The NF Audio NA2+ is a neutral, highly detailed sound signature IEM targeted toward audiophiles and professionals alike. For roughly $169, it does indeed promise great sound accuracy with clean mids up front, clear highs, and tight controlled bass. Boasting its single dynamic driver and respectable technical performance, the NA2+ puts out a well-rounded sound, never too aggressive in the bass nor ear-piercingly bright up top. This IEM would work for the more critical listener who desires good retrieval and accuracy. From acoustic to classical to even modern genres, the NA2+ conveys music with poise.
Context
I have been using the NA2+ for some weeks. I loved this pair of sets so much. I use it with my Xduoo xd 05 basic (with NE5532 OP-Amp),ddHiFi tc44c, and LG V60. Also tested it with Fosi Audio DS1 for its sound stage performance. I use the stock cable also an upgraded cable. But I have changed the stock tips. Try it with different eartips like Spinfit W1, 145, CP100+, Penon Liqueur O, Velvet, and TRI clarion eartips. My pick for this iem is Penon Liqueur O eartips. They provide a good seal for my ear and provide a good sound for my preference.
Note: I use these iems with this cable, eartips, and sources. That is the basis for my overall review.
Disclaimer
I received this IEM from “NF Acous宁梵声学” for review needs. And each corporation has no direction on what to write and what not. With the sound I listened to, the whole evaluation represents my objective experience and honest assessment.
one more item. The review is grounded in my own experience and what I learned from many IEMs. Your experience could change depending on personal taste and anatomical variations including ear canal depth and form. Also for some sources like DAC, eartips, cables.
Unaffiliate links
If you want to buy this iem, visit SHENZHENAUDIO, or AliExpress’s official store NF Acous.
Gears Used
- ddHiFi tc44c (for Bass details)
- Fosi Audio DS1 (for Sound stage)
- LG V60 (for phone sound test)
- Xduoo XD05 Basic with N5532 op amp (overall sound
Build Quality
The build quality on the NF Audio NA2+ is quite good, with a lightweight aluminum shell that gives it quite an upscale feel. The matte finish looks sleek but also ensures fingerprints are fully resisted, which gives a clean look to this IEM even with continuous use. The design itself is strong, and the cable may feel a little flimsy, though not to any extent. It was 5N silver-plated OFC, though-so it wouldn’t skimp on sound quality. but an upgraded cable can be included at this price point. I really don’t like the stock cable at all. other than that everything is fine.
Given its low weight, NA2+ feels good in the hand, and hence it would work very well for users who need a robust earphone for daily use.
Design
Visually, the NA2+ tends towards minimalism, from the more understated matte finish down to sleek lines. The unboxing experience alone is quite something, from a retro standpoint, with a design that feels like a throwback to those older CD cases. Accessories include balanced silicone ear tips in various sizes to let users find their perfect fit, although some may feel it would have gone even further if higher-end tips were used. but I use my own eartips cause I don’t like these generic eartips.
Fit and Comfort
Where the NA2+ excels is in comfort. It’s lightweight construction makes it comfortable for long listening sessions, while the ergonomic design ensures a snug fit. However, the silicone tips provided might not offer the best isolation, so Comfort and sound isolation could be improved with an upgrade to some third-party eartips or NF audio in-house MS42 eartips. Nevertheless, for most users, this shallow fit does not compromise the general listening experience.
Sound Impression
NA2+ carries a neutral-bright signature, with emphasis on accuracy of tone and clarity. There is no typical V-shaped tuning; instead, it is well-balanced and clean, sitting well with genres that demand precision. Bass is present but never overwhelming; the mid is natural and clear, while the treble is detailed without being overly sharp. It is an ideal IEM for listeners who enjoy high-resolution sound with intricate detail.
Sub-bass
NA2+ also has good control and linearity in the sub-bass department. It doesn’t give earth-shaking lows, but rather a good and tight bass presence, which might be just right for genres like classical or acoustic where subtlety and clarity come into play. For those who look to the bass punch in electronic or hip-hop music, it doesn’t quite deliver the real impact. In more refined listening, the sub-bass is admirably performed. Also, the bass response is fast and can keep up with the other instruments.
Mid-Bass
The NA2+ addresses mid-bass in an extremely tight and clean manner. It does not muddy into the mids, nor overshadows other frequencies, hence it becomes very well-suited for balanced listening. If control and speed are good in this frequency range, drum hits can be very accurate and realistic along with bass guitar lines.
Male Vocals
The NA2+ does quite well with its male vocals. The mids are somewhat forward, which makes male voices sound bright yet not straining against other frequencies. Natural tonality cuts through so vocalists can be heard quite clearly, making it a good option for genres heavy in this regard, such as rock, metal, classic rock, or acoustic performances.
Female Vocals
The NA2+ makes the female vocals sound airy and detailed due to emphasis in the upper-mid and treble regions. The same treble lends extra sparkle to higher-pitched voices without sounding stridently shrill or sibilant, making it great for genres featuring strong female vocals, such as pop or classical opera.
Note: Some Female vocals may sound shouty, (ss, sh,) found in some female vocals. But if you like energy in female vocals then that’s not an issue.
Treble
The NA2+ treble is crisp, airy, and detailed, adding lots of sparkle without being too sharp. Some listeners more sensitive to bright treble may find it’s a bit sharp during longer listening sessions, but for those who love detail and clarity, the performance is excellent. It is energetic and fast with good realism for instruments such as cymbals and strings.
Instruments
Another high point of the NA2+, instrument separation is just great. Every instrument sounds well-defined in the sound stage, which offers great clarity even on the most complex of tracks. The tuning is neutral, so the instrumentation is natural without color. Acoustic guitars, violins, and pianos are great beneficiaries of this. That positions the NA2+ as a good option for classical, rock, metal, and jazz music.
Soundstage
The soundstage is wide and airy, providing a spacious listening experience. However, depth could be better. NA2+ lacks a degree of three-dimensionality, which is found in more expensive IEMs. Imaging is precise though, making it quite easy to pinpoint the location of different instruments and sounds across the horizontal plane. Overall it’s a great iem for soundstage presentation
Performance Gaming
The NF Audio NA2+ does great in gaming, showing clarity, a soundstage, and well-defined imaging. Fast-paced first-person shooters like CS: GO and Valorant reveal excellent positioning accuracy with the NA2+, as you are able to pinpoint quite well where footsteps and gunfire sound are. That actually will give you some sort of competitive advantage in finding out where your enemies are coming from. It pays further dividends in more immersive games like Battlefield 2042 or Warzone 2.0, as the wide soundstage creates a realistic sense of space, placing explosions, environmental sounds, and voice chat clearly and distinctly. The treble energy might be a bit much for some in longer sessions of gaming, but during competitive gameplay, the NA2+ truly shines with detailed, responsive audio cues. With NA2+, every sound is crystal clear in Rainbow Six Siege, where sound plays a huge part in gameplay. The awareness of situational surroundings is far easier to achieve.
Conclusion
Overall, the NF Audio NA2+ is going to be a great choice for listeners prioritizing clarity, precision, and a neutral sound signature. As mentioned earlier, it’s not going to satisfy bassheads or those looking for a warm, lush sound, but excel in clean, detailed audio with the key word being balance. But with a solid build and fit, besides great overall sound performance, the NA2+ is a good option for audiophiles and gamers alike-but majorly those who seek an IEM which serves well both in music and gaming.
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