“One of the most magical tuned IEM in market with single BA.“
INTRO:
First thing first. If you have source with warm neutral or analog type of sound signature, then AFUL MagicOne is truly for you. People with bright or analytical sound sources might find a lots of nail pocking in the ear!
In photo: Someone with bright source
CONTEXT:
I was a bit curious to test this IEM since it’s announcement as it is with a single BA, which is not in my comfort zone. But their advertisement and some reviews made me super curious to give it a try. In my first audition, I was blown away by its clarity and detailed sound reproduction. I browsed through my classic country collection, and oh man, MagicOne did its magic, and I took it home for longer and more in-depth listening. After 4 months or so, the BA drivers are burnt well and become smooth like butter.
All of my listening I’ve done with Cowon Planue R2, ifi Hip Dac 2, Moondrop Dawn Pro & Hiby R3 (occasionally) using silver mix copper cable & pure copper cable. I find a very good synergy with Hip DAC 2 as this DAC is well known for its’ warm sound signature with draatic ‘X-Bass’ function. Planue R2 also get the job done so very well. And with Dawn Pro, I find the mids are bit fuller are open wide. Sound stage & instrument separation become precious with the price of a bit less bass warmth (but it’s OK!).
In my listening experience, pure copper cable makes the sound comparatively a bit thicker, so it’s my go-to preference as I personally love warm and thicker sound. I used Spinfit 100+, W1, Omni, Divinus Velvel, Pinon Liqueur Orange with the IEM and find that W1 is a perfect tip to choose from for its seal & comfort.
I will explain a bit more on this later.
DISCLAIMER:
I bought this IEM with my own money and for my personal interest. This is not a review unit nor any monitory understanding/ transaction between me and the respective company. The whole AFUL MagicOne review is my unbiased experience and honest opinion with the sound I listened to.
[Grab your copy from Geek Mart if you are in Bangladesh.
For international buying, you can grab it from Hifigo]
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION:
Driver: Aful’s self-developed wide frequency response Single BA Driver
Frequency response: 5Hz – 25kHZ
Impedance: 32Ω
Sensitivity: 103dB
Pin Type: 0.78mm 2-pin
Cable Length: 1.2m
Plug Type: 3.5mm/ 4.4mm
WHAT’S IN THE BOX:
Aful Magic One IEMs
6 pairs of silicon tips (almost non-usable)
Very nicely braided high purity OF Copper & OF Copper Silver plated cable
IEM storage box with AFUL branding
Some official papers
UNBOXING EXPERIENCE:
Unboxing the MagicOne is a fuss-free affair. Everything you need to get started is neatly packed and easy to find. The braided cable feels sturdy and connects to the IEMs with a satisfying snap. Though my experience is, you should swap cables if you have any pure copper cable with you, which I do have. You will find a selection of ear tips which you may or may not use (I personally don’t think they are usable).
BUILD QUALITY:
Crafted from a lightweight resin, these IEMs feel well-built and sturdy without being bulky. They’re comfortable to hold and inspire confidence that they can handle everyday wear and tear. The included braided cable feels reassuringly secure with a satisfying snap when connecting to the two-pin connectors. While not the most luxurious materials, the finish is impressive for the price.
FIT & COMFORT:
The Aful Magic One shines in terms of fit and comfort. Their lightweight design with the perfect choice of ear tips (to me, it’s Spinfit W1) ensures a secure and comfortable fit for even the longest listening sessions. Though the fit of this IEM seems to be a bit of a double-edged sword in the audiophile community. While some users praise the snug, secure fit (thanks to the protruding wing) and deep insertion, others find it uncomfortable or even irritating for extended listening sessions. This could be due to ear shape variations, and non-proper selection of ear tips might not offer a perfect seal for everyone.
Another thing is, it creates air pressure due to lack of ‘breath hole’ to prevent any air leak from the acoustic chamber. Some may feel it uncomfortable, but to me, this seal makes me disconnected from outside and let me enjoy my music with ease. And for your kind information, I don’t use any IEM while I walk on a busy road or while driving.
SOUND IMPRESSIONS:
Before explaining a single thing about the sound, lets state the official statement about their patented 3D printed acoustic tube structure, which plays a vital role in sonic performance of this IEM. As per AFUL “This technology uses physical frequency division to adjust the sound frequency response of MagicOne. This helps in having a physical crossover on the set. MagicOne has a long and ultra-thin acoustic design in a 77mmX0.91mm compact resonator tube that helps the pair produce a deep-hitting, thick lower-end response.” And they named the invention as “Special-shaped Sound Channel Physical Frequency Division Structure of an Earphone.”
Patented acoustic tube design –
Clear view of AFUL’s “ZWX-BA-100” driver–
Now let’s dive deep into the sound details to see what MAGIC that acoustic chamber can bring throughout the frequency range from low to high.
SUB-BASS:
The sub-bass presence on the Aful MagicOne is a topic of some debate, as it’s a single BA driver unit. Bass lovers accustomed to earth-shattering lows might find it a touch lean. There’s definitely some sub-bass presence there, but it takes a more subtle approach. Think of it as a tight kick drum foundation rather than a booming explosion. However, for genres like EDM or hip-hop heavy on sub-bass, the impact might not be as visceral.
On tracks like “Bass Canon” by Matoma, the deepest low frequencies aren’t as prominent as on some bassier IEMs. But for genres like rock where a tight kick drum is desired, like in “Here I go again” by White Snake or in “Hysteria” by Def Lappered, the MagicOne delivers a satisfying punch without bleeding into the guitar work or the vocals.
MID-BASS:
The Aful MagicOne shines in the mid-bass department, delivering a tight and punchy performance that elevates genres like rock and pop. This isn’t loose, boomy bass – it’s a precise response that adds a satisfying kick to drums and bass guitars without muddying up the mix. Imagine the difference between a punchy kick drum and a loose, sluggish one on a track like “Basket Case” by Green Day. The MagicOne delivers the former, ensuring the drums retain their attack and energy. This translates well to bass guitar lines as well.
While some audiophiles might prefer a slightly warmer mid-bass, the overall response here is tight, controlled, and perfect for those who appreciate a clear and dynamic listening experience.
MALE VOCALS:
The Aful MagicOne excels at reproducing male vocals with exceptional clarity and a touch of natural warmth. Every nuance, from the subtle inflections to the power behind the notes, is faithfully presented. While listening to Deep Purple’s “Soldier of Fortune,” the MagicOne allows the richness and depth of David Coverdale’s voice to resonate with a smooth presence, filling the soundstage and conveying every ounce of emotion. This detailed presentation extends to more powerful vocals as well. It even doesn’t miss the textures in vocals like Mark Knopfler, Bruce Springsteen, or Rod Stewart.
Overall, Aful MagicOne’s handling of male vocals is a definite highlight, offering a clear, nuanced, and emotionally engaging performance. And it lets you feel the emotional up-down of the male artist’s voice so well, you can clearly feel it, not only hear it.
FEMALE VOCALS:
Get ready to be impressed by female vocals on the Aful MagicOne! These IEMs are a delight for fans of singers with sparkling clarity and a touch of sweetness in the upper mids. This combination allows you to appreciate the airiness and subtle details in a singer’s voice without any harshness. Listening to Cinéad O’Connor’s “Nothing compares to you,” the MagicOne beautifully captures the breathy quality and delicate inflections in her voice. The upper midrange emphasis adds a touch of shimmer, making her vocals sound clear and captivating. This translates well to powerhouse female vocalists as well.
Overall, the Aful MagicOne’s handling of female vocals is a clear winner, offering a detailed, airy, and emotionally engaging performance.
INSTRUMENTS SEPARATION:
The Aful MagicOne excels at presenting a clear and well-separated soundscape for a wide range of instruments. Guitars are a particular highlight, with a satisfying body and fullness that allows you to appreciate the intricacies of picking and strumming techniques. Listen to the opening riff of Dire Straits’ “Sultans of Swing” – the MagicOne reproduces the distinctive twang and bite of the guitar with accuracy. Violins and cymbals also benefit from the clear presentation, with violins shimmering with a touch of sparkle (like the versatile violin lines in Mozart’s “Violin Concerto No. 3“) and cymbals delivering crisp crashes without any harshness (like the impactful cymbal work in Hans Zimmer’s “Time” from the Inception soundtrack).
This clean separation of instruments ensures a detailed and engaging listening experience, allowing you to follow individual musical lines within complex arrangements.
TREBLE:
The Aful MagicOne walks a tightrope with its treble performance, striking a balance between detail and fatigue. It delivers a well-balanced treble that adds a touch of detail and sparkle to your music without becoming harsh or sibilant. This allows high notes from instruments like flutes and piccolos to shine through with clarity, without any piercing or artificial brightness. While listening to Mozart’s “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” – the delicate melody of the flute is reproduced with a crisp and airy presence. However, cymbals retain a natural character, avoiding any overly harsh s sounds.
Overall, the treble on the Aful MagicOne is well-tuned, adding a touch of brilliance to the sound without sacrificing listening comfort.
SOUNDSTAGE:
Expectations for soundstage with in-ear monitors (IEMs) need to be managed, and the Aful MagicOne is no exception. While it won’t compete with open-back headphones in terms of spaciousness, it delivers a surprisingly decent soundstage for a single BA driver IEM. The emphasis here is on clarity and separation rather than vast width. Instruments are well-defined within their own space, making it easy to follow individual lines in complex arrangements. Listening to Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” – the distinct placement of Gilmour’s guitar on the left and Wright’s keyboard on the right allows you to appreciate the interplay between the instruments. This separation extends to subtle details as well.
While the soundstage might not be expansive, the Aful MagicOne’s focus on precision and separation creates an engaging and detailed listening experience.
CABLE & TIP ROLLING:
I’m a huge fan of cable swapping & tip rolling, and fortunately, I have a good collection of those. This IEM can deliver a good sound with the stock cable, which they clarify as “high purity OF copper & OF copper silver plated cable.”. And it is OK to use this. But if you have some copper cables in your collection, you may swap it to experience some thicker notes all over the frequency. I always love to swap cables, and with AFUL MagicOne, I settled with a hand braided pure copper cable.
Now about tip rolling. As I mentioned earlier, I tried Spinfit 100+, W1, Omni, Divinus Velvel, Pinon Liqueur Orange with this IEM and found that W1 is perfect. It seals well and gives you the ultimate sonic experience of Aful MagicOne. Unfortunately, Pinon didn’t give me the comfort, but it boosted the bass a bit extra. Omni is also good at delivering sound, especially it opens up mids a little bit. But the same problem here as Pinon, the comfort was not that good as W1. I’m a marathoner, and to me, comfort comes first. So, Spinfit W1 is a clear winner here.
TRACKS USED:
Off course a loads of Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Led Zepelin, Queen, Eagles, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Rush, Rainbow, White Snake, Guns N’ Roses, Green Day, BB King, Mark Knopfler, Brian Adams, Richard Marks, Bruce Springsteen, Ros Stewart, Phill Collins, Alan Jackson, John Denver, Randi Travis, George Jones, Whitney Houston, Barbara Streisand, Laura Branigan, Gloria Estefan, etc.
“If you prioritize detail, clarity, and a comfortable fit at a budget-friendly price, the Aful MagicOne is definitely worth an audition.”
CONCLUSION:
The Aful MagicOne carves a niche for itself in the budget-friendly IEM market. Don’t be fooled by the single BA driver – these IEMs impress with their detailed and clear sound, exceeding expectations for their price point. They shine in terms of comfort that making them ideal for everyday listening. Male and female vocals take center stage with exceptional clarity, while instruments are well-separated and defined within a clear, albeit not expansive, soundstage. Sure, bass lovers like me might crave a stronger low-end presence.
And a good quality source is recommended to unlock their full potential. But for audiophiles seeking a neutral, accurate listening experience with a slight touch of warmth, the Aful MagicOne delivers exceptional value. If you prioritize detail, clarity, and a comfortable fit at a budget-friendly price, the Aful MagicOne is definitely worth an audition.
RECOMMENDED FOR:
Budget-Minded Audiophiles: Looking for exceptional sound quality without breaking the bank? The Aful MagicOne delivers impressive detail and clarity at a very attractive price point (at the time of writing the review, it is on sale at USD 99.39). You’d be hard-pressed to find many other IEMs offering this level of performance for the money.
Vocal Enthusiasts: Want to hear every nuance in your favorite singers’ voices? The MagicOne excels at reproducing both male and female vocals with exceptional clarity and a touch of natural warmth. Prepare to be captivated by the details and emotion conveyed through your music.
Comfort Seekers: If long listening sessions are your thing, the Aful MagicOne won’t disappoint you. Their lightweight design ensures a secure and comfortable fit for hours of fatigue-free listening.
Those with Good Source: To truly unleash the full potential of the MagicOne, consider using a good quality source like a powerful DAC or DAC-Amp or dedicated music player with neutral or warm neutral sound signature. A weak source might limit their sonic capabilities.
NOT FOR:
Bass Heads: Craving earth-shattering, sub-bass heavy sound? The Aful MagicOne leans towards a neutral sound signature with a controlled sub-bass presence. While it’s there, it might not be enough for those who prioritize deep, booming bass.
Wide Soundstage Seekers: If a spacious, expansive soundstage is your top priority, there might be better options like DUNU SA6 Mii (with five times price of MagicOne). The MagicOne delivers a decent soundstage for a single BA driver IEM, but it focuses more on clarity and separation within a focused space.
Luxury Material Enthusiasts: While the build quality of the MagicOne is good, the materials used might not feel as luxurious as some higher-end IEMs. If premium aesthetics are a major factor for you, there might be other options to consider.
Bright Sound source Owners: If you have any DAC or audio player with a bright sound signature, for example, Hidizs AP80/Pro/Pro-X, Fiio M11S, Questyle M15, Fiio KA3, etc., you shouldn’t think of the MagicOne. This IEM acts differently with bright sources and may create disturbance in your listening sessions.
THIS REVEW WAS PREVIOUSLY POSTED ON ‘HEAD-FI.ORG’ ON 09 JUNE, 2024
You Can Read Other Reviews here.
