I have been using the Artti R2 for some days now, and I want to share my full experience in simple way, how I heard it and how I felt it.
Disclaimer
I got the Artti R2 sent over by Artti for review, just to be clear. Everything I’m saying here is just my own thoughts, nobody told me what to say or anything like that. They didn’t pay me either, just sent the unit, that’s all.
Quick note tho: I’m the type who’s all about that warm, analog kinda sound. You know, where the music feels thick and cozy, bass and mids got a little extra oomph to ’em. I love when stuff sounds full and kinda soft around the edges, like vinyl. Natural, chilled out, not all sharp and clinical. That’s the kinda sound that really pulls me in, makes me just sit back and lose track of time. So yeah, just keep that in mind, that’s the sorta thing I’m basing this review on.
Gears Used
- Dac Dongle: ddHifi tc44c, tc44pro e2, Fosi audio Ds1,
- Phone: LG V60, LG V50
- Desktop Dac & Amp: Fiio K13, Earman ST-Amp, Fosi K7
- DAP: Hiby RS2, Echo Mini Snowsky, Hiby R5 Saber, F.Audio FA5
Build Quality & Comfort
First of all, build quality. The Artti R2 is a resin build, and the shape is kind of jellybean style. It is very light weight and really comfortable. I can wear it for long time and I don’t feel any pain or pressure.
The faceplate has some green strip design. Looks okay to me, nothing special but not bad also.
One thing I noticed, the nozzle is little short. Because of this, I had to use bigger size ear tips to get proper seal. Maybe it will not happen with everyone, depends on ear shape.
Now about accessories honestly the stock cable is cheap, and the ear tips also not good quality. After changing cable and tips, I got better sound, better bass and cleaner background. So I really recommend upgrading them.
Sound Signature
Sound wise, Artti R2 is a warm sounding IEM, but it also has very good technical performance for the price. It doesn’t sound dull or muddy, it sounds clean and detailed.
Tonality is close to neutral with a bit warmth. Vocals are slightly forward, but not too much, so it feels natural to me.
Bass Performance
Bass is nicely done.
The sub-bass has good rumble and control. You can feel the low notes properly, but it never goes out of control.
The mid-bass has punch, but I feel it could be a little more. If mid-bass was slightly stronger, the sound would feel more thick and mature.
While listening to Michael Jackson, the bass groove feels fun and clean. With Metallica and AC-DC, the bass stays tight and fast, but again I miss a bit of body.
Midrange & Vocals
This is where I have mixed feeling.
The male vocals sound a bit thin to my ears. There is a small lack of warmth. When I listen to Mark Knopfler, Sting, or Chris Isaak, the vocals are very clear and detailed, but not very thick.
But the female vocals are really good.
Listening to Mariah Carey, Madonna, Dido, Beth Hart, Chantal Chamberland, and Ghostly Kisses, vocals sound energetic, smooth and emotional. They never sound sharp or fatiguing, even at higher volume. This is one of the strong point of this IEM.
Instrument & Separation
Instrument timbre sounds close to natural. Guitars, drums, piano nothing sounds artificial.
With Led Zeppelin and Santana, guitars sound musical and enjoyable.
Instrument separation is very good, each instrument has its own place and space.
Treble Performance
Treble is well extended and sparkly. It gives good air and detail.
Important thing I didn’t find any “sss” issue, so this IEM is safe for treble sensitive listeners.
Listening to Metallica, cymbals sound clean without harshness.
Soundstage, Imaging & Technicalities
Soundstage is average for the price. It has decent width, depth and height, but it doesn’t sound like very expensive IEM.
But the imaging is good, so it balance things out. I can easily locate instruments and vocals.
Layering is quite impressive, and you can hear macro and micro details clearly.
The speed of the driver is really good, even busy tracks stay clean.
Listening to Kitaro, the space and placement of instruments sound very nice and clear.
Background & Gaming
The background is super dark, I didn’t notice any background noise.
I also used Artti R2 for gaming, and it performs really nice.
I can clearly hear footsteps, gun reload sound, and enemy movement. Imaging helps a lot here.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I think Artti R2 is a very good IEM to start audiophile journey. It has warm sound, good technicalities, clean treble, and strong female vocal performance.
It’s not perfect male vocals could be more thick, and stock accessories are cheap. But with better tips and cable, this IEM sounds much better.
For the price, Artti R2 offers a lot, and I can easily recommend it to beginners and casual listeners
Happy Listening
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