Symphonium Audio Aurora

With a burgeoning audio community in Singapore, Singapore-based IEM manufacturer Symphonium Audio took a leap in designing Aurora - a simple but fascinating IEM that satisfies the needs of audiophiles.

This review is originally posted on Headphonesty. I purchased this pair of in-ear monitors (IEM) at full retail price. This is not a sponsored post, but an honest review written from a consumer’s point of view. Dollar to performance ratio is included below.

Introduction
Founded in early 2015, Symphonium Audio was born out of its founders’ frustration at the current offerings in the personal audio market. They noticed an unhealthy trend; most earphones were made to be cheap and low-quality, prompting frequent replacement.

Those which sounded amazing and had better quality would often cost a bomb, rendering them inaccessible for a portion of the community.

In 2017, after months of research and design, Symphonium audio bucked the trend by creating Aurora with premium quality parts and technology often found in high-end IEMs.


Unboxing
The unboxing experience on Symphonium Audio Aurora is very pleasant - Minimalist yet satisfactory. Upon removing the cardboard packaging, you’ll see a black box with an engraved Symphonium Audio logo.



Within it lies an eye-catching leather carrying case. There is also a satin pouch which contains:

• 2 pairs of ComplyTM Isolation Series T-500 (One is pre-attached)
• 3 pairs of silicone ear tips (S, M and L)
• Warranty and care booklet
• Warranty card

I really like the leather carrying case the IEM comes with. It is not only a perfect size for Aurora, but is made of semi-hard material, providing sufficient protection to the IEM. Those who are keen to buy it to store other IEMs will be pleased to know that Symphonium Audio sells it on its own.


Specifications

• Driver Configurations: Dual balanced armature drivers
• Crossover: 2-Way Passive Crossover
• Connector: Industry standard removable 2-pin connectors
• Impedance: 75 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 109dB
• Freq. Response: 10Hz – 19KHz

Build, Fit and Isolation
The two balanced armature drivers are embedded in a polycarbonate shell. The choice of material is wise here - Polycarbonate is light and cost-effective as compared to other materials. I think this is the main reason why Aurora sits like when a dream within my ears when I have them on.


A recessed, two-pin connector is located on top of the shell. With this implementation, many cable-rollings can be done because 2-pin cables can be easily found in the market.


The stock cable is a black, 4 twisted wire cable, making the overall presentation appear sleek. The build of the stock cable is rigid and firm, and some may find it a little stiff. But the upside is that with the correct implementation of the neck slider, microphonics are kept to a minimum when the user is walking or moving.

The Y-connector of this cable is built to be strong - very rigid. At the end of this cable is a right-angled 3.5mm with strain relief, providing durability to the user, as long as it is not handled too roughly.


The nozzle of Aurora is relatively long as compared to most of the IEMs in the market. Once you remove it from the box, you’ll find T-500 ComplyTM tips attached. There’s also a catch at the top of the nozzle preventing the ear tips from dropping. I like this implementation. After a series of testing, Final Audio Type E and SpinFit CP100 can fit pretty well with Aurora.

The shell of Aurora is relatively small as compared to other multi-drivers IEMs such as Campfire Audio or InEar, and the shape reminds me of custom IEMs (CIEM). With the correct choice of ear tips, it should offer users good noise isolation. I was able to achieve above-average isolation by using the stock silicone medium ear tips, ComplyTM T-500, and SpinFit CP100 medium ear tips.


Pairing
In this review, I chose to pair the Aurora with Sony NW-ZX2. I did some source matching and ear tips changing throughout the review. I will explain further in the next section of this review.


Sound
Symphonium Audio Aurora is a balanced IEM while touching the edge of the dark side. In fact, I think it is one of the most balanced that you’ll find within the price range of USD250-300. This surprised me because IEMs within this price range normally sounds colored, or are too musical to produce satisfying sound. Aurora is tuned using a different methodology, producing an audiophile-level IEM at a consumer price range.

The overall tonality of this IEM can be very dependant on source and ear tips. It took me a while to finalize the tonality of this IEM. I paired it with a few Digital Audio Players (DAPs) and every pairing produces different tonalities.

I found it weird at the beginning because of how different this IEM sounds when paired with different DAPs but eventually came to find the experimental process fun. With this IEM, the possibilities and permutations are endless.

The X-axis of the soundstage is sufficiently wide. I do not find any congestion within the months listening to it. For Y-axis, it might not be the deeper that can be found in the market but it is above average. The depth is sufficient to create good layering in most of the test tracks.


Lows
The lows in this IEM can be described as full and impactful. It is not the strongest and the biggest amount that you can find in the market but the presence is sufficient and significant. The dynamic in the lows fills this with emotion and life.

The response rate is sufficiently fast and the decay speed is efficient, which I really appreciate - - slow response in the lows may affect other frequency regions negatively. If you’re worried that the fast response may cause an artificial and analytical sound, you won’t have to, as Symphonium Audio managed to find the balance between the two.

Different ear tips actually offer different presentation in the lows. When I am listening using the pre-installed ComplyTM ear tips, the lows are dominant as compared to other regions in the frequency spectrum.

When I changed the ear tips to SpinFit CP100, the lows are more constrained and controlled. Personally, I prefer the lows presented when SpinFit CP100 is installed. The overall tonality is more balanced.



Mids
The mids are clear in this IEM. They are neither forward nor recessed. The positioning of mids is good in this IEM - taking center stage. The spacing is just nice for the mids to sit in without any congestion. Vocalists and other mids frequency instruments are standing in a line in the middle of the stage, bringing an enjoyable listening experience to the user.

Aurora presents male voices in a lush and warm manner giving them, extra emotion. The overall experience is very comfortable. I like the neutrality here. Some IEMs do not have sufficient emphasis in the mids, which make male vocalists sound thin. I prefer something lush and warm in the lower mids.

Aurora has a great spacing in the upper mids near to the highs. This allows it to present female voices in a silky smooth and airy manner. Jennifer Warnes and Norah Jones sounded sweet through the presentation of Aurora. The only downside is that unlike what it can do for male voices, Aurora is unable to give out a neutral sound for female voices. I suspect it is because it has slightly darker tonality. The high pitches are a little dull and I think this aspect could be further improved.



Highs
The first impression for Aurora in this frequency region is crisp and detailed. It is not sharp and piercing the eardrum. This is good news for users because sharp and piercing highs will cause listening fatigue after long hours of listening. I reviewed this IEM over a period of three weeks, and did not find any peak in the high frequency response. The overall presentation was smooth.

Unlike many other IEMs which produce unstable and ‘sparkly’ highs, the highs given out by the Aurora are pretty stable and firm. This creates a good clarity. Cymbals and strings are positioned slightly forward as compared to other instruments. The space and air in the highs are sufficient but I would appreciate more. Overall, the clarity and resolution are considerably high.


Conclusion
Symphonium Audio Aurora is a great choice for beginners starting a journey to exploring audiophile IEMs. At SGD299 (USD249), this IEM’s performance to price ratio makes it attractive. I’d suggest for those who are keen to spend some time matching the IEM with the most suitable DAPs and ear tips, based on their own needs and preferences. You’ll enjoy a high degree of versatility and freedom!

Aurora retails for SGD299 (USD249). It can be purchased at most of the major audio retailers such as ConnectIT by Jade Gift Shop (Singapore) or directly from Symphonium Audio

I would like to congratulate the team from Symphonium Audio with a loud “Mission Accomplished”.

The team understands what is lacking in the market, designing Aurora as a unique product which fills the gap - a true audiophile IEM that is reasonably priced. I am expecting more from the company in the future.

All the best and excellent work, Symphonium Audio!

Aurora info

Specifications

• Drivers: Sonion Dual Balanced Armature
• Impedance: 75 Ohm
• Sensitivity: 109dB
• Freq. Response: 10Hz ~ 19KHz

Price: U$250.


The packaging on the Aurora is simple yet nicely presented as found on many earphones nowadays. Outer papercard cover, all black with just the company logo on it, and inner cardboard box in black color as well, that conveniently opens with the magnetic closure. Inside there is the round case that holds the earphones and a small satin pouch with the extra ear tips and cleaner for the nozzle. The tips selection is minimal, just 3 pairs of common silicone tips in 3 sizes but there're 2 pairs of Comply Foam tips (1 pair installed on the IEMs).


Design
The Aurora design follows the all black color theme. The shells are all plastic in glossy texture. They consist of two pieces strongly attached with the SA logo on the outer part. The inner part has a very unique shape, apparently to give a more natural fit around the ears, though in practice it didn't make much difference due the straight nozzle. The nozzle is long but not thin, and has wider lip at the end of it. Tip rolling is limited; others foam tips can be used easily, though some of the extra silicone tips I tried didn't hold to the nozzle. Spinfit, Sony and even Spiral Dot were fine, but wider tips were too loose to provide a good seal.


The earpieces are comfortable, not particularly ergonomic over more standard shaped IEMs but nothing to complain about. With the wide nozzle and right tips the seal can be strong, and with the sealed design the isolation is quite good.


On the cable side, it uses a standard 0.78 2-pin connection. The sockets are recessed in the earpieces so the cable connectors attach tightly and need some strength to be removed. Quality is average, pretty usual for 2-pin cables even found on more expensive IEMs. It has a 4 strand configuration, all tightly twisted (even though it looks like braided). The guides are fixed but soft and the slider runs smoothly. The plug has good quality with the metal covering and angled shape.


Sound Quality

The Aurora uses a dual Balanced Armature unit. However, it is not the usual Knowles driver usually found on this price bracket, instead is based on a Sonion dual driver, so it was quite interesting to try. Not that I consider the type or number of drivers to be the most important characteristic as the final tuning and overall presentation are what really matters, but it is always cool to try something new.


The sound is easy to describe. It has an overall warm tonality with a strong boost on the mid-bass and midrange region, smooth and very musical. It is not equally balanced as it out of neutral and fairly colored, in a kind of different presentation than the usual Balanced Armature tuning, less focused in micro detail but instead with good dynamics (for a BA) and depth.


The bass itself is enhanced but doesn't get overwhelming. The emphasis is mainly on the mid-bass region with less gain on the upper bass, leaving a cleaner lower midrange. Sub-bass is expectedly more reserved, small in impact with limited extension. Depth is actually quite good as well as texture and has better layering than the usual BA units at this price point. Speed is good but nothing above average than the typical BA strengths, however, the decay is more natural.
In comparison, the quantity is higher than the Brainwavz B200 but lower than the Brainwavz B400, though pays off with higher control, depth and refinement.

Midrange is effortless, forward and gains a similar focus as the low end. Texture is very rich, if a bit thick, and more importantly, it sounds very engaging and musical. Resolution is good but lacks some air for instruments' separation. On the other hand, it gives great texture for vocals, sweet and sibilance free thanks to the smooth and controlled upper midrange.

Treble is smooth, and maybe too smooth and laid-back to my preference for a more balanced presentation. It has enough presence to match the upper midrange just limited on the upper extension reach, and may roll-off too early. Nonetheless, it is very forgiving and doesn't show much change on different sources. The level of detail is good, though less obvious due the more laid-back nature.

Stage is around average. With the midrange forwardness it results less expansive in width but a bit better in depth. The right and left channel separation is not very pronounced nor there is much distant between both sides. The Lear Kaleido (also a dual BA based hybrid IEM) or B400 sound wider with their more v-shaped signature, however clarity and coherence are still higher on the Aurora.

Symphonium Audio Aurora Review: Bitter Sweet Symphony

Symphonium Audio is a fledgling audio brand emerging from Singapore. Its inception came from the founders’ dissatisfaction in the current state of the audio market — most IEMs were built to be disposable and cheap, while the ones that were truly good were so expensive that they were out of reach to most consumers. Seeking to in some part correct this trend, Symphonium deigned to build IEMs that were accessible and high-quality. As such, the Mirage and Aurora were born, that latter of which I am reviewing today. Though, did Symphonium actual achieve their goal? Or is this just another brand talking without bringing any walk?

You can find the Aurora for sale here, for $249, on Symphonium Audio’s official website.

About My Preferences: Heads up, I’m a person! As such, these words are my opinion, and they are tinged by my personal preferences. While I try to mitigate this as much as possible during my review process, I’d be lying if I said my biases are completely erased. So for you, my readers, keep this in mind:

• My ideal sound signature would be an extended sub-bass with a leveled, but textured, mid-bass.
• I have a mild treble sensitivity.

Source: The Aurora was powered like so:

HTC U11 -> USB-C adapter -> earphones

or

Hidizs AP100 3.5mm out -> FiiO A5 3.5mm out -> earphones

or

HiFiMAN SuperMini -> earphones

or

PC optical out -> HiFiMe SPDIF 9018 Sabre DAC 3.5mm out -> earphones

All music was served as MP3 @320Kbps or as FLAC.

Tech Specs

• Dual balanced armature driver
• 2-Way Passive Crossover
• Industry standard removable 2-pin connectors
• Impedance: 75Ohms
• Sensitivity: 109dB
• Freq. Response: 10Hz — 19KHz

Sound Signature
Sonic Overview:
The Aurora is light and refreshing, much like a soft drizzle in the morning. It is quick on its feet, providing an airy and smooth sound signature. It features a brighter sound signature that rolls off its lower register right underneath the mid-bass. Its midrange is essentially uncolored, though it is mildly recessed.

Sonic Breakdown:
Treble: Songs used: In One Ear, Midnight City, Outlands, Satisfy, Little One, Show Me How To Live (Live at the Quart Festival)

Symphonium’s choice to use balanced-armature drivers naturally orients the Aurora to a treble-favored sound signature. That said, the Aurora’s treble isn’t another run-of-the-mill Knowles clone. It is carefully tuned to get the most out of the drivers within. Details such as the breathing in the intro of In One Ear, the sound effects scattered in the background of Little One, and the symphonies of Outlands, were well-textured and well-separated. It extends well into the upper-treble, though it doesn’t have big spikes at the usual points, opting for a more linear presentation than you’d typically find in V-shaped or bright-cannon IEMs.

Midrange: Songs used: Flagpole Sitta, Jacked Up, I Am The Highway, Dreams, Too Close, Little Black Submarines

My favorite component of the Aurora’s sound signature is its midrange. It isn’t too recessed, if at all, and doesn’t suffer from any of the veiling that many midrange-forward IEMs tend to suffer from. The Aurora’s midrange is both precise and timbrally accurate, bringing to life the guitars from Flagpole Sitta. Some additional warmth in the lower midrange would certainly do that song some good, considering its dry recording style. Jacked Up and I Am The Highway do a good job showcasing the Aurora’s commendable ability to stage sonic dynamics and instrumentation.

In terms of vocals, the Aurora has a partiality towards female singers. While male vocalists aren’t left out in the cold, their XX-chromosomed counterparts are treated to a sweetness that they simply don’t get.

Bass: Songs used: Moth, Gold Dust, In For The Kill (Skream Remix), War Pigs (Celldweller Remix)

The Aurora’s bass is… lean. While nothing is inaudible in the lower-register, the Aurora falls squarely into the “hear not feel” camp for bass. It won’t drop the bass with any degree of intensity or vibrate your skull. Take this in what sense you will, as personal preference will dictate whether or not this is a positive or negative aspect of the Aurora’s sound signature. With that said, I did quite enjoy listening to Moth through the Aurora. Its precision and light presentation made for a pleasant and airy staging of its bass guitars.

Packaging / Unboxing
Build
Construction Quality
The Aurora’s shells are made out of a smoothly polished, somewhat reflective, black plastic. Their construction is sound and premium-feeling. The gentle sloping of the shell to meet a more ergonomic form feels carefully sculpted, and it's easy to tell that these are not merely cheap IEMs.

Interestingly, the Aurora’s nozzles have a fairly standard outer diameter, but a much smaller diameter for the bore itself. I can think of a number of reasons for this being the case: increased eartip compatibility, increased durability, better ergonomics, and so on. So I think it was the right call to take that route instead of simply making very small nozzles.

The Aurora features detachable cables via the 2-pin standard. However, its connectors are recessed into the shell, making aftermarket cable support a little more complicated than it would be if they were flush with the shell instead. The connectors are sturdy and well-made. I do not foresee any durability complications.

Symphonium ships the Aurora with a black braided cable. It uses a fairly standard outer-coating with plenty of stress relief at the flex points. Along the cable, above the plastic-clad Y-splitter, lies a chin-slider. It works well and has an appropriate amount of resistance. Along the top-end of the cable are the male 2-pin connectors. They too are housed in plastic. Just below the 2-pin connectors, you can find the ear hooks. Their job is to make sure that the IEMs stay in place while being worn. Simply put, they do their job well.

Comfort
The Aurora is quite comfortable for me. I have average-sized ears, so to be fair, only the most egregious shaped IEMs cause me discomfort. I can easily use the Aurora for my entire workday and not experience physical discomfort or fatigue. Keep in mind that your ears will be different from mine, so you may find your listening experience to be different from mine.

Accessories
Inside the box you’ll find:

• 1x soft carrying pouch
• 1x semi-hard carrying case
• 2x pairs of genuine Comply eartips
• 3x pairs of silicone eartips
• 1x leather cable wrap

Each of the included accessories are high quality. There are two pairs of Comply eartips! Two! That’s generally not something you see from too many brands these days, and their inclusion is a big plus for me. Eartips aside, the carrying case is pretty great. It is built out of a semi-hard leather material. It has an average rigidity but is constructed in such a way that I do not fear for the Auroras when they are stored in the carrying case.

The Aurora’s carrying pouch is similarly premium. It has a beautiful sheen that gleams against its dark hue. Its drawstrings are tied tightly, so they probably won’t undo themselves with normal regular use.

Comparisons
1: LZ A5 ($269)

The A5 is a very V-shaped IEM. It has a more noticeable 6KHz and 3KHz spike in the treble but has a more recessed midrange. The A5’s treble has a good amount of detail, but so does the Aurora. The Aurora takes the lead for a smoother and more comfortable treble though. The A5’s bass is is more prominent and does have much more lower register articulation, as per its dynamic driver.

2: Brainwavz B400 ($200)

The B400 is a warmer IEM than the Aurora. It has a more linear lower register, not experiencing the roll-off that the Aurora does. That said, the Aurora has a more smooth midrange. It's hard to express how cohesive and timbrally accurate that the Aurora is. I’d wager that the B400’s more complex crossover while yielding some clear benefits, has certainly waned its cohesion in ways that the Aurora simply doesn’t have to deal with. So while the B400, being the cheaper option, does have a more full sound signature, listeners who value clarity and airiness will find the Aurora to fit their needs more closely.

Summary
The Aurora is a very competent take on the traditional “balanced” sound signature. It forgoes a strongly emphasized bass to focus on producing the clearest and cohesive sound signature it can with its two balanced-armature drivers. Its discrete and professional-looking visual profile suits its sound signature, and its accessory package is as competent. I find that Symphonium Audio, though a newcomer to the Hi-Fi market, has made a compelling IEM that shouldn’t be ignored. So if you’re in the market for a well-priced IEM with a nonabrasive sound signature with a focus on clarity and cohesion, the Aurora just might be the right earphone for you.

As always, happy listening!