DISCLAIMER
I would like to thank Penon for furnishing this unit. The H30 can be gotten here (no affiliate links): https://penonaudio.com/isn-audio-h30.html
SPECIFICATIONS
ACCESSORIES
Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of wide-bore silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs of narrow-bore silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- 2 pairs of foam tips (S/L)
- Leatherette semi-rigid case
- Cleaning brush
- Shirt clip
- Cable
The accessories are outstanding for the coin, perhaps other than the omission of a modular cable, but that is nitpicking. Everything is quite serviceable out of the box.
The foam tips tame treble and provide the best isolation. Of the 2 variants of silicone tips, the narrow-bore ones boost bass and compress soundstage somewhat, whereas the wide-bore ones increase treble and soundstaging. Do tip roll to see what suits you sonically, isolation-wise and fit-wise.
While there are no marketing information on the cable materials, this MMCX cable is quite well-braided and tangle-free with minimal microphonics. There's a chin cinch for added grip. During ordering, one can opt for a 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm termination, depending on your source. This cable is quite solid haptically, no complaints on this front.
The blue leatherette semi-rigid case operates via a magnetic clasp, with the innards lined by a velvety material to cushion the contents. Pretty elegant yet functional, it can survive a drop or compressive forces. The shirt clip and cleaning brush are nice additions that complete the accessory line-up.
The rest of this review was done with the stock cable and stock narrow-bore tips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.
BUILD/COMFORT
The housings are fashioned from 3D-printed medical grade resin. The faceplate panel utilizes
stabilized blue-violet wood, and is quite a looker. ISN's logo graces the front in gold, on a backdrop of a purple palette.
The resin shells are pretty solid too. While the shells lie on the larger side with a long nozzle, they are surprisingly light with decent comfort for my average sized ears. There's a concha protrusion to add grip.
Personally, I'm not a fan of MMCX connectors for budget gear, but the H30's MMCX seems well-implemented, and they lock satisfyingly without being too loose or too tight.
Unfortunately, I experienced a bit of driver flex during insertion of the IEM, but this can be mitigated with different ear tip choice, and is also partially dependent on ear anatomy.
Despite being vented, this IEM has good isolation, and can easily block outside noise in subways or traffic.
INTERNALS
The H30 packs some choice drivers:
- 1 x 9.2 mm beryllium diaphragm DD handles the bass frequencies
- 1 x Sonion BA settles the midrange
- 1 x Knowles BA takes care of the treble
Usually gear at the H30's selling price doesn't contain premium drivers such as Sonions, so it is nice that Penon has managed to price it as such.
DRIVABILITY
I tested the H30 with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Colorfly CDA M1 DAC/AMP dongle
- Creative Sound Blaster X5
- E1DA DAC/AMP dongle
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber 2022 DAP
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Khadas Tone Board -> Topping L30 amp
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone
The H30 is easily driven, and amplification is not 100% required.
SOUND & TECHNICALITIES
Graph of the ISN H30 via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak
The H30 can be described tonally as having a mild U-shaped signature, approaching neutral.
The H30 has slight prominence in the mid-bass, and the bass is just a hair north of neutral. Sub-bass has a tickle of rumble on bass heavy tracks and isn't the most extended: this is not a bona fide basshead set as such. In terms of quality, the bass has good texturing and moderate speed, with minimal mid-bass bleed, so it eschews quantity but gives top-notch quality.
Without a big bass to eat into the midrange, the lower mids are relatively clean, but still of decent heft in note weight. This region isn't very depressed, in keeping with the U-shaped profile. The upper mids are extremely safe, with a 6 dB ear gain - no shoutiness or fatigue is noted here, though sometimes vocals may be slightly behind in the mix.
The H30 has a peak in the lower treble at the 5 kHz region, which adds some resolution to the mix. However, the upper treble rolls-off thereafter, and this IEM isn't sparkly or airy, and may even be borderline darkish in the upper treble. As such, the H30 is quite sibilant-free and smooth, and is a suitable IEM for our treble-sensitive brethren. Cymbals and high-hats are not splashy, though trebleheads might find it not to be their cup of tea.
Despite packing 2 BAs, the H30 has acceptable timbral accuracy for acoustic instruments. Admittedly, there is a tinge of BA timbre noted in the upper frequencies, but the H30 is surely not the worst offender in this region, with other BA-containing hybrids doing a way worse job in this department.
While talking about technicalities, the H30 is probably above average when compared against similarly priced hybrid rivals. There is dampened edges of notes, and though micro-detailing is decent, it isn't a clarity focused IEM. Soundstage is average in all 3 dimensions, with adequate imaging and layering. On a continuum between a "musical" and "analytical" signature, the H30 lies more to the "musical" side, but nevertheless keeps sufficient technical chops in its pocket.
COMPARISONS
Comparisons were made with other budget hybrids near the $100 USD mark. Planars, single DDs and pure BA types were left out of the equation as the different transducers have their pros and cons.
Simgot EM6L
Graph of the ISN H30 versus Simgot EM6L via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.
Tonally, the Simgot EM6L is a mild V-shaped set. It has more upper mids and can be a tinge shoutier than the H30, though both are quite sedate in the upper treble, and are not basshead IEMs.
The EM6L has a more expansive soundstage, but slightly weaker instrument separation. Micro-detailing and imaging are similar, though not class-leading.
The EM6L comes with disappointingly poor accessories, and a tangly thin cable, though it does not have driver flex. The EM6L is also more difficult to drive.
Tangzu Fu Du
Graph of the ISN H30 versus Tangzu Fu Du via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.
Tonally, the Fu Du and H30 are pretty similar. The Fu Du has slightly more bass quantity, but loses in bass quality - listeners hear a one-noted textureless bass, with mid-bass bleed in spades on the Fu Du.
Technically, the Fu Du is a step behind, with inferior soundstaging, micro-detailing, imaging and instrument separation.
The Fu Du has a plasticky build that is quite worrisome, with a sub-par stock cable that is thin, tangly and microphonic. Unfortunately, both IEMs have driver flex. The Fu Du is slightly harder to drive.
CONCLUSIONS
The H30 is a solid hybrid offering in the competitive $100ish market. It brings to the table robust build, splendid accessories, good isolation and easy drivability. Additionally, its balanced and smooth fatigue-free sonics should be a sight for sore eyes - or rather a balm for sore ears. Timbre is more than decent, considering this IEM packs 2 BAs in the midrange and treble.
The H30 unfortunately has driver flex, though this can be mitigated with eartip choices. The soundstage is average too, and the U-shaped tonality might not be a basshead's or treblehead's first choice (though most other consumers should find the H30's pleasant soundscape to be very welcome).
As of the time of writing, the H30 is almost a year old, but it surprisingly holds its own against some newer $100ish hybrid releases of 2023, and that is nothing to sniff at, considering the ton of weekly CHIFI sidegrade releases we encounter nowadays. In essence, the H30 is a musical IEM that contains a fair amount of technical chops, with up-to-scratch timbre and a balanced U-shaped soundscape. Definitely a hybrid to be considered in the conversation, and still competitive against some new upstarts.
I would like to thank Penon for furnishing this unit. The H30 can be gotten here (no affiliate links): https://penonaudio.com/isn-audio-h30.html
SPECIFICATIONS
- Driver configuration: 1 x 9.2 mm beryllium diaphragm DD, 1 x Sonion BA, 1 x Knowles BA
- Impedance: 18 Ohms
- Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: 112 dB
- Cable: MMCX, no information on cable material
- Tested at $129 USD
ACCESSORIES
Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of wide-bore silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs of narrow-bore silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- 2 pairs of foam tips (S/L)
- Leatherette semi-rigid case
- Cleaning brush
- Shirt clip
- Cable
The accessories are outstanding for the coin, perhaps other than the omission of a modular cable, but that is nitpicking. Everything is quite serviceable out of the box.
The foam tips tame treble and provide the best isolation. Of the 2 variants of silicone tips, the narrow-bore ones boost bass and compress soundstage somewhat, whereas the wide-bore ones increase treble and soundstaging. Do tip roll to see what suits you sonically, isolation-wise and fit-wise.
While there are no marketing information on the cable materials, this MMCX cable is quite well-braided and tangle-free with minimal microphonics. There's a chin cinch for added grip. During ordering, one can opt for a 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm termination, depending on your source. This cable is quite solid haptically, no complaints on this front.
The blue leatherette semi-rigid case operates via a magnetic clasp, with the innards lined by a velvety material to cushion the contents. Pretty elegant yet functional, it can survive a drop or compressive forces. The shirt clip and cleaning brush are nice additions that complete the accessory line-up.
The rest of this review was done with the stock cable and stock narrow-bore tips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.
BUILD/COMFORT
The housings are fashioned from 3D-printed medical grade resin. The faceplate panel utilizes
stabilized blue-violet wood, and is quite a looker. ISN's logo graces the front in gold, on a backdrop of a purple palette.
The resin shells are pretty solid too. While the shells lie on the larger side with a long nozzle, they are surprisingly light with decent comfort for my average sized ears. There's a concha protrusion to add grip.
Personally, I'm not a fan of MMCX connectors for budget gear, but the H30's MMCX seems well-implemented, and they lock satisfyingly without being too loose or too tight.
Unfortunately, I experienced a bit of driver flex during insertion of the IEM, but this can be mitigated with different ear tip choice, and is also partially dependent on ear anatomy.
Despite being vented, this IEM has good isolation, and can easily block outside noise in subways or traffic.
INTERNALS
The H30 packs some choice drivers:
- 1 x 9.2 mm beryllium diaphragm DD handles the bass frequencies
- 1 x Sonion BA settles the midrange
- 1 x Knowles BA takes care of the treble
Usually gear at the H30's selling price doesn't contain premium drivers such as Sonions, so it is nice that Penon has managed to price it as such.
DRIVABILITY
I tested the H30 with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Colorfly CDA M1 DAC/AMP dongle
- Creative Sound Blaster X5
- E1DA DAC/AMP dongle
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber 2022 DAP
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Khadas Tone Board -> Topping L30 amp
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone
The H30 is easily driven, and amplification is not 100% required.
SOUND & TECHNICALITIES
Graph of the ISN H30 via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak
The H30 can be described tonally as having a mild U-shaped signature, approaching neutral.
The H30 has slight prominence in the mid-bass, and the bass is just a hair north of neutral. Sub-bass has a tickle of rumble on bass heavy tracks and isn't the most extended: this is not a bona fide basshead set as such. In terms of quality, the bass has good texturing and moderate speed, with minimal mid-bass bleed, so it eschews quantity but gives top-notch quality.
Without a big bass to eat into the midrange, the lower mids are relatively clean, but still of decent heft in note weight. This region isn't very depressed, in keeping with the U-shaped profile. The upper mids are extremely safe, with a 6 dB ear gain - no shoutiness or fatigue is noted here, though sometimes vocals may be slightly behind in the mix.
The H30 has a peak in the lower treble at the 5 kHz region, which adds some resolution to the mix. However, the upper treble rolls-off thereafter, and this IEM isn't sparkly or airy, and may even be borderline darkish in the upper treble. As such, the H30 is quite sibilant-free and smooth, and is a suitable IEM for our treble-sensitive brethren. Cymbals and high-hats are not splashy, though trebleheads might find it not to be their cup of tea.
Despite packing 2 BAs, the H30 has acceptable timbral accuracy for acoustic instruments. Admittedly, there is a tinge of BA timbre noted in the upper frequencies, but the H30 is surely not the worst offender in this region, with other BA-containing hybrids doing a way worse job in this department.
While talking about technicalities, the H30 is probably above average when compared against similarly priced hybrid rivals. There is dampened edges of notes, and though micro-detailing is decent, it isn't a clarity focused IEM. Soundstage is average in all 3 dimensions, with adequate imaging and layering. On a continuum between a "musical" and "analytical" signature, the H30 lies more to the "musical" side, but nevertheless keeps sufficient technical chops in its pocket.
COMPARISONS
Comparisons were made with other budget hybrids near the $100 USD mark. Planars, single DDs and pure BA types were left out of the equation as the different transducers have their pros and cons.
Simgot EM6L
Graph of the ISN H30 versus Simgot EM6L via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.
Tonally, the Simgot EM6L is a mild V-shaped set. It has more upper mids and can be a tinge shoutier than the H30, though both are quite sedate in the upper treble, and are not basshead IEMs.
The EM6L has a more expansive soundstage, but slightly weaker instrument separation. Micro-detailing and imaging are similar, though not class-leading.
The EM6L comes with disappointingly poor accessories, and a tangly thin cable, though it does not have driver flex. The EM6L is also more difficult to drive.
Tangzu Fu Du
Graph of the ISN H30 versus Tangzu Fu Du via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.
Tonally, the Fu Du and H30 are pretty similar. The Fu Du has slightly more bass quantity, but loses in bass quality - listeners hear a one-noted textureless bass, with mid-bass bleed in spades on the Fu Du.
Technically, the Fu Du is a step behind, with inferior soundstaging, micro-detailing, imaging and instrument separation.
The Fu Du has a plasticky build that is quite worrisome, with a sub-par stock cable that is thin, tangly and microphonic. Unfortunately, both IEMs have driver flex. The Fu Du is slightly harder to drive.
CONCLUSIONS
The H30 is a solid hybrid offering in the competitive $100ish market. It brings to the table robust build, splendid accessories, good isolation and easy drivability. Additionally, its balanced and smooth fatigue-free sonics should be a sight for sore eyes - or rather a balm for sore ears. Timbre is more than decent, considering this IEM packs 2 BAs in the midrange and treble.
The H30 unfortunately has driver flex, though this can be mitigated with eartip choices. The soundstage is average too, and the U-shaped tonality might not be a basshead's or treblehead's first choice (though most other consumers should find the H30's pleasant soundscape to be very welcome).
As of the time of writing, the H30 is almost a year old, but it surprisingly holds its own against some newer $100ish hybrid releases of 2023, and that is nothing to sniff at, considering the ton of weekly CHIFI sidegrade releases we encounter nowadays. In essence, the H30 is a musical IEM that contains a fair amount of technical chops, with up-to-scratch timbre and a balanced U-shaped soundscape. Definitely a hybrid to be considered in the conversation, and still competitive against some new upstarts.