Advanced AcousticWerkes (AAW) Nebula 2

General Information

Audiophile Experience
Designed for audiophile by audiophile, AAW’s proprietary tuned balanced armature transducer coupled with 10mm dynamic driver acoustic structure have been a strong foundation for Nebula 2’s hi-fidelity and vivid sound signature. The balanced armature transducer is acutely tuned for high frequency performance up to 40kHz and TrueXrossTM, a RC free crossover network is employed to improve coherence, minimize phase shift and optimize arrival timing of music signal.

Balanced Armature Super Tweeter
AAW worked with balanced armature developer to customize performance and characteristic of the super tweeter unit deployed in the Nebula 2. It delivers a wide and acute frequency response up to 40kHz and maintains excellent sound pressure level and staggering low harmonic distortion across the range. Such sound presentation enables user to hear every timbre and nuisance in the music playback. The combined hybrid system delivers a rich and organic presentation of audio playback and excellent resolution over a wide and spatial sound stage.

TrueXross Crossover Network
Instead of creating high order RC crossover network, which usually causes chaotic phase shift and scrambled arrival timing, AAW uses a complete new approach to solve the classic coherence issue in hybrid earphones. The dynamic driver and balanced armature tweeter is individually tuned diaphragm wise to only function in none-overlapping frequency range. Coupled with delicate positional arrangement and front acoustic chamber design, AAW is able to achieve an ideal and smooth frequency response without using single passive RC component.

Acoustic Structure
Methodically designed enclosure is derived from beehive structure with numerous holding structure surrounding the main dynamic driver mount. The cell structure coupled with rigid enclosure material result in an optimum resonance free chamber for the moving diaphragm. The rear chamber is of semi-open design and carefully dampened to filter out unwanted ambience while pressure balanced to create the most natural bass response with impactful hits.

Ergonomics
The formable cable and over-the-ear configuration keep a secure fit and minimum cable tangling. The overall shape of the earphones underwent rounds of ergonomic engineering testing to ensure a secure and comfort fit for prolonged usage. Precision angled sound bore gives a low profile outlook when worn by user.

Wiring
Nebula 2’s cable is built to perform, featuring OFC multi-stranded wiring core in Type 2 Litz construction. It is of excellent conductivity property and offer very low impedance to ensure obstruction free transportation of the music signal. Reinforced by Kevlar fiber in the conductor core, the cable is tensile and very flexible, it is microphonic resistant and durable for extended usage. The cable is insulated in TPE material, which is tested to be absolutely hazardous material free and environmental friendly during production.

Functionality
The microphone enabled remote has dual mode with auto detection functionality, it has full function support for both Android and Apple devices.

Accessories
Nebula 2 comes with a practical carrying casing giving maximum protection when storing and traveling with your earphones. The vast selection of silicone and foam ear tips provides secure fitting and tight seal for all ear canal shapes.

Latest reviews

HiFiChris

Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: value, sound, price, control, (surprisingly) good fit & comfort, detailed sound, strong but controlled bass
Cons: weak isolation, strain relief could be better on some transitions
IMG_2257.jpg

 
 
 
Preamble:

Advanced AcousticWerkes, in short known as AAW, is a Singapore based manufacturer best known for custom-moulded in-ear monitors (CIEMs). Not long ago, they have introduced a line of universal fit in-ears that are not universal models of their CIEMs, but an independent product line.

Some of those models belong to a product line called “Nebula” that currently consists of two in-ears that are using proprietary drivers developed especially for these two in-ears. One of them, the Nebula One, features one 10 mm titanium-coated dynamic driver per side, whereas the other, the Nebula 2, is a hybrid in-ear that is equipped with a Balanced Armature driver for the midrange/treble reproduction in addition to the 10 mm dynamic driver.
This review will primarily focus on the Nebula 2 (https://www.aaw.me/collections/universal-in-ear/products/aaw-nebula-two-universal-in-ear-monitor).


Before I go on, I want to take the time to personally thank Advanced AcousticWerkes for sending me a sample of the Nebula 2 in-ears free of charge for the purpose of an honest, unbiased test and review.


Technical Specifications:

Price: ~ US$149
Drivers: one proprietary 10 mm dynamic driver and one proprietary tuned Balanced Armature driver per side
Impedance: 12 Ohms
Frequency Range: 10Hz-400000Hz
Sensitivity: 101 dB SPL @ 1 mW
Input Power: 3 mW
Cable Length: 1.2 m
Android/Apple dual mode inline remote control


About Hybrid In-Ears:

As you can read from the technical specifications and mentioned multiple times in the preamble, the Nebula 2 is a little different from most In-Ears and doesn’t only use dynamic or Balanced Armature transducers, but combines both in one shell.

Most In-Ears use dynamic transducers for audio playback which have the advantage of covering the whole audible spectrum and achieving a strong bass emphasis without much effort. Valuable dynamic drivers are often said to have a more bodied and musical bass that has a more soft impact and decay and lacks of the analytical character that BA transducers are known for. On the downside, in contrast to headphones with other driver principles, dynamic transducers often have a lower resolution.

Higher-priced and professional IEMs mostly use Balanced Armature transducers, which usually have got a higher resolution than dynamic drivers, are faster, more precise and have got the better high-level stability, which is important for stage musicians that often require higher than average listening levels. On the downside, it is quite hard to cover the whole audible spectrum with just a single BA transducer and strongly emphasised bass is only possible with multiple or big drivers. Some people also find In-Ears with BA transducers to sound too analytical, clinical or cold (in several active years in a German audio community where I wrote multiple reviews, gave dozens of purchase advice and help, from time to time I heard people that got into BA earphones for the first time using these attributes for describing BA earphones, especially their lower frequencies).

Hybrid IEMs unite the positive aspects of both driver principles and use one dynamic transducer for lows reproduction and at least one BA driver for covering mids and highs, wherefore the often as “musical” described bass character remains and the BA transducers add resolution and precision to the mids and highs – and that’s what the Nebula 2 does with its technology. It is addressed to those people who perceive the clinically-fast character of BA transducers as unnatural, but want to keep the mids’ and highs’ resolution, speed and precision.


Delivery Content:

Not the full retail package but just a plastic bag arrived in the review package I got that however included all of the original accessories which are: a nice carrying case, four pairs of silicone tips (1x S, 2x M, 1x L), three pairs of foam tips, an airplane adapter, a 6.3 to 3.5 mm adapter and of course the in-ears.
 

IMG_2251.jpg IMG_2252.jpg



Looks, Feels, Build Quality:

The in-ears are made of black metal on the outside and semi-transparent plastic on the inside. The nozzles are made of silver metal. I really like the design with the engraved “AAW” logo on the outside and the mesh that can be seen through the venting cut-outs on the faceplate.
The in-ears are puck-shaped and feature non-removable cables with memory wire. Speaking of the cable: it is the same as the one that is used for the inexpensive Knowledge Zenith in-ears, however I’ve mentioned it at least once or twice that this cable is better than what is used for many in-ears in the $200 range, so AAW has done everything right with this decision although it is a bit rubbery (and so is the Knowledge Zenith cable, too).
Strain relief is good at the angled 3.5 mm connector but sparsely implemented on the other transitions. Fortunately though the cable has got a chin-slider and even a three-button remote control with a built-in microphone, and is semi-transparent what I think looks really nice.
 

IMG_2254.jpg IMG_2255.jpg


Besides the rather lacking strain relief on some transitions, the in-ears’ build quality is really good.
 

IMG_2258.jpg IMG_2259.jpg



Comfort, Isolation:

Although I have got large ears, I was afraid that the fit might be problematic for me as this in-ear’s body shape along with the nozzle angle and length has proven to cause fit and seal issues in my ears with other in-ears that have got a comparable shape. I am extremely happy that I can now report that the AAW Nebula in-ears fit me very well, also seal well and are super comfortable.
The cables are worn around the ears and secured by memory wire. I know some people don’t like this but I think that the memory wire works very well with the in-ears. The cables lack microphonics even when the chin-slider is not used, which is a good thing.

Isolation is weak – really weak actually. Probably as weak as with the DUNU Titan 1.


Sound:

My main sources for listening were the iBasso DX80, HiFime 9018d and Cowon Plenue M2.

For listening, I used the largest included silicone tips.

Tonality:

The Nebula 2 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “N2”), just as the Nebula One (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “N1”) has got an inner-facing vent that is almost impossible not to be almost completely blocked by your ear due to the shape of the in-ears. Just like about all front vents, it affects the bass quantity, and unless you have some weird ear anatomy that makes it sit freely and uncovered, the Nebula 2 might be a quite bassy not to say tendentially bass-heavy in-ear (the last bit of quantity will still depend a little on your individual ear anatomy and on how much the vent is really covered – in my case, it is almost entirely covered which I think is also the intention so it leads to a strong bass presence).

What you will notice is that the upper bass is quite strong and almost always present – it might appear to be a bit like a sledge hammer at times. While this probably sounds negative and/or IMG_2256.jpg
judgemental to you, it really isn’t meant in that way – I am like a chameleon and can adopt to almost any sound signature and like it as long as it isn’t too coloured in the midrange, while I mainly prefer a balanced and even diffuse-field neutral sound especially at home.
Yes, the upper bass is quite strong. However, it stays out of the mids relatively well considering the quantity and doesn’t make the sound too warm or soft with just moderate fullness in the lower midrange. With bass-heavier tracks though, it can overshadow the midrange somewhat but vocals never drown or feel congested.
Around 600 Hz, the bass starts climbing and is already quite powerful in the upper bass. In the midbass, it gains even a little more quantity but not much. It has also got good sub-bass presence and only slightly drops below 30 Hz. Quantity is around 12 dB north of a diffuse-field-neutral in-ear.
Between 600 Hz and 3 kHz, the level is quite flat to my ears with an ever so slight and broad-banded lift around 5 kHz and another however slightly stronger lift between 8 kHz and 12 kHz. The highs start rolling off above 14 kHz.

No, the Nebula 2 is not the typical v-shaped hybrid in-ear. It is true that cymbals are a bit lifted but just enough to add the clarity to the sound that is needed because of the bass presence.
I would say that the Nebula 2 is “bassy done well” – for my preference, there could be less upper bass in relation to the midbass and sub-bass, but especially on the go this is not a bad thing, and what I find really good is that the midrange keeps presence and doesn’t sound congested or unnaturally overshadowed despite the strong bass. And the treble is also well implemented and neither sibilant nor peaky nor does it show any clear dip or coherency issue. The only thing that I noticed that doesn’t feel 100% right is that cymbals sound a little stretched and not straight to the point, but this is the only thing and just a little “flaw” considering the price of ca. US$150.

While I wouldn’t mind somewhat less upper bass on the subjective side, I have a hard time finding any tonal flaw on the objective side – despite the strong bass, there is not much if any bloom, the midrange sounds natural and never congested, and the highs are relatively even and not peaky. The midrange and treble even sound pretty natural and quite realistic.

Resolution:

Usually with a bass whose emphasis is in the area around and above 12 dB north of a diffuse-field flat in-ear, an in-ear tends to sound overpowered, soft and bloomy. Fortunately the Nebula 2 sounds tight, quick and especially really well controlled. Its bass is not as fast as the iBasso IT03’s but quite a bit faster than the bottom-end of the two hybrid Fidue in-ears that are more or less in its price range. There is a little softness in the midbass attack, but decay is commendably quick and the bass doesn’t struggle or sound boomy. Playing Metal and fast Electronic, the lows don’t struggle with control at all, sound agile, arid and clean. No, the lows really don’t have any problems following the beat and maintaining great control.
As already mentioned, the midrange doesn’t sound congested or dry despite the bass. Details are good and speech intelligibility is also fine.
The coherency between the two drivers is also good and while it is not as good as with some higher-end hybrid in-ears, I find the transition between the two drivers quite a bit less noticeable than with the Fidue A73 or Trinity Audio Engineering Delta V-II, two in-ears that cost about as much as the Nebula (and this is coming from someone who loves the Fidue).
The treble doesn’t lack details or air either and the only thing where I see slight room for improvement is the upper treble that could be slightly better differentiated.

Soundstage:

The soundstage sounds rather open to me but not particularly large or really much larger than average. There is good width and I don’t complain about the depth either although it appears not as present as the lateral expansion in my ears.
Separation is good and the stage doesn’t appear blurry but it is not razor-sharp either, but there’s nothing wrong with that at this price point.

---------

In Comparison with other In-Ears:

Let’s see how the Nebula 2 stacks up against some other comparably priced and more expensive in-ears.
 
IMG_2273.jpg


Fidue A73:
The A73 is what I consider to be an excellent hybrid in-ear at its price that is identical to the N2’s.
Sonically, the Fidue has got less bass, less sub-bass extension (it is more a mid-bassy in-ear) and is somewhat warmer in the root despite having less quantity in the bass. In the mids, the Fidue is somewhat brighter but not sibilant. In the upper treble, it has got more quantity and sounds fresher and somewhat clearer because of having more presence there, along with being a little better separated in the upper highs.
When it comes to bass quality, the Nebula 2 is ahead – not only in terms of speed but also when it comes to control as well as resolution. The N2 has got the more detailed lower registers and low midrange out of the two. The difference is already big enough to say that the AAW does definitely have the better bass quality without even the need of extensive comparisons. In the midrange and treble though, I find both to be equally detailed while the Fidue sounds clearer because of its somewhat brighter upper end.
Heading over to the soundstage, the Fidue’s appears somewhat more open and wider as well as deeper to me with the clearer separation of instruments and tonal elements. This advantage is however less significant than the N2’s superior bass quality, so I am inclined to say that the AAW has got the edge in the end in terms of technical qualities, but in the end personal preferences regarding the tonality are what matters most.

PMV A 01:
Fit is much better with the N2 for me.
The A 01 might sound thin if it doesn’t sit tight in your ears. Else, it has got enough bass presence.
In my ears, the A 01 has got around 4 dB less bass than the AAW, however its bass is more centred around the sub-bass and lower midbass wherefore there is no “sledge hammer”-like upper bass as sometimes with the Nebula 2. The A 01 is noticeably brighter in the upper midrange and sometimes slightly sibilant. In the treble, it is the brighter in-ear, too.
The AAW has got the somewhat better controlled bass. In the mids and treble, the A 01 might appear as if it was more detailed at first listen because of its brighter signature that might be perceived as being more revealing, but upon just a little more comparative listening it becomes quickly obvious that the N2 renders things cleaner and offers more details overall and that its BA driver craves out more fine nuances.
In terms of soundstage, the PMV has got somewhat more depth in my ears while the width appears to be similar. The separation is also identical with both in-ears.

UPQ Q-music QE80 (OEM of the Fidue A83):
The QE 80 has got less bass quantity but drops also somewhat more towards the sub-bass. In the mids and treble, it is the noticeably brighter in-ear with an overall generally quite bright signature that has got an uplift from the midrange to the upper treble, however it sounds very coherent and even to me which not that many bright in-ears achieve to my ears. Its only flaw is that trumpets are on the squeakier side.
The N2 has got the somewhat faster bass. In the midrange and treble, I wouldn’t be able to make out a winner and only in the upper treble, it is the QE80 that separates notes a bit cleaner.
The UPQ has got the more open soundstage to my ears and also the somewhat more precise instrument separation.
I see both as being relatively close on the technical side with the N2 having the faster bass and the QE80 the better separated upper treble and soundstage, but then again both appeal to totally different tonal preferences.

iBasso IT03:
The IT03 has got less bass overall but a sub-bass that has only a bit less quantity than the AAW’s. In the midbass and upper bass however the iBasso is more reserved and shows something that comes close to a really well-made sub-bass implementation that is not obtrusive and appears more refined. The IT03 has got the somewhat brighter upper mids.
The more expensive IT03 has got the faster and better controlled bass that is definitely among the best hybrid basses in my view when it comes to being quick and controlled. In the mids and treble, the IT03 appears also more refined and sounds somewhat more detailed – yes, I definitely see it on a higher level overall although the Nebula 2 is already really good.
When it comes to soundstage, both in-ears have got comparable width in my ears with the iBasso having more spatial depth. The IT03 however has got the noticeably sharper instrument separation along with the more refined layering.

Advanced AcousticWerkes Nebula One:
I was honestly expecting both to sound quite different, however this was not the case to my surprise – the Nebula One sounds quite a lot like the Nebula 2 to me when it comes to tonality. The difference is that the N1 has got a little more than 2 dB more bass than the N2 to my ears and the slightly darker and fuller midrange. In the middle highs around 5 kHz, both have got an ever so slight lift whereas the Nebula One has got less presence in the upper treble which makes it an overall bassier and smoother in-ear. But the genes are definitely quite a bit similar and the Nebula One is kind of like its dizygotic twin (or at least a brother/sister that looks quite similar) that is not identical overall but has a lot of similarities.
I would say that the N1 sounds a little more coherent because it is using only one driver per ear, however the N2 has got the less soft and better controlled bass, especially in the lower bass, that has also got the better control although the Nebula One is no slouch here either. In the midrange and treble, the Nebula 2 sounds more differentiated.
The difference is not that large, nonetheless the Nebula 2 is like a more refined version of the Nebula One.
In terms of soundstage, the N1 appears to have more spatial depth to me while the Nebula 2 has got a bit more width and very slightly cleaner separation.


Conclusion:

The AAW Nebula 2 is a great hybrid in-ear that is really strong on the technical side, offers good value and stands very well at its price point. Build quality is really good, the comfort is great (which IIMG_2260.jpg
didn’t expect at first), the bass is controlled and fast despite its strong emphasis, the midrange and treble sound natural and the sound is coherent. However the Nebula 2 will definitely not attract those who are not looking for a strong bass emphasis and/or good isolation.
For those who are however looking for a hybrid in-ear with a strong bottom-end at a reasonable price tag, the AAW Nebula 2 will likely offer a lot of sound and pleasure.


With my usual 30% build and fit (92.5) to 70% sound/value/price (96.5) weighting, I come to a result of 4.765 out of 5 stars.

ostewart

Reviewer at Sound Perfection Reviews
Formerly affiliated with HiFi Headphones
Pros: Balanced and detailed sound with incredible soundstage
Cons: Not a fan of memory wire, and non-detachable cable
Firstly I would like to thank AAW for this sample for review, I always try to write honest reviews, this sample received over 50hrs of burn-in before review, no major changes were noted.
 
Gear Used:
Audio Opus #2 > AAW Nebula 2 (Comply tips)
 

 
Tech Specs:
Impedance: 12Ω
Frequency Response: 10Hz – 40,000Hz
Max input power: 3mW
Cable Length: 1.2m
Driver: 1 x 10mm Dynamic, 1 Balanced Armature
MSRP: Aprox $145 (S$199)
 
Packaging, Build Quality and Accessories:
The packaging is simple and effective, it has a white outer sleeve with a picture of the IEM’s on the front, on one side of the box you have company info, on the other side you have a list of included accessories and on the back you will find a text about the IEM’s, feature and tech specs (with an exploded diagram of the IEM’s). Once you remove this sleeve, you will find the IEM’s neatly in place in a foam in tray, with the case below. Underneath the part where the IEM’s are held in place you will find the tips and jack adapters. A well thought-out design that is also aesthetically pleasing.
 
The build quality feels sturdy, the housing is plastic with a metal faceplate, there is a section of memory wire (I would have preferred them without memory wire), with a translucent plastic 3 button remote, and an L shaped jack with good strain relief. The cable is supple but does not feel weak, overall the build quality is good and they should last a while with some care.
 

 
The included accessories are plentiful, you get a good selection of tips (3 pairs of Silicone, 3 pairs of Foam), a clamshell carry case, a flight adapter, a 3.5-6.3mm adapter and that’s it, everything you need is included. I found myself using Comply tips as I prefer their feel, but the included tips should allow most people to get a good seal.
 
Comfort, Isolation and Cable Noise:
Comfort is very good once you get a good fit, I do prefer cables without memory wire, but the memory wire doesn’t cause much discomfort on these. I find I can wear them for prolonged periods of time with no discomfort.
 

 
Isolation is good, not as good as some fully sealed IEM’s but enough for most day to day usage, the housing only has small vents so there is minimal loss in isolation.
 
Cable noise is not an issue, as the cable is routed behind your ear, if you do get cable noise, there is also a chin slider you can use.
 

 
Sound:
Split into the usual categories with a conclusion at the end.
 
Lows: The lows on these are full and deep, they extend effortlessly with excellent control and definition. They don’t have any noticeable dips or peaks down low, they are fairly linear and kick drums sound real with air behind them, they are clean and clear, with a little boost in presence to keep them sounding engaging and fun without bloat or fatigue. You get real rumble when listening to the likes of The Prodigy, and the notes of the double bass in Diana Krall resonate with realistic timbre. They lend their hand to all genres and always stay in line without overpowering, and can keep up with fast metal tracks too. If you like your bass fun but in good measure and quality, these would definitely suit you.
 
Mids: I’m not sure where the crossover point is in these but the mids again come in with excellent clarity and separation from the lows. Female vocals don’t suffer from sibilance, male vocals don’t come across with added warmth. I find that these have a way of bringing out subtleties in your music, and the mids are very well separated and nuanced. Guitars and vocals always have good air between them and they don’t get congested. These are headphones that you can tell the difference between well recorded music and poorly recorded music (and MP3 vs FLAC makes a difference). Listening to the likes of Radiohead’s In Rainbows album really highlights the technical ability of these to dissect your music and present it as a whole but well separated, Thom Yorke’s vocals are up front, and the guitar picking is always present, with pulsating underlying bass notes are not forgotten and the snare and cymbals are just spot on, also the special cues and overall soundstage and imaging is probably some of the best I have heard under £150, maybe even £200.
 
Highs: These have it all, crisp highs are also on hand to keep things from sounding dark and dull. They are not harsh or bright, but they have good energy and also detail up top, I often find myself craving more highs yet these strike the balance between too little and too much. The highs are always there and noticeable, they have good tone and also the placement is very good on these.  Treble heads these may not completely satisfy your needs, but they are a lot better than most of the competition in terms of transparency and detail, yet they are not fatiguing in the slightest so people sensitive to treble won’t have a problem with these.
 
Instrument separation is superb, there is air and space between everything, and the soundstage is much wider than all the other IEM’s I have heard at this price.
 

 
Conclusion: If you haven’t noticed I really enjoy these, from now on if anyone asks for IEM’s under £150 these will get my recommendation. They are balanced but also quite fun to listen to, they have the right amount of detail and a bit of fun factor added in without bloat. They really do it all very well with convincing imaging to boot, the build quality is great however I have never been a fan of memory wire, and detachable cables would have made these better. Overall they are a very cohesive sounding dual driver, hybrid IEM.
 
 
Sound Perfection Rating: 9/10 (memory wire and non detachable cable let them down)
 

  • Like
Reactions: mgunin

Comments

There are no comments to display.
Back
Top