CVJ Nami: the new wave
Intro
CVJ has been releasing a plethora of products lately. Today, we have an IEM that was launched a few months ago, featuring a cable with interchangeable terminations at the affordable price of $29 USD. Let's take a look at what the CVJ Nami brings to the table—a hybrid IEM with a dynamic driver and a balanced armature.
If you wish to read this review in Spanish, click here
Check out previous reviews here (or in spanish here)
Disclaimers:
Unboxing, Build & Comfort
CVJ Nami: Construction in line with the trends seen in this price range, featuring a CNC-machined metal faceplate and a transparent resin housing that allows a view of the internal components. It is equipped with a 10mm dynamic driver with a diaphragm composed of a magnesium and aluminum alloy, along with a balanced armature (BA) responsible for the high-mid and high frequencies when activated by the switches on each IEM's side.
Cable: Composed of oxygen-free copper (OFC) and silver-plated, featuring the typical QDC-compatible connector with 2 coated pins. However, the cable's quality is remarkable—it is easy to handle, doesn't easily tangle, and comes with an interchangeable straight 3.5mm termination. It's peculiar that the product doesn't include the rest of the interchangeable tips, but after trying the tips provided by CVJ with their new VS400 cable (which is even of higher quality than the Nami's), they work perfectly.}
Eartips: three pairs of transparent silicone tips with a standard-sized bore. I would have liked to see more variety in these considering the price.
Tool for adjusting the switches.
Comfort: With the right pair of eartips, they are comfortable, although the cable may be a bit heavier than average. They protrude slightly, but I could lie down with them without any issues. They provide a decent level of isolation while listening to music or using them for gaming. I didn't need to readjust them once they were in place.
Driveability: Easy to amplify. A smartphone does a good job of providing them with enough power (Impedance: 22 ohms / Sensitivity: 114dB).
Sound Description
Since the CVJ Nami features three different modes (Subwoofer, HFE, and EHF), I will divide this segment based on the similarities they share and their particular characteristics.
Credits: Audio Reviews News
(The switches turned on will be referred to as "U," while the switches turned off will be referred to as "D") – Subwoofer = Blue / HFE = Green / EHF = Red
The three modes according to CVJ
General signature features across all modes
-V-shaped signature with clear elevations in the bass and treble regions, along with the typical "valley" in the midrange.
-Good separation between bass and sub-bass in tracks like IMANU's "Buried" and Jauz's "Goodiez".
-The extension of the subbass is decent but only that; there are more notable IEMs in this realm.
-Bass takes precedence in the signature with a strong punch but not excessively exaggerated. Good texture.
-Both bass and subbass are somewhat slow in this dynamic driver.
-Soundstage with average width and potentially small for some. Depth is comparable to IEMs in this price range, with appreciable distance to the ear between the drummer and singer in Iron Maiden's "Aces High," but not reaching the levels achieved by other models.
-The Nami manages to achieve a precise image in "simple" songs (songs with fewer than 4 different instruments), but it becomes blurred with complex songs, and I don't see it as suitable for orchestras or classical music in general.
Subwoofer Mode (DD)
Instruments in the midrange (guitars, trumpets, flutes, clarinets) are quite recessed in the signature, although strings tend to stand out more. However, male vocals retain a certain authority, as seen with Sinatra in "Fly Me To The Moon," while high-register female voices appear more subdued due to the V-shaped signature with relaxed treble (Adele's "Miss You").
Poor extension in the highs, cymbals with somewhat dull and lackluster reproduction due to their abrupt stop after being struck (Queen's "Another One Bites The Dust"). Lack of micro and macro-resolution in the highest part of the spectrum.
For electronic songs or similar genres, it provides an entertaining tuning.
HFE Mode (UD)
Female voices benefit from the boost in treble, providing clarity to high registers, as seen with Billie Eilish in "No Time To Die". Additionally, the authority and liveliness of violins and electric guitars are superior to the previous mode, despite the signature still leaving the midrange somewhat recessed.
This also adds a bit more brightness to cymbals, triangles, and other instruments in the higher range of the spectrum, making these instruments slightly more detailed and contributing a bit more air to the signature.
EHF High-Definition Mode (DU):
With the higher treble area, this configuration has the most brightness and air. Cymbals have a spectacular reproduction, but unfortunately, sibilance is audible and tends to cause fatigue quickly. Strings also tend to benefit, but they reach a perceptible metallic tone (which could be attributed to the BA or simply the tuning itself).
I don't find that the voices are significantly affected when comparing this mode to the HFE.
CVJ Nami (HFE Mode) vs Kiwi Ears Cadenza
The IEMs being compared don't have very similar sound signatures and were evaluated considering their market prices (Nami $30 USD / Cadenza $35 USD). Additionally, I wanted to pit an IEM that is a frequent recommendation of mine, like the Cadenza.
Credits: Audio Reviews News
Observations:
-The levels of extension and execution of subbass in both models are acceptable but leave one wishing for perhaps a bit more of a rumble sensation.
-Indeed, the bass has a stronger presence in the Nami, thus providing a more significant punch in electronic songs like "Goodiez" by Jauz.
-The less aggressive V-shaped signature of the Cadenza makes it the better option for vocals and instruments in the midrange. Although winds (flutes and trumpets) and pianos have a more honest reproduction with a bit more detail, guitars and violins may sound somewhat subdued in comparison to the Nami's playback, where I find greater texture in each executed string.
The majority of male and female voices benefit from the Cadenza's signature, allowing them to shine more (less bass bleed and more midrange presence overall). A particular case may be very high vocal registers where the Nami performs better than average, although it may sound artificial in some situations.
-Honestly, I appreciate the extra brightness that the Nami's BA can give to cymbals. Comparing songs like "Survive" by Stratovarius and "Black Magic" by Slayer, it's noticeable that the Cadenza tends to sound somewhat more subdued. Even in songs with triangles, like those in Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake," the high registers played by the Nami in HFE mode don't become bothersome and offer technical nuances that are less perceptible in the Cadenza.
-The Cadenza exhibits a wider soundstage, creating better separation between instruments and vocals. Additionally, the depth they generate is slightly superior, although not to be overly praised.
-The imaging faces the same fate as the previous section, where the Cadenza may be somewhat superior in this aspect. However, both IEMs falter in songs of high instrumental complexity, such as in "Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 43: IV. Finale. Allegro moderato" by Sibelius, performed by the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, where a variety of strings (violins, violas) intertwines with various winds (trombones, flutes).
Conclusion
The CVJ Nami is an IEM that provides a fairly aggressive V-shaped signature and can be enjoyable for specific genres. Indeed, I would recommend it for that purpose: contemporary genres like Pop and Electronic music go hand in hand with the Subwoofer mode, while genres with greater instrumental complexity have a decent reproduction with the HFE mode. That being said, I find that this signature limits the versatility of the Nami, so it wouldn't be my first choice in the $30 USD range if I had to choose a single IEM to listen to my entire music library.
One last note: the CVJ VS400 cable has my 100% recommendation, offering excellent quality for those seeking an affordable modular cable compatible with QDC connections.
Intro
CVJ has been releasing a plethora of products lately. Today, we have an IEM that was launched a few months ago, featuring a cable with interchangeable terminations at the affordable price of $29 USD. Let's take a look at what the CVJ Nami brings to the table—a hybrid IEM with a dynamic driver and a balanced armature.
If you wish to read this review in Spanish, click here
Check out previous reviews here (or in spanish here)
Disclaimers:
- I would like to express my gratitude to the CVJ team (especially CVJ Love) for providing me with this unit for review
- You can find the Nami here: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805666915862.html (Official Aliexpress website)
- You can find the VS400 cable here: https://www.aliexpress.com/i/3256805521900774.html?gatewayAdapt=4itemAdapt (Official Aliexpress website)
- Analysis over 4 days – Sessions of approximately 2 to 4 hours
- All music is lossless (Qobuz > 16bit – 44.1kHz)
- Gear Used: IFI Zen Air Can (AMP) + Fiio E10K (DAC) / TempoTec BHD Pro (dongle)
Unboxing, Build & Comfort
CVJ Nami: Construction in line with the trends seen in this price range, featuring a CNC-machined metal faceplate and a transparent resin housing that allows a view of the internal components. It is equipped with a 10mm dynamic driver with a diaphragm composed of a magnesium and aluminum alloy, along with a balanced armature (BA) responsible for the high-mid and high frequencies when activated by the switches on each IEM's side.
Cable: Composed of oxygen-free copper (OFC) and silver-plated, featuring the typical QDC-compatible connector with 2 coated pins. However, the cable's quality is remarkable—it is easy to handle, doesn't easily tangle, and comes with an interchangeable straight 3.5mm termination. It's peculiar that the product doesn't include the rest of the interchangeable tips, but after trying the tips provided by CVJ with their new VS400 cable (which is even of higher quality than the Nami's), they work perfectly.}
Eartips: three pairs of transparent silicone tips with a standard-sized bore. I would have liked to see more variety in these considering the price.
Tool for adjusting the switches.
Comfort: With the right pair of eartips, they are comfortable, although the cable may be a bit heavier than average. They protrude slightly, but I could lie down with them without any issues. They provide a decent level of isolation while listening to music or using them for gaming. I didn't need to readjust them once they were in place.
Driveability: Easy to amplify. A smartphone does a good job of providing them with enough power (Impedance: 22 ohms / Sensitivity: 114dB).
Sound Description
Since the CVJ Nami features three different modes (Subwoofer, HFE, and EHF), I will divide this segment based on the similarities they share and their particular characteristics.
Credits: Audio Reviews News
(The switches turned on will be referred to as "U," while the switches turned off will be referred to as "D") – Subwoofer = Blue / HFE = Green / EHF = Red
The three modes according to CVJ
General signature features across all modes
-V-shaped signature with clear elevations in the bass and treble regions, along with the typical "valley" in the midrange.
-Good separation between bass and sub-bass in tracks like IMANU's "Buried" and Jauz's "Goodiez".
-The extension of the subbass is decent but only that; there are more notable IEMs in this realm.
-Bass takes precedence in the signature with a strong punch but not excessively exaggerated. Good texture.
-Both bass and subbass are somewhat slow in this dynamic driver.
-Soundstage with average width and potentially small for some. Depth is comparable to IEMs in this price range, with appreciable distance to the ear between the drummer and singer in Iron Maiden's "Aces High," but not reaching the levels achieved by other models.
-The Nami manages to achieve a precise image in "simple" songs (songs with fewer than 4 different instruments), but it becomes blurred with complex songs, and I don't see it as suitable for orchestras or classical music in general.
Subwoofer Mode (DD)
Instruments in the midrange (guitars, trumpets, flutes, clarinets) are quite recessed in the signature, although strings tend to stand out more. However, male vocals retain a certain authority, as seen with Sinatra in "Fly Me To The Moon," while high-register female voices appear more subdued due to the V-shaped signature with relaxed treble (Adele's "Miss You").
Poor extension in the highs, cymbals with somewhat dull and lackluster reproduction due to their abrupt stop after being struck (Queen's "Another One Bites The Dust"). Lack of micro and macro-resolution in the highest part of the spectrum.
For electronic songs or similar genres, it provides an entertaining tuning.
HFE Mode (UD)
Female voices benefit from the boost in treble, providing clarity to high registers, as seen with Billie Eilish in "No Time To Die". Additionally, the authority and liveliness of violins and electric guitars are superior to the previous mode, despite the signature still leaving the midrange somewhat recessed.
This also adds a bit more brightness to cymbals, triangles, and other instruments in the higher range of the spectrum, making these instruments slightly more detailed and contributing a bit more air to the signature.
EHF High-Definition Mode (DU):
With the higher treble area, this configuration has the most brightness and air. Cymbals have a spectacular reproduction, but unfortunately, sibilance is audible and tends to cause fatigue quickly. Strings also tend to benefit, but they reach a perceptible metallic tone (which could be attributed to the BA or simply the tuning itself).
I don't find that the voices are significantly affected when comparing this mode to the HFE.
CVJ Nami (HFE Mode) vs Kiwi Ears Cadenza
The IEMs being compared don't have very similar sound signatures and were evaluated considering their market prices (Nami $30 USD / Cadenza $35 USD). Additionally, I wanted to pit an IEM that is a frequent recommendation of mine, like the Cadenza.
Credits: Audio Reviews News
Observations:
-The levels of extension and execution of subbass in both models are acceptable but leave one wishing for perhaps a bit more of a rumble sensation.
-Indeed, the bass has a stronger presence in the Nami, thus providing a more significant punch in electronic songs like "Goodiez" by Jauz.
-The less aggressive V-shaped signature of the Cadenza makes it the better option for vocals and instruments in the midrange. Although winds (flutes and trumpets) and pianos have a more honest reproduction with a bit more detail, guitars and violins may sound somewhat subdued in comparison to the Nami's playback, where I find greater texture in each executed string.
The majority of male and female voices benefit from the Cadenza's signature, allowing them to shine more (less bass bleed and more midrange presence overall). A particular case may be very high vocal registers where the Nami performs better than average, although it may sound artificial in some situations.
-Honestly, I appreciate the extra brightness that the Nami's BA can give to cymbals. Comparing songs like "Survive" by Stratovarius and "Black Magic" by Slayer, it's noticeable that the Cadenza tends to sound somewhat more subdued. Even in songs with triangles, like those in Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake," the high registers played by the Nami in HFE mode don't become bothersome and offer technical nuances that are less perceptible in the Cadenza.
-The Cadenza exhibits a wider soundstage, creating better separation between instruments and vocals. Additionally, the depth they generate is slightly superior, although not to be overly praised.
-The imaging faces the same fate as the previous section, where the Cadenza may be somewhat superior in this aspect. However, both IEMs falter in songs of high instrumental complexity, such as in "Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 43: IV. Finale. Allegro moderato" by Sibelius, performed by the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, where a variety of strings (violins, violas) intertwines with various winds (trombones, flutes).
Conclusion
The CVJ Nami is an IEM that provides a fairly aggressive V-shaped signature and can be enjoyable for specific genres. Indeed, I would recommend it for that purpose: contemporary genres like Pop and Electronic music go hand in hand with the Subwoofer mode, while genres with greater instrumental complexity have a decent reproduction with the HFE mode. That being said, I find that this signature limits the versatility of the Nami, so it wouldn't be my first choice in the $30 USD range if I had to choose a single IEM to listen to my entire music library.
One last note: the CVJ VS400 cable has my 100% recommendation, offering excellent quality for those seeking an affordable modular cable compatible with QDC connections.