The Anew X-One offer a classic V-shape done well with a robust sound and excellent headroom, staging, resolution, and transparency that provide for a holographic listening experience. The V-shape can be varied with three different tuning modules/chips. The overall temperature is warm on the low end and neutral from the lower midrange up.
INTRODUCTION
The >$300 4 BA + 1 DD X-One is only the second model of Chinese company Anew after the $129 2018 Anew U-One single DD earphone. The U-One was hyped by the notorious Penon in-house shills reviewers but dismissed by Gadget-Oluv as not sounding “right”.
The current Anew X-One includes 3 sets of tuning chips that vary the frequency response above 2 kHz. To give it away, the Anew X-One is a really good earphone, but you have to like its signature. One thing you have to give Anew is that they don’t spread themselves thinly but focus on one thing at a time.
SPECIFICATIONS
Driver unit: 1 DD + 4 BA
Impedance: 20 Ω
Sensitivity: 108 ± 1 dB/mW
Frequency range: 20 – 20,000 Hz
Cable/Connector: MMCX
Tested at: $329
Purchase Link: NiceHCK Store
PHYSICAL THINGS AND USABILITY
The Anew X-One comes in an extra fancy heavy waterproof case that will survive any airplane crash. But on the few days you don’t fly to work, you can carry it in the included grey, roomy, dirt-repellent polyester bag. Also included are the earpieces, 3 sets of tuning chips & extraction tool (in a small case), and four pairs to silicone tips. The tips selection is a bit lean for an earphone of this price imo but the largest tips work for me and were used for testing. The high-purity-silver-plated copper cable is an impressive monstrosity with super sturdy connectors. The headphone jack is serious business. It comes with a chin slider and has zero microphonics.
The earpieces of the Anew X-One are big poppin’ cherries, they are made of aluminium alloy, and they are as sturdy as it gets. I used to compare them to toilet bowls (because of their curvature and white lacquer). Despite their size, they fit well in my ears. The overall haptic and build of the Anew X-One are impeccable. Did I mention an airplane crash before? The tuning chips sit snug in the shells and can be pulled out easily with the included plastic tool. I have done this over and over again and the shells were not scratched. While the shells are comfortable over long periods despite their size and weight, isolation is only soso (with the stock tips used).
Owing to their very low impedance of 20 Ω (at 108 dB/mW), the Anew X-One work well just with a phone. But the ifi Audio nano bl dac/amp really opened the stage up. Although I don’t believe in break-in above a few seconds, I followed the instructions and initially ran the Anew X-One in for ca. 125 hours. Safe is safe.
Let’s first discuss the three tuning modules of the Anew X-One.
The manufacturer claims…
Blue module: low frequency gain
Black module: medium low high frequency moderate
Red module: high frequency gain
While this does not make entirely sense, it is also not true. But these falsehoods migrated through the blogosphere. Check for yourselves what fantasies have spouted on them. Believing is good, measuring is better: my measurements show that the frequency response with all chips is identical below 2 kHz and that red is tamest towards the high end – the opposite of what is claimed. It is not acceptable that a >$300 earphone is characterized so poorly by the manufacturer.
Analyzing the frequency responses of the Anew X-One generated by the three different tuning chips in detail, yields the following:
The frequency responses are identical below ~2 kHz and above ~8 kHz (measurement error considered)
The differences are between the upper midrange and lower treble, where the human ear is most sensitive
In terms of “hotness”: black > blue > red chip
Although the low end is identical with all tuning modules, the red chip produces the strongest low-end perception. This is because the human ear hears the whole frequency spectrum in context and the upper midrange counteracts the magnitude of perceived bass. This effect has been readily demonstrated, for example, in the JVC HA-FDX1 earphone with its three tuning filters.
The overall sound signature (with all of the three tuning modules) is V-shaped with a strong low end and variations in the midrange (depending on the chip used). It is a bit of an unusual tuning in this price range, but it is done well. The low end is warm, and midrange and treble are more on the neutral side.
I felt sonically most comfortable with the red tuning module as it yielded the most organic and soothing frequency response to my ears. The good thing: you can modify that to your liking with the other two chips. After all, some like it hot.
As to the nitty gritty in sound (red chip; iPhone SE first generation alone or with nano bl dac/amp): yes, the graphs indicate it, there is a healthy low end. Lots of sub-bass rumble, it is omnipresent. First it was a bit much for me, but now I am craving it. That (actually mostly subtle) rumble never interferes with the midrange as it is so low down in the frequency spectrum. The bass itself is not the tightest, not the fastest, and not the most textured or layered. But it is also not rubbery or boomy, and it is never overwhelming. Bass is organic, and I perceived it not as strong as the graphs indicate. I would describe the bass as realistic in terms of speed. Nothing wrong with that.
Lower midrange/vocals presentation is very good and the star of the mix. Sure, vocals are a bit recessed – as would would expect from the measurements – and they are more on the lean side. BUT: voices are natural, well sculptured in 3D and very realistic…which makes them even intimate. I repeat: very realistic vocals reproduction! Temperature is on the neutral side. Deploying the blue and black chips thins the vocals progressively out and makes them pointier and sharper…they may migrate a bit forward but at the expense of richness and note weight (this also reduces perceived bass quantity, but we had this already). The black tuning chip produces harmonics that make the midrange too hot for my ears in the long run – which should not stop you liking that.
Back to the red chip and continuing with the upper midrange: high piano notes have good not weight and are well resolving. The extension into the treble is smooth and there is no drop-off before 10 kHz. Treble is clean, well resolving, and becomes more subtle in the higher regions.
Technicalities of the Anew X-One are impressive. The transitions between the drivers are seamless and the timbre is organic (maybe could be a bit softer in the mids, but I am nitpicking). Staging is superb: big and wide and tall as they say, with a good depth, also…which creates a holographic listening experience. This is supported by great midrange transparency and resolution. The stage is occupied by covid-19-protected musicians as it seems: at least 2 m space between them, and they are sitting well layered. Lots of space on that stage. Overlapping voices are nicely imaged and separated but there can be some congestion when the stage becomes too crowded. Dynamics (punch) is realistic.
VALUE
Where are my $300+ ? Inhowfar are the Anew X-One better than the $150-200 class such as the BQEYZ Spring 1/2, Shozy Rouge/Form 1.4, of the KBEAR TRI I3? Well, it is the imaging and staging that are quite a step up. Yes, the basic flavour is similar to some of your <$100 fare, but the Anew X-One excels much in headroom, 3-dimensionality, resolution, and transparency over the budget models. Much finer dining. In the end, you get three earphones in one and can change the sonic signature whenever you feel like it or your taste has evolved with time. The money is also in the cable and that waterproof case.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
The Anew X-One is a very good earphone and worth its money. This review should help the potential buyer to decide whether the tuning is for them: it is V-shaped, pleasant, but not flat, bright, and L-shaped as one would expect in this price category. Yes, the Anew X-One is for the meat and potato guys, but it offers filet mignon and La Bonnotte spuds quality. Bon appetit!
Pros: Exchangeable modules
-Clear and transparent sound signature
-Tasteful with enough neutrality
-Solid Pelican-style carrying case
Cons: May sound vivid for some
-Earpieces are mildly weighty
-Stock eartips could be better
Anew X-One Review: Hypnotize
Anew is one of those new brands, along with IKKO, that I have encountered without any expectations yet got myself hit hard on the back of my head. In case you would ever ask me why it was due to their quality being too good for the price and for completely new brands. The U1 was the very first IEM released by Anew and that particular IEM got me much impressed - however, not a single background info was able to be found only except a rumor that Anew was created by a former LZ engineer. After some lengthy gap, Anew recently released its second IEM, the X-One (or X1). Let us take a look and see how it performs and compares to its rivals.
Packaging
X-One is packaged in a white box added with technical details on the back. Other than the earpieces, it comes with a stock 3.5mm cable, 3 pairs of white silicone tips, 4 pairs of transparent silicone tips, a Pelican-style hard case, 3 pairs of modules, a module tool, a velcro tie, and some paperwork. The stock tips are soft yet a bit flimsy, leaving a margin for some improvements. However, the hard case is very well made as the casing is very sturdy with soft rubber padding applied in the inside. X-One also features a special module system and will be soon covering it down below.
Earpieces
X-One is tuned with a 4BA+1DD configuration, comprised of a 6mm carbon diaphragm driver, two custom BAs for the mid, and another set of two custom BAs for the high. Its outer cavity is made of aluminum alloy machined with precision, which is then coated with an extra layer of anti-scratch coating on the surface. The earpieces are very well machined and coated to the point where the surface feels spotless and smooth as ceramic. Its over-ear shape design provides a comfortable, hassle-free fit. The nozzles have a good thickness to it that scales to about T500 yet does not negatively affect the fit as their lengths are not particularly long. The cavity also shows a decent weight where the earpieces are not light but definitely not heavy.
The biggest key feature of X-One is its switchable modules. The slightly bulged-out Anew logo on the faceplates is in fact a module that affects the crossover, leading the earpieces to produce different types of sound. There are three types in total - the default red, blue, and black. Anew describes that each module enhances the highs, the lows, and low/mids. Here I purposely used the word "describe" as the outcome was rather different for me and the details will be covered in the latter part of this review.
Cable
A quality stock cable comes with X-One not only to match the looks with the color of the earpiece but to also live up to its sound quality. The cable is made of 4-braided silver-plated pure copper wires with the termination of mmcx-3.5mm. The cable is suitable for outdoor usages as it is light, soft, and microphonics-free.
Sound impression - Lows
*Current and following impressions are based on the default (red) filter
Lows are bold and large but executed in a very clean manner. Ultra lows dive deep and fast, then creating an abundant body. Upper lows are not really bulged out but would maintain a leveled intensity as the ultra lows. Interestingly, the end result is a considerably flat and highly stable bass. However, the bass response is nowhere weak as the bass rumbles are thick and bold along with tight and weighty punches. Of course, those impacts are also done in a calm manner, showing more of a well-tamed, virtuous attitude. The bass would not be flooding in the ears, but it definitely would not be weak in its presence.
I am impressed with its bass extension. The quantity of the bass itself is only slightly elevated from flat, yet its body is bold and the ultra-low extension, ironically, is even superior to many other IEMs with boosted bass. X-One's bass presentation makes it easy to focus solely on the texture and the depth of the bass with barely any stuffiness. Lows are positioned on the rock bottom, showing thorough and wide domination throughout the lower side of the headroom. In terms of quantity, ultra lows show a similar amount as other slightly v-shaped earphones have for their upper lows. Upper lows, on the other hand, has a similar or mildly lesser quantity as ultra lows.
Sound impressions - Mids
Mids are tender with a tone that is straight out sexy. It takes place close to the ears that scale large and full-bodied. In terms of positioning, mids are clearly distinguished from the lows but not disconnected, as the lows are kept leveled and rather flat. Since the upper lows are composed with less bouncing that results in a bit of airy area between the lows and mids, letting the vocals to occupy its own place with no chances of bass leakage. There is a mild coloration present on the vocals, yet it does not come across bothering as it does not mess up the neutrality - once compared to photography, X-One's coloration is like a mild filter or an enhancement applied to a picture where it adds mood to the picture yet not abandoning the white balance.
X-One shows neutral thickness on mids that mildly tips over to the slimmer side, satisfying both male and female vocals. Upper mids around the sibilance area are well handled, restraining only the spikes while keeping the freshness unleashed. The thickness would thin out in the edge as the vocals go through the sibilance area. Keep in mind that tracks that already have evident sibilance within it may amplify their sibilance. Other than that, this slight emphasis adds thrill and freshness to the vocals rather than getting hot or giving off any disturbing impressions. It has a fairly well spectrum in brightness, presenting a mild coolness as default. Lower mids possess a bit more warmth and would get shinier as it goes up towards the treble.
Sound impressions - Treble, etc.
Highs are appealing, fruity, and highly analytic - with an airy, cool tone, highs bring a mildly sweet aftertaste. Thin strands and splashes would be finely separated make themselves and identifiable. Treble snaps deliver clear transparency with coolness, adding taste to the music. It is not a type of treble that vividly pierces into the ears nor it gets hot, so there are low chances for them to ever get fatiguing. Highs are a bit more organic in tone but not soften in rigidity. Since that, metal instruments deliver metallic tingles as it should and would not be overdone. Trebles show an instant response that gives a quick, snappy impression.
The soundstage is quite on the larger side. Headroom would extend wide towards sideways, but X-One especially does a good job expanding the up and down spacing. The listening would become more dynamic and involving for the listener as the music gets deeper in depth. Separation is simply great. All instruments and layerings are clearly distinguished and grouped that musically come together all in one piece. The texture feels tightly-packed and soothing which also knows how to get meticulous once required.
Comparisons
-LZ A6-
A6 carries more quantity and vividness on the upper-end where it sometimes shows some portion of heat. Without crossing the barrier, mids show a colorful and richness-enhanced presentation. For the bass, A6 shows quite a decent bass extension but only mildly emphasized in quantity. Since that, the sound gets very exciting and rich, yet the upper ends would get hot relatively faster as well as the low ends not being plentiful enough for delivering a strong slam.
While X-One and LZ-A6 both take quite a similar path in the overall sound signature, Anew takes the lead here. Lows are better established by achieving more depth, thickness in color, and quantity. The low-ends are larger and punchier, making their presence strong enough to handle bass-heavy genres while keeping the three bands balanced. Mids are also better controlled by keeping its center of gravity relatively lower than A6 which gives better stability to the vocals. The tone is more neutral with more coherency, presenting the voices in an unexaggerated yet still in a rich manner. Lastly, the trebles are calmer and smoother where the airiness and clarity are preserved but just refrained in carrying out the heat.
-Shozy BG-
Since BG shows more of a calm, reference sound signature, the "3D effect" from the staging is not particularly emphasized with lesser reverbs, keeping the mood and the headroom linear and original. Since that, the sound signature is closer to a mildly w-shaped signature where all three bands are just slightly emphasized from being flat. This also leads BG to have the sound more closely located than X-One, therefore giving a more "whispering" feeling to the ears.
X-One shows a stronger W-shaped sound signature with more expansive and grand staging. The reverbs are further matured within the housing, giving a fuller, bigger body to the sound. Throughout the spectrum, the sound gets more dynamic and vivid in colors - bass showing more thickness/body/depth, mids scaling larger, and highs showing more finesse. Speaking of colors, X-One shows slightly more coloring on the trebles but not in a big margin as this is relatively said. Performance-wise, X-One outdoes BG only by a slight degree - their sound signatures and charms are a lot different, so this would be more of a matter to do with preferences. BG for a flat, analyticity-focused signature and X-One for W-shaped, musicality-focused signature.
The modules
By applying the blue module, the sound gains visibly more air throughout the whole spectrum as well as boosted clarity on the upper end. Lows still create a full body with equally thick color, yet the weight brought from the low-end slightly decreases. However, the change is not significant enough to make the bass light. Mids would show higher elevation with much air without getting off-tone or produce spiky sibilance. Highs would also gain more air and purity, delivering extra crisp and flutters. Overall, the sound is brought to a visible yet subtle change that does not get quirky.
While the blue module further expands the space between the sounds, the black module takes the opposite approach which is to mildly condense the sound. This leads the overall sound to gain more density and meat, plus making the mids to level out more evenly with the other two bands - lows and highs. However, all these changes are very subtle to the point where it would not be so easy to identify the difference at once, so the original sound characteristics and signature are still going towards the same direction.
Verdicts
It took a while for Anew to put up with a new product as an Anew fan who has been looking forward to their new works, though the wait sure has been worth as X-One delivered the same sensation I have felt when I first encountered to U1. Keeping the genetics of U1, X-One shows a bold advancement in all aspects - the sound, build, functionality, and accessories. Even when we look at it objectively, its performance and sound quality are powerful enough to threaten other IEMs in the same price range or even higher. If you have been looking for an IEM with a full and rich W-shaped sound, the chances are high that you would fall in love big time with this one from Anew.
Thanks to Anew for providing X-One in exchange for an honest impression/feedback. I am not affiliated with Anew and none of my words were modded or asked to be changed.
Pros: Sturdy build
Tuning modules for sound customization
High-quality detachable cable
Instrument separation and soundstage
Detail, resolution and tonality
Cons: Large, heavy shells
Anew is a relatively recent newcomer to the Chinese IEM scene. Until recently, they had only released a single model, the U1 which received a lot of praise among the community. In this review, I’m looking at their newest earphone the Anew X-One.
The X-One has 5 drivers per side (1DD + 4BA) plus a unique tuning system that utilizes interchangeable modules which allow you to adjust the tuning to suit your own preferences. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first but I can confidently say that this system and the earphones themselves have some serious merit. Let’s take a closer look.
As our case is new, we must think and act anew. (Abraham Lincoln)
Disclaimer:This sample was provided for the purpose of an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own based on my experience with the product.
Anew X-One
Package and Accessories
The Anew X-One comes in a fairly substantial white box with a white cardboard sleeve. On the front of the sleeve is an image of the earphone and the tuning modules and on the back is a list of specifications.
Inside the box is a hard carrying case seated in a white foam insert. The earphones and accessories are all located inside the carrying case. Here’s what you get in the box:
Anew X-One earphones
Detachable MMCX high-purity SPC cable
3 pairs of tuning modules
Tool for changing modules
Fabric carrying pouch
Plastic weather-sealed carrying case
4 pairs of silicone eartips
User manual/warranty card
Design
Right off the bat, you’ll notice the X-One’s aluminium alloy shells feel really substantial in the hand. These feel a bit heavier than your average IEM, similar to the Shanling ME500 Platinum but I kinda like it that way.
The shells adopt the common pseudo-custom shape and have a smooth white finish. On top of each earpiece is a small vent with a mesh cover. You can see the attention to detail in the design here as each vent is colour-coded (blue for left and red for right).
On the centre of the faceplates is where you’ll find the tuning components. These components have an aluminium face with the Anew logo on the outside. On the other side are 8 pins which alter the crossover frequency and produce the different tuning configurations.
The components are really nicely implemented too: they click into place easily and feel very secure. I never felt any concern about them coming loose and being lost. Overall, the build quality is great and the X-One feels very durable.
Comfort and Noise Isolation
For my ears, the Anew X-One is very comfortable. The heavier shells have a habit of moving a bit in your ears so it’s really important to find the right eartips to get a secure fit. Having said that, with the right tips in place I can comfortably wear these earphones all day long.
Noise isolation is good and these shells block out a good amount of external noise making them great for commuting and other noisy environments.
Cable
The included cable is a braided silver-plated copper type and it’s gorgeous. It’s has a nice girth which makes it look and feel premium. Handling is excellent and there is no significant microphonics.
At the top of the cable are curved and colour-coded transparent plastic MMCX connector housings. The heat-shrink pre-formed ear guides are very subtle and work really well. Further down is a cylindrical aluminium Y-split with a matching aluminium chin slider.
The cable terminates in a straight aluminium 3.5mm jack with the Anew logo on one side. This is a really great cable and feels suitably premium for an IEM at this price point.
Sound Gear used for testing includes the Sony NW ZX-300 and Shanling M5s as portable sources. In addition, I tested with my iPhone and the YLM portable Bluetooth amplifier review of that device coming soon). On the desktop, I plugged the X-One into the excellent Yulong Canary II DAC and fed it delicious FLAC files.
The general signature of the Anew X-One is mildly U-shaped with a fairly even tonal balance. There is a slight emphasis on the sub-bass and upper treble which gives it a wide, dynamic sound. It has excellent clarity and resolution wrapped in a musical package giving you the best of both worlds. Outstanding features of the X-One’s sound are its end to end extension, expansive soundstage and natural tone.
Anew X-One with default red module.Tuning Modules
Of course, one of the most interesting features of the X-One is its unique tuning modules. These manipulate the crossover frequencies and each has its own unique twist on the default tuning. Like many earphone tuning systems, the changes made by the various modules are fairly minimal and only slightly tweak the default tuning. In fact, the difference between the black and blue modules is almost imperceptible, making the red module the most unique-sounding.
While I enjoyed all 3 modules, I kept going back to the red one because it sounded the most natural to me. It is slightly more relaxed in the presence region (4-6kHz) which can be a little fatiguing for me personally.
The modules make subtle differences to the default tuning.Bass
X-One’s bass is rich, full-bodied and ready to rock. It has a medium attack and decay speed which gives it a solid, weighted impact but one that is still well-controlled. It’s not the most textured bass, instead opting for a natural smoothness over absolute speed.
With proper amplification, the X-One can give your skull a pounding in a truly satisfying manner. Hooked up to the Yin Lv Mei B2 amplifier, the deep, rumbling notes of Bersarin Quartet’s “Oktober” left me with a grin on my face.
Mids
There’s a surprising amount of detail in the midrange, thanks largely to the deft treble tuning. The midrange is rendered with excellent clarity and body being just slightly on the leaner side for increased resolution.
Vocals have good articulation and note size. This carries over to acoustic guitars as well which sound clean and textured. In Oh Hiroshima’s “Simulacra”, the electric guitars have a good amount of crunch and clarity. They sound nice and clean on the X-One but still gritty enough. This effect is heightened by the above average soundstage and airiness that creates layers in the midrange.
Treble
The X-One has a lively, airy and detailed treble. It’s a very detailed treble but one that doesn’t have any sibilance. While it is precise, it also has a sweetness to it that makes it non-fatiguing to listen to. The extension is excellent, giving the overall sound an openness and transparency.
It’s here (particularly 7-8kHz) that gives the mids get their clarity and detail. The X-One treble cuts through the bass notes without being too bright and strikes a perfect balance with the weighted low end. This light and detailed treble is showcased nicely in the percussion in Fourplay’s “Silverado” which sounds clean and crisp on the X-One.
Soundstage
The soundstage is an area where the Anew X-One really shines. It has above average dimensions, outstanding depth and layering. Excellent instrument separation means there’s plenty of clean air between stage elements, painting a holographic 3D image. Sounds often reach outside of the headspace but at the same time, the X-One maintains excellent note density. Imaging is precise, giving you pinpoint cues to instrument and sound positions within the space created.
The Shanling ME500 PE (review HERE) is a hybrid triple-driver IEM with 1 dyanamic driver and 2 balanced armature drivers. It also has great end to end extension like the X-One, reaching deep into the sub-bass and trailing off with airiness in the upper treble.
ME500 PE has slightly less sub-bass emphasis but has added bass texture and a faster decay. Mid-bass is punchier but has less overall impact than the X-One. ME500 PE’s midrange is more forward in comparison to the X-One but has less body in the lower mids. Vocals are more intimate on the ME500 PE but smoother on the X-One.
In the high frequencies, the ME500 PE treble is more forward and has extra definition. This gives it slightly more detail, in particular, micro-detail retrieval but at the same time, it has a brighter overall tonality. X-one has better treble extension with more air. Both IEMs have a larger than average soundstage with the X-One being slightly stronger in imaging.
DUNU DK-2001 ($299)
The DUNU DK-2001 (review HERE) is a quad-driver IEM with 1 dynamic and 3 balanced armature drivers. It has less sub-bass emphasis but a snappier mid-bass punch compared to the X-One. DK-2001 bass attack and decay is faster with less impact.
DK-2001 lower midrange has more body and fullness while X-One has more fullness in its bass. The DUNU’s mids are more forward, especially around the upper mids from 2-3kHz. This brings vocals, particularly female vocals to the forefront and gives them extra bite.
The treble is less pronounced due to the forwardness of the mids and more diffuse than the X-One. The X-One has better treble extension making it airier enhancing soundstage dimensions, which are larger than the DK-2001’s.
Conclusion
The Anew X-One turned out to be a real surprise. It’s built like a tank and has a unique tuning system that lets you change the default tuning. Regardless of which module you choose, the X-One will sound great, making it even more appealing.
Despite there being some serious contenders around the same price, I feel that the X-One can confidently take its place among the best in this category. If you like the idea of customized tuning, solid bass, clear mids and great treble all wrapped in an exceptional soundstage then the Anew X-One deserves your attention.
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