Intro/Disclaimer​

The AFUL MagicOne has garnered a lot of attention towards the end of 2023 but does this single BA set still compete in 2024? Read on to find out.

I purchased this set of IEMs with my own money and all opinions are my own. My review is solely based on what I hear with my own two ears as this is a very subjective hobby. My ratings are also based on how I think this IEM fares against other IEMs in its price range.

My primary litmus test when it comes to audio gear is whether or not vocals and instruments sound natural/organic. Regardless if the IEM has the biggest bass or the most technical treble. If it doesn’t sound natural to my ears then it’s a red flag. SPOILER: The Aful MagicOne definitely delivers on this front.

Packaging and accessories​

Standard cardboard sleeve packaging that you see with all other IEMs around this price range but it’s what’s inside that matters. Along with the IEMs, you get six pairs of tips and one of the best stock cables I’ve handled around this price range. The cable is made with high-purity oxygen-free copper and oxygen-free copper silver plated in a 32+37 core configuration. It is well braided and has a decent amount of heft.

Build, Comfort and Fit​

I really liked the build of this IEM, from the snowy faceplate to the full translucent resin shell that puts everything on full display. Originally, I had some troubles with the fit in my right ear but once I did some tip swapping I was able to get an excellent seal in both ears (very important with this IEM). Some people have expressed discomfort from a suction effect but I did not experience this phenomenon. This IEM is vented.

Sound​

Sources Used
AFUL MagicOne <- Questyle M15 <- MacMini M1 <- Apple Music Lossless

Songs played

Initial impressions (before brain burn in)
I usually like to jot down my first impressions when it comes to listening to new gear. Because whether you believe it or not, brain burn-in is a real thing.

Upon listening to the first few songs in my library, I was immediately impressed with the lush midrange and impactful bass. You won’t get a rumbling subbass from this set but the mid-bass does hit hard when you have a proper seal. Also, this single BA IEM needs Power to really shine. Once you meet the requirements, you are presented with a wonderful mid range focused set with excellent vocals and instrument clarity. The timbre and tonality AFUL produced from this single custom BA is truly amazing.

Bass

• Clean, controlled and impactful
• Lack of sub bass rumble
• No mid bass bleed

Mids

• Top tier timbre and tonality
• Excellent presentation for both male and female vocals
• Subtle warmth that adds some nice richness to the mids

Treble

• Good clarity and natural sounding
• Smooth and detailed without being sibilant
• High hats sound extremely natural

Technicalities (Soundstage/Separation/Imaging)

• Excellent resolution and imaging
• Good micro-details
• Soundstage is above average in both directions
• Great coherency due to single driver
• Great layering and instrument separation

Comparisons​

Comparisons are a bit tricky as I have not listened to any other one BA sets in this price range. However, compared to other multi-BA sets I’ve listened to like the Dunu SA6, the AFUL MagicOne definitely holds its own. Yes, it doesn’t have quite the same amount of low end grunt but it definitely makes up for it in overall tonality, timbre and resolution.

Conclusion​

The MagicOne is a great example of a proof-of-concept gone right. AFUL did a wonderful job developing this Single-BA IEM and it truly shows when you put it in your ears. The MagicOne is the IEM to reach for when you just want to listen to music without much fanfare or fatigue. You will be extremely happy with this IEM if timbre and tonality are at the top of your requirements list. Just remember that proper amplification is required to get this IEM to perform its best.

Intro/Disclosure​

Recently, I got the opportunity to A/B the Truthear Zero (Blue) and the Truthear Zero: Red. I purchased both these IEMs with my own money and all opinions are my own. My review is solely based on what I hear with my own two ears as this is a very subjective hobby. My ratings are based on how I think this IEM fares against other IEMs in its price range.

My primary litmus test when it comes to audio gear is whether or not vocals and instruments sound natural/organic. Regardless if the IEM has the biggest bass or the most technical treble. If it doesn’t sound natural to My Ears then it’s a red flag.

Packaging and accessories​

Pretty standard packaging at this price point. The Zero comes with a nice leatherette pouch with the cable and a decent selection of tips. 3 sets of wide bore, 3 sets of narrow bore and a set of sticky foams. Oh and don’t forget the Waifu as well.

Build, Comfort and Fit​

I really liked the look of the faceplate (which can be blue or purple depending on how the light hits it). The shell is somewhat bulky and protrudes quite a bit from my ears. The included tips seemed to work best for my ears but comfort is the elephant in the room with this IEM. Unfortunately, I started to notice discomfort after about 30-45 minutes of wear.

Sound​

Sources Used:
Truthear Zeros <-> Questyle M15 <-> MacMini M1 <-> Apple Music Lossless

Songs listened to:









Initial impressions: (before brain burn in)
I usually like to jot down my first impressions when it comes to listening to new gear within the first few minutes. Because whether you believe it or not, brain burn-in is a real thing.

Upon listening to the first few songs in my library, I was immediately impressed with the nice bass presentation, both sub-bass and midbass sounded full and impactful. The other notable feature was the sheer size of the soundstage both horizontally and vertically is quite impressive for an IEM at this price point. If you play lots of FPS games this is the set to get at the $50 mark.

Bass

• Hefty amount of bass. More mid bass slam than sub bass rumble.
• Not the most textured bass but well controlled
• Quantity could be too much for some

Mids

• Warmer tuning with organic timbre
• Lower mids are a bit recessed for my tastes
• Male vocals sound far away and quite lifeless.
• Female vocals fare a bit better but can appear shouty depending on the singer

Treble

• Laid back but still engaging
• Smooth and not sibilant
• Details could be better

Technicalities (Soundstage/Separation/Imaging)

• Depending on the recording, the Zeros can throw quite a large soundstage
• Imaging and placement of instruments in a wide stage is surprisingly good.
• Detail retrieval isn’t the best, busy tracks can sound congested.
• Excels in FPS shooters where you can pinpoint enemies at will.

Comparisons​

Compared to the Truthear Zero: Reds, I would pick the Zero Blue every time. The Blue just has more energy in the upper mids that improves detail retrieval and imaging. The Zero Reds have a quite relaxed treble thus leading to everything sounding blunted and congested. The Blue also has a more cohesive bass without the need for any impedance adapters. The Red’s bass is significantly less compared to the Blue without the 10 ohm adapter.

Conclusion​

The $50 price point in 2024 is an extremely competitive one. Does this 2022 release still compete? I think so, especially if you are after a harman 2019 sound that is tuned by Crinacle. If you are a gamer, I think this is a no-brainer at the $50 price point. I would also choose the Zero Blue over the Red any day of the week. The tuning is just better to my ears.

Ps. This was my first written review on Head-Fi, go easy on me. I look forward to sharing my thoughts on additional IEMs and headphones in the near future.