I’ll be honest: after testing the single-driver dynamic earphones from Intuaura, like the Plum and Luster, I didn’t expect much from Intuaura. So when I got the wired in-ear dynamic Intuaura Splender II with its single driver, just like the previous models, I wasn’t too pumped. But after the first listen, my opinion did a 180. Let’s dive into these intriguing headphones. They’re built similarly to their siblings but bring some unique sound tweaks.
What the manufacturer offers in the Intuaura Splender II IEMs
- Unique 10mm dynamic driver with a dual-sided composite coating, kinda like a beryllium diaphragm and N52 magnets. Frequency range from 5 Hz to 50 kHz.
- Sound cavity absorption system: Absorbs peak sound energy, giving a textured and comfy sound.
- A.W.C.T (Acoustic Wave Control Technology) – INTUAURA’s acoustic tuning tech that absorbs unwanted sound waves and tweaks the sound to cut out nasty noise. This leads to a more refined and comfortable sound with realistic, detailed music playback.
- DSP dongle with Type-C and Jack 3.5mm connectors. Enhances sound from smartphones.
- 16-core high-purity copper cable with 2Pin (0.78mm) connectors and a Jack 3.5mm plug.
Sound of the Intuaura Splender II In-Ear Headphones
The headphones are built with a single dynamic driver and two chambers before and after the driver. These chambers are connected to the sound guide through channels. Intuaura’s engineers nailed the cross-section and length of these channels, and the chamber volumes to fine-tune the sound for better quality. Props to the engineers – they nailed it.
We’ll split the sound review into two parts since there’s a DSP dongle involved. Let’s start with that.
Sound with Cable and DSP Dongle
What’s a DSP processor? It’s not a DAC that meticulously converts digital to analog. The DSP processor in the micro dongle is meant for processing and enhancing digital audio signals and converting them to analog without a top-notch amplification path, whereas a DAC focuses solely on converting digital to analog with minimal quality loss and amps it through a solid amplification circuit. That’s why many audiophiles see DSP dongles as toys, not serious gear.
I reviewed similarly built headphones in my previous Moondrop MAY review. While the sound from the dongles is like sibling vibes, they’re structurally different. The Intuaura cans don’t have a control block or mic – that’s a downside, but a plus is that the Intuaura dongle isn’t permanently attached to the headphone cable. The DSP is separated from the headphones by a Jack 3.5mm connector. I think this little tweak shows Intuaura’s serious approach to their customers and audiophiles. However, the lack of software is a big minus; Intuaura has room to grow. I found a way to connect the Moondrop Link app to the Intuaura dongle and fiddled with the settings. So, I’ll share my thoughts.
As I mentioned before, the sound from the dongle is similar to the Moondrop dongle, with an emphasis on hype. The V-shaped Splender II headphones have even more emphasis across the frequency range. It feels like the EQ settings are cranked to the max. I liked the sound, but a smartphone can’t compete with a quality DAC, so let’s move to listening with my Questyle QP1R, which sounds almost like a monitor player.
Sound with Cable Without DSP Dongle
The headphones are pretty sensitive and can work with smartphones and weak sources. You also need to pick your tracks carefully, as these headphones will reveal every flaw and quality of the recorded material. When choosing a source, it’s best to match the power to avoid adding its own noise.
- Overall Presentation: Soft, enveloping sound with a touch of tube warmth. They feel like they have a V-shaped frequency response, with slightly subdued mids in the vocal range.
- Bass: Clear, hefty, with well-defined attacks and decays. Sub-bass isn’t as bright as mid-bass but is sufficiently textured with a touch of tube warmth. Mid-bass is pleasantly thick and enveloping, melodic with soft endings and clear entries. Bass sits nicely, just a bit encroaching on the lower mids.
- Mids: Slightly muted, like there’s a lack of breath or air movement. Mids are natural, with a hint of silkiness in the male and female vocals. Vocal timbres are naturally tonal. The sound of brass instruments is delightful with a metallic touch. Just a bit lacking in energy or emotional depth in the mids.
- Highs: Slightly excessive on treble-heavy tracks. But the highs aren’t overly bright and have a natural sound, so they come across clearly and comfortably.
- Detail: At a good level, the recording imperfections are clearly heard and accurately reproduced, but they don’t annoy with excessive sensitivity.
- Soundstage: Nearly flawless, clear placement of instruments and artists; they feel right where they belong. The headphones excel in both depth and width of the soundstage.
- Conclusion: These headphones excel in almost all areas. With pleasing lows, beautiful mids, and just the right amount of bright highs.
- Gaming Sound – With the dongle, the sound is awesome; without it, less emotional.
- Movie Sound – Similarly good as in games.
- Sound for the Price Up to $500 – 8 out of 10.
- Sound with Dongle – 8 out of 10.
Comparison with Competitors
The sound is impressive.
Comparing with single-driver dynamic headphones:
- The Plum model from the same brand falls short compared to the Splendor II. The Splendor II is more refined and mature. Unlike its rival, it doesn’t overemphasize the bass to impress bass heads. The sound quality is leaps ahead.
- The Luster model from the same brand also sounds bright, limiting the low frequencies. The Splendor II is much more emotional and natural.
- You could also compare with the HIFIMAN RE400, but that’s a whole different price category, so it’s like “beating a baby.” The comparison isn’t fair; the HIFIMAN RE400 loses on all fronts.
Comparing within a similar price range but without considering driver construction:
- Ziigaat Doscinko is similar in sound to Intuaura Plum, better in technicality but falls short compared to our Splendor II in quality, soundstage, and presentation of sound compositions.
- Ziigaat Cinokotres is similar in sound to Intuaura Luster and similarly surpasses it but still lags behind the Splendor II in sound maturity.
- The only models I’ve listened to that slightly outshine the Splendor II in detail and emotion are the BQEYZ WIND and the current favorite, HIDIZS MS5.
Rank of Intuaura Splendor II among the in-ear headphones I’ve listened to – number 3, behind BQEYZ WIND and HIDIZS MS5.
Design, kit and comfort
- Packaging: Quite bulky in pleasant dark blue-purple starry sky tones, without the anime characters that have become quite tiresome.
- Headphones: The look is similar to the previous Plum and Luster models, with the faceplates being handmade, as usual. The faceplate colors are gold and purple with the Intuaura emblem and “VIEW” in a mirrored finish. The side engraving “VIEW,” along with the round hole on the back, serves as venting holes. The bodies are made from polyurethane resin and have an ergonomic design with the sound guide at the correct angle. There are also side markings on the headphones.
- Cable: High-quality 16-core black cable, exactly like the Luster model, but with a Jack 3.5mm plug. It has side markings on the 2 Pin (0.78mm) and Jack plug symbols.
- DSP Dongle: Standard look with a brown finish but with a firm, springy 3-core cable and a 3.5mm plug.
- Case: Spacious, just like the Luster model.
- Ear Tips: Similar to previous models, high quality with a wide opening that doesn’t block the sound guide.
- Material Quality – 8 out of 10
- Design – 9 out of 10
- Comfort – 9 out of 10
Specifications
- Frequency Response: 5 Hz-50 kHz (free field)
- Effective Frequency Response: 20 Hz-20 kHz (IEC60318-4)
- DC Resistance: 18 Ω (± 5%)
- Sensitivity: 125 dB/average value at 1 kHz (± 3 dB)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.05% @ 1 kHz
- Connector Type: 2Pin 0.78mm
- Cable Length: 1.2 meters (0.1 meters)
Package Includes
- Headphones
- Cable
- Set of ear tips in a plastic box — 6 pairs
- DSP Dongle
- Replacement sound guide meshes
- Case
- Organizer for headphones
- Instruction manual with Chinese to English translation
Conclusion
The Intuaura Splender II snagged a respectable third place in my ranking of top-performing headphones. They sound excellent, have a great soundstage, and impressive detail. These headphones can be called “heartbreakers” because they aim to please all audiophiles, from deep bass lovers to fans of clean highs, without forgetting those who enjoy natural mids.
Intuaura Splender II aims to beautifully handle various genres: melodic jazz, blues, reggae, modern rhythmic electronic and pop tracks. They won’t disappoint fans of airy classical music or heavy metal either. It’s tough to find a style these headphones can’t handle well.
When it comes to price, the choice is yours. As for me, I’m leaning towards the Intuaura Splender II.
