Reviews by xrecode
Quick introduction regarding this set (which I think need no introduction) - Viento is an IEM made by Korean company named Hidition. The IEM itself is almost a decade old since it's release, but I think still holds up well to today standard. It has 4 Knowles BAs inside, CI handling sub, HC and ED handling both lower mid and uppermid, and a WBFK handling the highs. It has a classic Diffuse Field-ish tuning which benefits on clarity especially on vocals and string performances.
Non-sound aspects: as you can see on picture above, Viento is a resin iem which have long nozzle. Fit can vary depending on individual ears, and generally recommended as a custom because of that reason. I personally have no issues at all regarding the fit but it is recommended to demo first to be safe. The cable that I used is not the stock one because the stock cable I think felt cheap and prone to be tangled up, and also 3.5mm (I use 4.4mm). Finishing on the IEM is kinda DIY-ish not that up to today standard where almost any IEM has metal shell or smooth resin and so on, is something to keep in mind. Ordering time can vary and not in order (whether or not you place the order first in queue does not matter-personally happens on me) so keep that in mind.
Sound: Sound is, very good I think, probably one of the best tuned set even in today standard. I personally have Viento-B and Viento-R, and I think each tuning especially A and B tuning were the most versatile. C and D can also work too if you like thicker midrange (and also accurate to B&K5128 standard) but for me it kinda too thick sounding. Viento as an IEM has it's subbass and highs as it's strong suit so I personally almost always using the B tuning. Bass is good for BA bass, and plenty enough even in A setting (but, again, more fun in B setting). Vocal is sweet and generally avoid shoutiness, and also come with smooth, airy treble. General tonal balance is pretty good assuming you get a pretty good fit. Layering is also strong suit in this set, where every instrument in the stage can be defined easily which is which and where it is coming from and playing on the stage.
Comparisons:
Moondrop B2, Dusk, Variations: Compared to these sets, I personally think if you had enough money just grab the Viento instead, worth your money in the long run as it is better in every aspect except just the price tag. Everything just sounds much, much better on the Viento.
7th Acoustics Supernova: Compared to Supernova, I still recommend you Viento, except for the cases when you prefer shorter nozzle or have no access to custom and generally can't fit the Viento well. If that was the case, Supernova is a very good alternative. General sound signature on both iems kinda the same but different, especially in staging and placement of instruments on the stage. Both Viento and Supernova just present them differently, and this part I think up to individual preference (if can demo, demo both). Both have it's own strength, but specifically on layering department, Viento is better.
Elysian Diva: If you like clearest vocal, or just strictly vocal and instrument clarity, Diva can be good choice. Else, Viento is better (bass presentation better on Viento, also separation and layering again is better on Viento).
Elysian Gaea: Gaea has better bass and 'resolution' compared to Viento, but can sound intense at times. Overall sound more contrasty, but overall tonal balance is better on Viento.
Conclusion:
9 year old since it release, Hidition Viento is an example where 'Good Sound Stays Good', proof that decently tuned IEM is still holding strong in time and ages, and still being one to consider for it's marvel tonality it brings to this date.
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This specific unit makes me want to do a review because the sound which I personally like a lot of. For those who don't know, the Red exist several months after Truthear released the original Zero (the blue one). I personally used to buy Zero OG but having mixed feelings about that one. Liked the concept, but somehow it used to have compromises in the tuning. The Zero:Red I think, is a big refinement to it's predecessor, and also comes with some extra accessories which is lovely.
Non-Sound Aspect: The Red physically identical like it's predecessor, now comes with a different faceplate. Fitting I find it very good and stable, i like both the iem shell choice and also the cable, ergonomics very good. One note is the nozzle size is probably kinda big for some people, but I understand that one is necessary for the tuning and better not touch on that (probably the only option is to remove the nozzle lip to make it feel smaller inside ears, is the only one i can think of).
Sound:
This is the part that is the most important about this thing. The Red is I think, one of the best tuned set in IEM history, and also a big improvement compared to OG Zero, which tuned like this:
Please note that the one that I got is having some channel imbalances. Maybe I am just unlucky (that one is one of the best matched out of 3 unit I got) and I hope it's now fixed regarding the consistency of the QC.
As you can see, the OG Zero is faithful to harman tuning, with some big tuning problem in actual listening. The bass, while looking big on graph, is actually sounds like there is hollowness in the bass, and overall sound is kinda grainy without actually extracting any perceivable details in the music. It's fine to listen to but that's probably what i can say about that set. And then several months later, Red released:
At first I was like, okay, it's just a retuned one with different, safer tonality right? Also kinda worry about the bass that measure less. The OG Zero with much more measured bass sound like that, Red should be less (?). And then when the Red comes and I tried it, I was like "wow, okay, didn't expect this to sound like this". So the big difference I perceived first were in the bass section, kick drum, bassist plays, and other low element in the song potrayed like what I wanted it to be. It is generally more focused, more defined bass to me. And then i keep on listening, it definitely sounds clean and not grainy compared to the OG Zero, so to me that was a big plus.
The Red is just, pleasant to listen to, a good daily drive beater IEM. And for only $55? XD I personally would buy 2nd pair just for spare with that kind of offering. Really good collab between Truthear and Crinacle.
Conclusion:
At the price it offered, the Red is kind of no brainer, should be on everyone consideration when looking for a safe and well tuned IEM. It lacks any harshness/grainyness if at all, sounding clean in the notes. Really enjoyable to listen / chill around with music.
Notes:
I hope in the future, maybe make the same concept like this with a much better, improved driver as a flagship offering. That would be very interesting.
Playlist Used, Comparative Ranking:
https://recodestar.neoweb.id/iem-ranking-list
