Specifications:
Driver: 2 x Balanced Armature + 1 x Dynamic
Impedance: 24 ohms
Frequency response: 10 – 40,000 Hz
Sensitivity: 111dB
Connector: 0.78 mm 2-pin
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated to Oriolus in any way and do not benefit monetarily or in any other form for writing this review. I purchased this in-ear monitor with my own resources and I am simply giving my honest review of the product!
Review by: “Gloryrain” from The Little Audiophile
TLA Score
Physical Attributes
Comfort: 9/10
Durability: 9/10
Ease of Wearing: 9/10
Noise Isolation: 7/10
Microphonics: 8/10
Value for Money: 8/10
Sonic Attributes
Bass: 9/10
Mids: 7/10
Trebles: 7/10
Sound Stage: 7/10
Separation & Imaging: 8/10
Source Matchability: 7/10
THE BOX
Box design
Awwwww snap… Earphones + Black box for packaging = Classy. Dats quick assumption. But seriously though, how does the packaging choice work out for the Forsteni? Well hot damn, the Oriolus Forsteni does come in a really gorgeous black box with “Oriolus” on the top cover. It is such a simple box, but yet looks really professional and screams “EXPENSIVE STUFF INSIDE!!!”. Good choice, people at Oriolus.
Accessories Given
In the box, you will get a cable manager, a shirt clip, foam tips, three sizes of silicon tips and three sizes of double flanged tips, a cleaning tool and cool egg shaped leather carrying case. BUT DO YOU GET THE ORIOLUS FORSTENI IEM ITSELF? go figure
BUILD AND DESIGN
Housing
Sexy looking Forsteni… The main housing is made of a polished black plastic with “Oriolus” engraved in gold on the brushed silver faceplate, which is cover with a clear plastic layer that is chamfered at the edges to give a really smooth touch. The main housing is pretty solid and well built with no rough edge on the IEM. The 2-pin female connector is recessed into the housing itself which makes the housing look real sleek with no angles.
Wire
The wire on the Forsteni is really unexceptional. The 3.5 mm gold-plated plug looks really unexceptional and strain relieve is basic. Upwards, the wire is thick and sturdy and looks like it could hold up to some accidental pulls or tugs. The ear hooks are memory wire which finally ends with a 2-pin connector that is housed in a metal housing.
Connector
The 0.78 mm 2-pin connector secures well into the housing and does not come out without a good pull. Being a 2-pin connector, it does not rotate about the axis like an mmcx does.
COMFORT
The Forsteni has a short nozzle which does not sit too deep into the ear. Thus, there is no pain or excessive pressure on the inner ear canal. There are also no angles that put stress on the outer ear. No heat build up is felt over extended listening periods that we have tried. The bass vent on the housing does reduce isolate slightly though.
SOUND QUALITY
The Forsteni delivers a U-shaped sound signature with a higher emphasis on the treble (which is smooth) as compared to the bass, as such, the Forsteni is pleasantly detailed without an intrusive bass. Soundstage is above average and there is more width as compared to the depth. Also due to the lean and clean body, paired with the impressive treble, instrumental separation is delightfully delightful!
Bass
Bass… oh dat glorious bASS indeed. The Forsteni’s bass extends all the way down the crevices of the sub-bass which manages to stay composed and controlled. There is good (not headache inducing) amount of rumble to the sub-bass which adds that punch to the lower regions. Bass is slightly on the elevated side but is still leaning towards neutrality and is far from being boomy.
Mid-bass is tight and is generally enough for most listeners…but if you are a bASS lover, this IEM ain’t for you. Oh yes, them mid-bass ain’t bleed into the lower mids, thus mids are not muddied.
Mids
Mids and lower-mids are slightly recessed as compared to the upper-mids. Upper-mids are ever so slightly elevated which really enhances vocal clarity and detail, especially for female vocals. Vocals sound intimate and engaging without taking the back presentation in the music.
Nonetheless, the mids sound clean and airy and are very well presented.
Treble
Trebles. How does the Forsteni perform in this region? Honestly, unexceptional really. Treble emphasis is good for an IEM in its price range, but extension could be better and it could sound harsh to some people. Sibilance does show up on “essy” songs such as “Bangarang” by Skrillex, or “New Face” by Psy.
PAIRING
Sources
The Oriolus pairs well with Warm or U-shaped sources. Using a V-shaped source recesses the mids a little too much for our liking.
CONCLUSION
Oriolus Forsteni might as well be the synonym to price to performance ratio. With a solid built and impressive sound, they are a good option if you are a budget-phile kind of audiophile. The overall easy to like sound and good tonal balance finished off with a beautiful, head-turning, attention-seeking, comfortable-fitting design really works out for the Forsteni. If you are looking for a mid-fi IEM, this could very well be the one for you.