Saturday, April 11, 2015

ACS Evoke Studio Universal In Ear Monitor Review

ACS is a premium manufacturer based in England that specializes in custom IEM’s. They recently revamped their entry level and mid level IEMs. The ACS Evoke Studio Universal is their entry level single driver IEM, and uses a single balanced armature driver. These are fresh off the presses. So fresh, that I don’t have the packaging they come in. They were just included with the packaging of their midrange IEM. But at an MSRP of only $225, ACS is excited about them and just had to have them included.

Features and Specs:

Number of Drivers
Frequency Response
Impedance @1KHz
1 KHz Sensitivity
Isolation
Weight
Build Material
Cable
Included Accessories
One
20-20KHz
50 Ohms
105.5dB @ 0.1V
26dB
8g net
Polycarbonate Shell, PU Foam Eartips
Detachable Linum BaX Cable 1.1M length
Instruction Leaflet, 6 sets of Ear Tips,
High Quality Carry Pouch

Linum Cabling
Audio is delivered from the music player
through the innovative Linum cabling system.
Two individual cables from the 3.5mm
connector feed the left and right channels with
no splicing in the middle. Each enamel-coated
cable is made from 6 litz wire conductors
containing 7 individual sliver plated copper
strands to ensure no colouration of the sound.
Interwoven with aramid fibres to provide a
market leading pull strength of 60N, Linum
cables produce negligible microphonics and will
not corrode, oxidise or change colour. Weighing
just 2.7g and only 0.9mm in diameter, this
incredible cable is near invisible when worn and
adds another dimension to the overall listening
experience.
experience.

As previously stated the ACS Evoke Studio Universal came with just the IEM. They are made mostly of plastic. I really like the clear plastic design, so you can see into the IEM and its internal components. It has a detachable cable which is a very good thing. The quality of components used were very good, as was the fit and finish. My only initial concern was the cable.  It is very thin.  But after discussing with ACS, it is actually an extremely hi quality and highly durable premium cable and sue to its small and lightweight size, it is easily forgotten about when they are worn.

Listening to the ACS Evoke proved very pleasant! Fresh Aire II: Going To Another Place, strings were really crisp and clean with good dynamics. Piano sounded natural. Flute had good air and was smooth. Kick drum was there with some depth.  Steve Miller Band: Swingtown, percussion was very crisp and clean with very good resolution, although just a tad bright. Drums had good depth and kick. The vocals very natural sounding with noticeable texture. No Doubt: Hella Good, percussion was very crisp and dynamic. Bass had good depth and played with sufficient authority. Vocals were smooth and sultry.  Eric Bibb: Don’t Ever Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down, percussion was very crisp and clean with very good dynamics. Piano sounded very natural. Vocals were pleasantly smooth with nice Timbre and harmonics. Imaging was quite good.

If you are looking for a budget audiophile headphone, you will more than likely want to look into stepping up to something that uses a balaced armature.  And the ACS Evoke Studio Universal is one such product that delivers great sound on a good budget.  And they even have detachable cables to protect your small investment.  Based on their design, features, quality and performance, the ACS Evoke Studio Universal have earned our Recommended Award.  For more info and complete specs, checkout their websites at www.acscustom.com.


0 comments: