ADV.Sound EVO X

General Information

ADVANCED Evo X sports wireless in-ear monitors use a set of quick and transient beryllium dynamic drivers that are specifically tuned for sports application in order to provide additional emphasis on the mid / treble details which tend to be lost during workout. The resulting audio is stunning hi-fi even during your most intense training.

Latest reviews

mejoshua

100+ Head-Fier
Pros: Clarity and sound quality, good battery life
Cons: Hard to get a secure fit, may need to play with different ear tips or use Complys
ADV.Sound graciously sent me a set of the EVO X for review, in return for my honest opinion.

I've had some experience with bluetooth earphones, and generally I do not have a great impression of them because they typically sound very generic and bass heavy, with a lack of clarity and a very forward, in-your-face kind of sound signature. The Evo X defies that stereotype

The packaging is fairly utilitarian but comes well accessorised. It comes with a nice zipper carrying case, and a short micro usb cable is included for charging, as well as extra foam and silicone tips for tip rolling.

What sets the Evo X apart for me is the quality of the sound. All other bluetooth earphones I've tried so far does not even come close (Jabra, Jaybird etc. and partly because of that I gave up on bluetooth earphones. However, I relented and decided to give the Evo X a chance, and I'm glad I did.

Bass
The bass has a slight but very tastefully tuned midbass bump - which is really nice because when outdoors it compensates for the lack of bass in a noisy environment. Even though it is not the most linear it adds a nice rhythmic feel to the music. The mid bass bump is also not overly emphasised, lending itself to nice texturing of the bass and impact, albeit a little softer in character.

Mids
Mids come through crystal clear with good definition and weight. Voices are very nicely rendered and there is pretty accurate reproduction of timbre. Norah Jones was quite lifelike and detailed, unlike any other bluetooth earphone I have heard. There was also a good sense of space surrounding vocals, whereas most other Bluetooth earphones will sound either congested or too forward sounding in order that the midrange can cut through the mix.

Treble
Treble is also well articulated and only slightly rolled off in the higher registers. Even then, what strikes me most is the bell-like clarity that cuts across the frequency spectrum, as well as the quality of the instrumental separation. The treble is slightly rolled off but because of that it also makes it less fatiguing and easily listenable over long periods.

The only problem I had with the Evo X is getting a secure fit all the time. Sometimes it tends to loosen while I am moving, but I suspect this may be due to my ear anatomy. Foam eartips allow me to secure it better but the tradeoff is slightly added bass and slightly less well articulated treble. I would suggest that if you intend to use this for sports or outdoor activities, unless you are able to get a secure fit, use the foam eartips.

All in all, I feel that ADV.Sound has produced an excellent product with the Evo X - this should appeal to the audiophiles who do not want to sacrifice sound quality in a bluetooth every day solution, or even for sport fanatics who like to listen to music while they enjoy sports and train. Well done ADV.Sound!

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Cinder

Formerly known as Res-Reviews
Pros: Very secure, good build quality, durable, good cable, decent accessories, great case, decent battery life
Cons: Occasional stuttering, bass port is in an akward spot
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Advanced Sound EVO-X: It Doesn’t. Fall. Off![/color]

[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Advanced Sound, one of the newest kids on the Hi-Fi block, doesn’t seem to want to slow down. After releasing their massively well-received Model-3 MMCX Bluetooth earphones, they are back at it again with their newest set of Bluetooth earphones, the EVO-X. This time, however, they designed it from the ground up to be the active audiophile’s best friend. Does it live up to Advanced Sound’s claims?[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]You can find the EVO-X for sale here on Advanced Sound’s official website for $60.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Disclaimer: This unit was provided to me free of charge for review purposes. I am not affiliated with Advanced Sound beyond this review. These words reflect my true, unaltered, opinion about the product.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]I would like to thank Peter for this opportunity.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Preference and Bias: Before reading a review, it is worth mentioning that there is no way for a reviewer to objectively pass judgment on the enjoy-ability of a product: such a thing is inherently subjective. Therefore, I find it necessary for you to read and understand what I take a natural liking to and how that might affect my rating of a product.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]My ideal sound signature would be an extended sub-bass with a leveled, but textured, mid-bass. The mids should be slightly less pronounced than the treble, but still ahead of the bass. I prefer a more bright upper range.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Source: The Advanced Sound EVO-X was powered like so:[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Nexus 6P -> Bluetooth -> earphones[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]All music was served as MP3 @320Kbps or as FLAC.[/color]

[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Sound Signature[/color]

[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Initial Impressions:[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Advanced Sound claims that the sound signature of the EVO-X is specially designed to increase sonic performance when the listener is physically active. In practice, this ends up expressing itself by drawing out the treble and kicking up the upper-mids a couple notches, resulting in a healthy V-shaped sound signature with a 1–2KHz bump.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Treble: Songs used: In One EarMidnight CityOutlandsSatisfy[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Treble is boosted and maintains the same iconic tuning present in all the other Advanced IEMs. I really like it. High-hats sit smoothly in the background. While they aren’t exactly up to audiophile standards, that’s okay. This isn’t an audiophile earphone. It’s a workout one.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]The synths of Midnight City were really well defined and pretty smooth. There’s no sense of sibilance at all with the EVO-X. Treble-bound elements seem to always be present, but are rarely separated too much from the rest of the sound, leading to a very slightly congested sound.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Mids: Songs used: Flagpole SittaJacked UpI Am The HighwayDreams[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]The mids are the EVO-X’s strong point. While they are placed a bit behind the treble and the mid-bass, they remain clear and relatively detailed. Given the form-factor and price-point of this IEM I really can’t complain. Guitars are reasonably detailed and have an okay crunch to them. They miss that last bit of roughness to be truly convincing, but again, that’s not unexpected.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Vocals are pleasant as well. The 1–2KHz area seems to be boosted a bit to ensure that you can always hear the singer clearly. This is a bet that worked pretty well, as I never heard the vocals drop out of intelligibility, even when rock climbing or running.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Bass: Songs used: MothGold DustIn For The Kill (Skream Remix)Leave Me[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]The bass-guitar in Moth was easy to hear, and had some shaping to it. While there is room for improvement, I don’t find it to be imperative to enjoy the bass of this earphone.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Bass-heads will be happy to hear that there is a decent amount of wetness to the bass, with a good amount of impact and rumble. It’s nice to have a heavy electronic song come on mid-workout and have it give you that extra push.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Sub-bass is decent, though not as strong as I would have liked. Extension is good, but doesn’t impress me at this price-point. Given the fact that this is a Bluetooth IEM, I wouldn’t be surprised if these drivers, in exactly the same housing, would sound better wired. However, the average performance of the sub-bass didnt stop me from enjoying songs like In For The Kill and Leave Me.[/color]

[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Packaging / Unboxing[/color]

 
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]You’ll have to excuse me ripping off the official box image from Advanced’s website, as I seemed to have lost all the ones I took. If you would like to see real-life images, please check out some other reviews, there are certainly some good ones out there.[/color]

[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Build[/color]

[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Construction Quality[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]The EVO-X’s construction is one that inspires confidence in me. While it is primarily made out of plastic, I can’t find any weak points that look like they could mean trouble. The face-plate is made from a shiny plastic (that attracts lots of finger-prints). The rest of the IEM is made from a matte plastic.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]
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[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]There are hard black plastic ear guides that are quite durable. They bend a bit to accommodate your ears’ unique shape.[/color]
 
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]The cable, short as it is, is quite good. It appears to be a gray translucent plastic sleeve over white twined multi-core wire. It has a nice plasticity and isn’t microphonic at all.[/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]The EVO-X uses a bulb form-factor, likely to prevent the nozzle from moving around too much on the ear while you are active. The bass-port is located on the inside of this bulb, which I think was a poor decision. If you push the EVO-X in far enough, it really impacts the clarity of the IEM as a whole. If this was relocated somewhere else, I would be really happy, as someone with weird ears like mine currently has to choose between good sound and great isolation.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Connectivity / Battery Life[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]The EVO-X uses Bluetooth for connectivity, and doesn’t have a wired mode (unlike the more expensive Model 3). Battery life is pretty good, and I consistently got close to 5 hours out of the EVO-X .[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]You can charge the EVO-X through the micro-USB port embedded in the right ear piece.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]
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[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]While I’ve heard a good number of people complain about the EVO’s connectivity range, I can say that I’m not too affected by it. I’ve only had a single bout of poor connectivity over the fifty or so hours I’ve used it so far. While the overall range of the EVO-X could certainly be improved, I found it to not cause a problem for me with my day-to-day use.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Controls[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]The controls are also built straight into the EVO-X, not set to dangle on the cable. This makes it much easier to run with, as both sides of the cable are balanced. The buttons are nice and tactile, and have all the functionality you would expect from a modern workout earphone.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Comfort[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]The EVO-X is reasonably comfortable, and never bothered me during my workouts. Now, I don’t work out in the traditional way. I prefer to do extreme sports. Rather than lift, I climb. Rather than hit the treadmill, I trail run. Rather than bike, I BMX. These earphones never fall off. It’s ridiculous. Whether I’m falling off the rock-climbing wall or slamming into the floor coming out of a failed trick on my bike, the EVO-X was always there, faithfully playing whatever song was next on my playlist.[/color]

[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Accessories[/color]

[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]The EVO-X comes with a reasonable set of accessories. Inside the box you will find:[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]
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[/color]
  1. 3 pairs of black foam tips
  2. 3 pairs of black silicone tips
  3. 1 carrying pouch
  4. 1 microUSB charging cable
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]I can’t think of anything else you’d really need to enjoy the EVO-X, so no complaints here. As per usual, the case that comes with the EVO-X (which is identical to the one from the Model 3) is really good as it holds the EVO-X and all the accessories with ease.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]The eartips, both foam and silicone, are comfortable and easy to use.[/color]

[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Summary[/color]

[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]The EVO-X is a really solid workout IEM. It sounds good for the price, even when you are active. Furthermore, the hand of God couldn’t shake it off your ears, even if it tried. If you are like me, and your active sport of choice involves lots of falling down and (possibly) hurting yourself, then take a serious look at the EVO-X.[/color]
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chompchomps

100+ Head-Fier
Pros: Lightweight, Excellent sound, Quick pairing, Sexy Aesthetics.
Cons: Fingerprint magnet, may not be bassy enough for EDM gym junkies
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Unboxing
This package came in an unassuming black box with the branding directly on the front. Opening it reveals the very nice semi-hard case that stores the earphones. Opening the case will reveal the package contents which include:
  1. The Evo X with Foam tips
  2. 1 microUSB charging cable
  3. 3 pairs of black silicon tips in S,M,L
  4. 2 other foam tips
 
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Build quality
Touted as a wireless IEM for Sports, i would expect these to be light and durable for a rugged workout. When i first picked it up, it feels pleasingly lightweight, and it feels slightly lighter than my other sports earphones like the Jaybird Bluebud X and the MeeAudio X7’s, though i don't have a digital scale to weigh them. The EVO X has majority of surface covered in soft touch plastic, with a portion being glossy and showing of the branding of the product. I liked the soft touch plastic which feels great but the glossy surface is a major fingerprint magnet that might be a turnoff to some.
 
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The bottom of the shell would end with a red and blue shiny plastic which indicates the right and left sides. The both sides are then connected with a semi-translucent cable sheath which shows off the twisted cables beneath. There is also a slider which ensures a secure fit to the users head to prevent these from falling out. I've noticed that this IEM does not come with an inline remote that are a common for most sports earphones, but this being a over ear design and sporting a bigger shell, the controls are in built into the earphones as shown in the pictures below.
 
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The usb charging port, volume rocker and power button are all on the right side of the IEM. As usual, the usb port is covered with a rubber cover which prevents sweat from damaging the port. I liked that the both edges of the volume rocker are raised, making it easier to navigate and press during workout sessions as compared to a flat volume rocker.
 
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Another praise for this product is the very well sized carrying case that they provide. Large enough to store all the accessories without the need to squeeze into tiny cases like some other companies. The Semi-hard case is slightly smaller than the Pelican case as shown below.
 
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Comfort
During my workouts, i would want a fuss free wearing process and a secure fit to minimise any disruptions during runs or burpees. While wearing them for my workout for a week, i’ve found that these indeed have a secure fit and i was able to put it on with ease thanks to the cable slider at the back, securing it to the back of my head. The nozzles on the EVOX are also angled, giving the user a good fit. I felt that isolation was just average, but it might be a safety feature to let in some ambient noise from the surrounding hazards one might face.
 
Sound Quality
An IEM’s sound quality is indeed one of the major factors in purchasing it. These have been advertised as
 
“A set of quick and transient beryllium dynamic drivers that are specifically tuned for sports application in order to provide additional emphasis on the mid / treble details which tend to be lost during workout.”
 
Testing out these in both commute and during my workouts, i felt that these IEM’s really do deliver, with an increased focus on the treble and not so much the mids which i feel might just be average. This made acoustic songs and female voices nice to listen to. The bass is fast and have a good quantity to it but i personally i feel that the bass doesn't have the oomph and the deep sub bass extension to give me the heart thumping adrenaline that i like to have with my EDM music during my workouts.
 
I liked that the subdued bass doesn't overpower the mids and highs, giving me a more enjoyable experience for normal pop songs before and after the gym session.
 
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What can be improved
This pair of IEM’s have been a joy to use but there are some areas i felt that is able to make it a notch better. Apart from the fingerprint magnet on the glossy shell, there is a groove on the ear hook for the wire to pass through and this exposed area might be a melting pot of accumulated sweat and bacteria that would disgust some people. The exposed area gives it a nice aesthetic look, however, allowing the user to clean the groove under the cable would be a nice addition.
 
I also felt that the cable are quite springy and stiff, and tended to irritate me once in awhile as i prefer a softer more pliable cable. Since we’re on the topic of cables, PERSONALLY i feel that i like the memory cable fit more than the rigid over the ear fit as the memory cable made me feel like it's more secure on my head. Don't get me wrong, these are secure and did not fall off or get dislodged but with the memory over the ear cable, i felt more secure that the IEM will stay on my head.
 
Comparing to the MeeAudio X7s and Jaybird Bluebud X, i felt that these have some advantages over them like having the controls built into the shell rather than having an in-line control, and that some may prefer the less overwhelming bass on the EVOX.
 
Conclusion
I felt like this pair of IEM is priced at a price at $59.99 on the ADVANCED website, these are at a competitive price point and should appeal to users looking for a well tuned sports IEM. Apart from the little niggles that i pointed out, i feel that these would give other companies a run for their money with more expensive offerings like the Jaybird Freedoms and the POWERBEATS 3.
 
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Before i forget, I would like to thank ADVANCED for an opportunity to review this set of IEMs. 
 

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