find more on the subject in our [review of the on-ear Sine].
I had the opportunity to hear a late-game prototype of these headphones at T.H.E. Show Newport this year and was very impressed. There has always been some room for growth in the presentation of bass in this category of personal audio and the version I bore witness to brought something a little different to the equation than I was used to hearing. Things have changed a little from the 3D-printed version at that show, CEO Sankar Thiagasamudram says that they have pushed the product even further with a focus on smoothness and balance. Exciting times for portable audio.
More info:
https://www.audeze.com/products/sine-series/isine10
https://www.audeze.com/products/sine-series/isine20
