Fearless Y2K-G10

Introduction

Fearless Audio is a Chinese company that specializes in in-ear monitors. I would like to thank Fearless Audio and Penon Audio for the loaner unit of Y2K-G10. The Y2K-G10 is based off the Y2K tuning system with a specific tuning by Penon Audio. At the moment, you can purchase the Y2K-G10 from Penon Audio. This review is mirrored from my blog.



Specifications

• Driver Configuration: 10 Balanced Armature
  
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Impedance: 25 ohm
  
• Sensitivity: 115dB/mW

Unboxing & Accessories

The Y2K-G10 comes in a white package with a protective cover that sports the word, “Y2K”. Inside the package, there is a hard carrying case which contains the Y2K-G10, detachable 0.78mm 2 pins cable, tips, shirt clip, cleaning tool and warranty card.





IEM Build & Design

The Y2K-G10 has resin shells and there is a smooth surface. The faceplates have a wood finish with the "Y2K" & brand logo in silver on the left and right respectively. The shells are brown transparent in color with the model number at the back. The nozzle is slightly angled with 3 bores. The Y2K-G10 utilizes 2 pins 0.78mm connectors and it has an ergonomic design.









Cable Build & Design

The cable is made of single crystal copper and it has a 4 core braided design. The 2 pins 0.78mm connectors are angled and they have translucent clear housing with L & R markings on the left and right side respectively. The cable has a formed ear-hook without memory wire that is enclosed in a transparent heat shrink tube. There is chin slider that sports the brand name and the y-splitter sports the brand logo. Lastly, the jack is 3.5mm rhodium plated straight with strain relief and it has a silver housing.



Sound Analysis

Lows

The sub-bass on the Y2K-G10 is extended well with control. The sub-bass reproduction is full and the impact is brought out well. The rumble is weighted with a natural expression. The bass decay is quick and the additional agility elevates the engagement level. The bass texture is rendered with smoothness. The mid-bass has an apt quantity and the slam is delivered without any signs of heavy feeling. Each bass note is articulated with a smooth yet impactful hit.

Mids

The midrange is expressed in a smooth manner with an enjoyable performance. Vocals are rendered in a relaxing manner and there is an unoffensive listen. The lushness contributes to a soothing vocals reproduction. The lower midrange has good quantity and male vocals are expressed without any hollowness or dryness. The upper midrange is boosted well for a nice intimacy level. Female vocals are presented in a mellow manner. The Y2K-G10 displays a clear and bodied midrange that is enjoyable to listen to.

Highs

The treble has good extension with no sibilance and harshness. The expression has body and there are no feelings of it being thin. The amount of air rendered is moderate. The crisp is defined well with a fair amount of sparkle to liven up the top end. The treble expression is relaxing with a soothing listen. The Y2K-G10 exhibits a smooth and controlled treble presentation with an apt amount of energy.

Soundstage

The Y2K-G10 expands with naturalness and fullness. The width magnitude is good. There is nice depth with an effective amount of space rendered. Positioning of vocals and instruments is quite accurate.

Comparisons

Fearless Y2K-G10 vs Noble Kaiser Encore

The Y2K-G10 has more sub-bass quantity than the Kaiser Encore with the extension on the Kaiser Encore slightly better. The rumble on the Y2K-G10 is weighted and provides a more natural rumble. The bass decay on the Kaiser Encore is quicker. The bass texture on the Y2K-G10 is rendered in a smoother manner. The mid-bass on the Y2K-G10 has slightly more body than the Kaiser Encore. The slam on the Kaiser Encore is executed with more strength than the Y2K-G10 which can be aggressive at times. Each bass note on the Y2K-G10 is articulated in a smoother manner than the Kaiser Encore. The Y2K-G10 provides a more enjoyable and fuller bass performance. The midrange on the Y2K-G10 is musical while the Kaiser Encore takes on a leaner presentation with higher transparency level . There is additional lushness on the Y2K-G10. Vocals on the Y2K-G10 are smoother without harshness and emotions are conveyed well. The lower midrange on the Y2K-G10 has more body and male vocals are presented well but with slightly reduced presence. The upper midrange on the Kaiser Encore has greater emphasis and female vocals are livelier but not as controlled as the Y2K-G10. For the treble section, the Kaiser Encore has the better extension and the presentation is on the thinner side of things. The Kaiser Encore provides an airier feeling. The Y2K-G10 takes on a smooth and relaxing approach which contributes to a fatigue-free listen. Lastly, for the soundstage, the expansion on the Y2K-G10 is more natural while the Kaiser Encore has greater width magnitude. The depth on the Kaiser Encore is more closed in.

Fearless Y2K-G10 vs Campfire Andromeda

The Y2K-G10 has more sub-bass quantity than the Andromeda. The Andromeda commands better extension with greater depth reached. The Y2K-G10 has a fuller sub-bass reproduction with a natural rumble. The bass decay on the Andromeda is quicker with more agility. The bass texture on the Y2K-G10 is rendered in a smoother manner. The mid-bass on the Andromeda has slightly less quantity and the slam is delivered in a more agile manner on the Andromeda. The Andromeda showcases a punchy presentation while the Y2K-G10 has a full-bodied expression. Each bass note on the Andromeda is articulated in an incisive manner while the Y2K-G10 takes on a smoother manner. The midrange on the Y2K-G10 has more body than the Andromeda and there is a lusher listen. The Andromeda has higher transparency level with a livelier expression. The lower midrange on the Y2K-G10 has more body than the Andromeda and male vocals are expressed in a thicker manner with similar presence. Emotions are conveyed more effectively on the Y2K-G10. The upper midrange on the Andromeda has additional forwardness which creates a more energetic female vocals display. Vocals are rendered in a relaxing manner on the Y2K-G10. In the treble section, there is better extension on the Andromeda. The crisp on the Andromeda is more defined. There is greater amount of air rendered on the Andromeda. The Y2K-G10 has more body with a smoother presentation that provides a fatigue-free listen. Lastly, in terms of soundstage, there is natural expansion on both with the Andromeda having greater width magnitude and more closed in depth.



Conclusion

The Y2K-G10 is a musical sounding iem that is able to provide full-bodied bass, mellow midrange and smooth yet crisp treble. The soundstage creates an enveloping feeling which contributes to an immersive and fatigue-free sonic experience. In addition, the shells are made of resin with excellent build quality. The Fearless Y2K-G10 delivers an outstanding melodious listen that is sure to captivate listeners.