Tinhifi C2

Summary: Unfortunately I am way too late for this review, but thought to do it anyway as it seems to go on sale on a lot of local places. This has decent build and looks, comfort is slightly lacking. In terms of sound this has a bright mild v shape sound signature. Overall at sound is ok but not good enough for its asking price.

Sound signature: bright, mild V shape



Overview:
This is a single DD iem with 10mm dynamic driver with an impedance of 32ohms and sensitivity of 104db.
Talking about Tin hifi, they are one of the moe popular chifi brands. One of their most popular model the tin hifi t2 started my journey with tin hifi. Other than the t2 and p1 I personally did not find their other releases that special.

Box and accessories
In the box it comes with:
Iems itself
2 pin cable, its average price considered. They have provided better cables with their other offerings.
3pairs of narrow boar tips (average quality)
3pairs of medium boar tips (average quality)
Papers



Build and Fit:
Build in general is good price considered. It’s made of cnc machined aluminum, feels decent in the hands. In terms of looks, they are one of the best in this price range, it has a industrial sci fi look. Shells are medium to small size. They are decent weight as its fully metal built. Fit is good but it does sacrifice in the comfort region. Fit stability and breathability is ok. Score 3/5

Tested with
Source: hidiz ap80, cx pro dongle
Eartips: stock, spinfit cp100
Cable: stock
Tested with versatile genre of music



Sound
Bass
Bass performance is ok. Sub bass is more forward than mid bass with good rumble and attack. But mid bass is not as prominent and its lacking punch and slam. Bass notes are separated and bass texture is ok Speed is ok for a dynamic driver. Personally I would have prefered more mid bass extension. Score 2.5/5

Midrange
Coming to the midrange, as a whole its ok. Transition from mid bass to lower mids is linear. Vocals are crisp and clean but specifically female vocals sound a bit thin. There are some peaks which is audible but not sinilent. Instruments are also clean and linear sounding but in certain tracks it is brighter due to the peaks as mentioned. Personally I would have preferred a bit more body and thickness in the overall mids. Score 3/5

Treble
Talking about treble performance, it is energetic and bright. Details are crisp and have good shimmer to it. It has decent resolving capabilities. I would say this sound very analytical.
Unfortunately there is a fair bit of sharpness/ harshness present in a lot of tracks, so this will not be suitable for treble sensitive listeners. Although I enjoyed its treble with metal and rock music. Score 3.5/5

Technical performance (score: 4/5)
Soundstage: above average
Imaging: ok
Sound separation: ok
Dynamics: ok
Resolution:good



Conclusion
I personally do not recommend this set, as there are better options in its price range and even in its discounted price range. Other than that this is more suitable for genres like metal, rock and classical in my opinion.

Introduction

Following the descending order of review, it is now the turn of the TiHiFi C2. This is an IEMS made of 6063 aviation grade aluminium, which has a 10mm dynamic driver, with a PU+LCP (Liquid-Crystral Polymer) composite diaphragm. It uses a Daikku CCAW 0.035mm voice coil and an N52 neodymium magnet. It is clear that its metallic design is reminiscent of many other metallic IEMS with screws. But TinHiFi wanted to introduce a story behind it: the C2 is a mechanical warrior who wants to safeguard peace. It is not for nothing that the nickname of these IEMS is MECH WARRIOR.
Finally, it is worth noting that this is one of the cheapest IEMS TinHiFi currently has for sale, priced at around €25 at the time of writing this review. Let's see what TinHiFi is capable of in this price range.



Specifications

• Driver Type: 10mm dynamic driver with PU+LCP composite diaphragm, Daikku CCAW 0.035mm voice coil and N52 neodymium magnet.
• Frequency Response: 10Hz-20kHz.
• Sensitivity: 104±3dB @ 1kHz 0.179V.
• Impedance: 32 Ω ± 15%.
• Power rating: 3mW
• Maximum distortion: 3% @ 1kHz 0.179V
• Jack Connector: 3.5mm SE gold plated.
• Capsule Connection Type: 2Pin 0.78mm gold plated.

Packaging

The TinHiFi C2 comes in a classic small white box with dimensions 101x101x33mm. On the main side there is a line drawing of a mechanical warrior. It is clear that this is the C2. At the top left is the logo of the brand and in the centre right is the name of the model. The back face is the same as other models: the logo, where it was manufactured, 3 QR codes and another barcode, along with several other logos of the certifications it meets. Repeating the formula, inside are a couple of cards, while the IEMS are inside a light grey foam mould. Underneath is a small white cardboard box containing the rest of the accessories. This is the complete contents:

• The two C2 capsules.
• One cable.
• Three pairs of black silicone tips, narrow core, sizes SxMxL.
• Three pairs of black silicone tips, medium core, sizes SxMxL.
• One warranty card.
• One certificate of authenticity.

The cable is not as bad as you might expect. It's fortunate that it's not the black 4-wire cable that comes in many IEMS in this price range. Without being the best, it's passable. As usual with TinHiFi, there is no bag or carrying case.



Construction and Design

We could all rattle off a list of IEMS that bear a resemblance to the metal design of the C2, but I'll skip this step. It is a metal design, manufactured from 6063 aviation grade aluminium by a high-precision 5-axis CNC. Its shape combines profiled, flat faces, with slightly rounded edges. The outer face is flat, with three Allen screws and a Y-shaped opening, through which a grille can be seen. Most of the edge faces are flat profiles, except for the edge near the mouthpiece, which is rounded to improve ergonomics. The 2PIN 0.78mm connection is on a transparent plastic plate, inside the body of the capsule. It is not surface mount, so a compatible connection is required. The inner side has several planes. The first and lowest one is rounded. The second is flat and has the letters R and L inscribed on it. The third is the first cone of the nozzle and has a hole. On the last one is mounted the mouthpiece, which is made of a more polished and shiny metallic material. The first part is a cone, followed by a cylinder with a smaller diameter of 5mm and the rim of the nozzle, with a diameter of 5.75mm. The grille is made of metal and is perforated with small holes. The construction is perfect and exemplary and the weight is surprisingly low.
The cable is fairly basic, with an angled, gold-plated, 3.5mm plug. On the outside of the metal cylinder is the brand logo. It has a velcro strap. The cable is made of two strands of transparent PVC coated wire, joined together. The splitter piece has a narrow trapezoidal shape and is made of black plastic. The cable has semi-rigid ear guides. The 2Pin 0.78mm connectors are mounted on classic black rectangular pieces that are narrower in the pin area. They have the letters R and L embossed on them and a blue dot to indicate polarity. As I say, the cable is pretty basic, but I don't find it as bad as others in its range. What can be a bit annoying is that the coating can give it a certain stiffness and undesirable memory effect.



Adjustment and Ergonomics

The metal construction could indicate that these are heavy IEMS. The shape with many profiles, edges and edges, that the capsules are uncomfortable. But neither one thing nor the other. They are quite light, of course not as light as other resin constructions, but their weight is not relevant. The ergonomics are quite good. Only, as the hours go by, I have noticed some discomfort. The texture of the metal is micro rough and pleasant. So many edges and edges do not bother you as you would expect. The mouthpieces are well projected and have a good angle to face the ear canal. In addition, they are of a length that allows a medium insertion. However, the diameter of the nozzle may limit the depth of insertion. However, the fit is simple and durable, does not allow rotation and fits securely. They are suitable for testing with a multitude of tips, as long as they are of the relevant inner diameter. With foam-filled silicone tips, a fairly high level of insulation is achieved. Quite good.



Sound

Profile

The TinHiFi C2s are another twist on the FR cocktail that is the brand's latest saga of models around a success curve. Despite being the cheapest, the C2 seems to be the model with the most emphasis on treble, if only in view of its graphics. If the T2 DLCs are the most balanced, the C3s the most V-shaped and fun, the C2s are the little brothers of the T4 Plus, but with a bit more fun, to be more attractive in such a wild price range. And, alternatively, the C2s offer another little surprise in their design, that little Y-shaped vent on the outer face of each capsule, something that adds a little more openness to their sound and a more airy and credible bass reproduction.



Bass

Back to the mid-bass. I would hazard a guess that those who don't like bass prefer more pronounced U-tunings than the current one, which achieve a more extreme and complex to reproduce lower region elevation, as well as a cleaner midrange. It certainly works and is a successful way of adding spice for audiophiles and amateurs who are choking on bass. Gentlemen, there is bass here, and in spades. The mid-bass is here to stay and to hit the eardrums, but mercifully. These IEMS are not just for bass heads, they are fun IEMS. The good thing is that the dynamic drivers are getting better and better and there is more control in the area. Thus, the punch is noticeable, dark, slightly thick and subtly invasive, one of those that leave a bit of aftertaste in the atmosphere. Indeed, heavy for some people, sweet for others. Its texture is clear, rough and descriptive. In the pure tone test it defends itself with naturalness and presence, with that dark colour I mentioned and a quite realistic sonority, although with a slight excess of rumble. In the reproduction of complex phases it imposes authority and has the ability not to drown the voices in a dark and magmatic bass well. And its level of darkness helps in this regard, because it serves to make the differences more apparent. On the one hand, there is a deep, black, but localised bass focus. On the other hand, the focus of the vocals is not in the same spot, but manages to be defined and distanced effectively and naturally. This is where the difference between good bass lies, in the relationship between control and respect. It is clear that he is not a technical prodigy when it comes to constructing structured lines and bases with the best resolution. But it has enough definition for the layers to draw a realistic melody and not just offer a bloated mass of unpolished bass. Although, admittedly, that mass may be too much for some.



Mids

The slightly dark and thick character brings warmth to the midrange. But, fortunately, an undesirable muddy feeling is avoided. There is a difference in the level of the male and female voices. The former are a little more distant, they are also denser, softer and velvety, which makes for greater musicality, but a retreat in the level of detail and complexity, when it comes to their portrayal. It is a simpler, more pleasing staging, but without an overly neat or brilliant technical execution. In this sense, the circle is closed by returning to the dark thickness, inherited from the lower range, in this first half of the middle range, something that is contagious to all the instrumentation of this phase. This is how one observes a slightly biased ambience in the brightness, subtly lacking in harmonic information, in its resolute development, which can produce a slightly dull and low liveliness representation. On the other hand, the female voices take a step forward in presence, although they are still infected by that cohesive musicality which prevents them from being freer, cleaner, neater and more transparent. Well, this can be called warmth, but also mixed with a slightly sterile dryness.
If we talk about technical qualities, the C2 presents a certain ambivalence. At first, it might seem rather plain in these respects, lacking a clean and clearly discernible background, as well as that wide bass that can flood the scene at times. However, the level of detail manages to overcome this and stands up quite well for its price range. I think it benefits from the sense of air and openness provided by the Y-slot on the outer faces of the capsules. In this aspect, in conjunction with the more than remarkable treble extension, it can sometimes even seem analytical. But, always within parameters that are kind enough to coin this term.



Treble

From the graph, it might seem that the treble is in extra favour, within the group of TinHiFi IEMS that I have reviewed lately. But, in fact, this is not the case. The high range is in the common line of the rest of these models. They have extension, but limited projection. On this occasion, the bass counterbalance detracts from its prominence and clarity. The tuning is a little uneven here, with some more pronounced peaks, something that raises a false sense of emphasis on some details and high notes, which can sound a little forced. In an overall complex expression of the treble, the high notes can be more unevenly represented, losing the more accurate control and refinement of their siblings. This is how some tones sound more natural and controlled, others a little more mismatched. Fortunately, this is not a sibilant ensemble and both control and tuning work in its favour in this respect. Finally, there is a good amount of air for the price point, something that helps to enhance the soundstage.



Soundstage, Separation

The amount of bass can be a vehicle that enhances the scene, or compresses it. At times, the scene feels deep, more physical and grand. At other times, it can feel more compact, tucked in and oppressive, crowding in detail and preventing expansion. There is good frontal projection and acceptable laterality. The stereo feel is clear and perspicuous.
As I have been repeating, there is a flattering sense of openness and air, bringing a little gas, separation and vaporousness to the ambience, helping to dilute the music. But, conversely, the cohesion derived from the darkness and warmth, fights against it. But overall, the sound has a more than reasonable separation, even remarkable for the price, something that adds extra value to the whole.
In terms of imaging and instrumental positioning, the peculiarly analytical character helps in this respect, being effective on most occasions. However, it is important to be clear about the range in which we find ourselves, when it comes to valuing this feature.



Conclusion

It is true that, lately, my ears are being fed with honeys of other, higher prices. But I can't hide my predilection for these IEMS. The TinHiFi C2s deliver everything I'd ask for under $30: stellar construction to stand up to daily treatment for a long time; a powerful sound signature, with punchy bass, but not forgetting the mids or the highs; a dash of analytical profile to bring to the fore those details that, in theory, only higher-priced IEMS can reveal; ergonomics and comfort that are not at odds with durable, metal construction. The only thing it lacks is a better cable and a carrying case. But all that can be easily fixed. However, to offer as much as these IEMS for this price is much more difficult. All in all, the C2s are a safe bet for those who like a more physical and punchy musical feel in the low end, mixed with the smoothness and control of the rest of the range, while maintaining an overall musicality and a good degree of descriptiveness.



Sources Used During the Analysis

• Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC + EarMen ST-Amp.
• Earmen Angel.
• TempoTec Variations V6.
• xDuoo XD05 BAL.
• Hidizs AP80 PRO-X Red Copper Limited Edition.
• Aune Flamingo.

Ratings

• Construction and Design: 90
• Adjustment/Ergonomics: 85
• Accessories: 65
• Bass: 82
• Mids: 77
• Treble: 70
• Separation: 75
• Soundstage: 78
• Quality/Price: 95

Purchase Link



You can read the full review in Spanish here

INTRODUCTION:

The TIN HiFi C2 is dubbed as the “Mech Warrior” owing to their sturdy construction and mechanical appearance. The tagline is reminiscent of a childhood dream, where one envisions oneself as a guardian of peace, fighting tirelessly without ever surrendering.



The tagline initially left me somewhat bewildered. While I can envision a scenario of a child utilizing the C2 as a means of communication while piloting a mech warrior, I cannot connect the dots between the concept and the C2. I am left wondering if the C2 conveys a playful or authoritative sound.
While such phrases may appear more fitting for a toy packaging, they do hold a certain relevance. The TIN HiFi C2, with its dependable build and sprightly sound signature, invokes a sense of reliability and determination, as if they were a loyal companion in one’s musical journey.

The C2 boasts a refined sound quality for its price point. The C2 can produce a dynamic and energetic sound presentation, demonstrating its impressive auditory capabilities.

Put on your helmet HUD, and join me as we embark on this mission to discover the truth about the C2.

FOREWORD:​

• The gear on hand has undergone at least 10-15 hours of use before it was assessed.
• No EQ is ever applied in my reviews.
• For the sake of convenience, I try my best to use a stock setup. Not everyone has access to personal ear tips or cables. If personal ear tips, cables, or accessories are used, you will be notified.
• As I try to be objective, my claims inevitably will be subjective and biased to my personal preference. I cannot stress more that you should take this with a grain of salt for we have different perceptions to sound and what we hear.

SPECIFICATIONS:​

Configuration: 1 x LCP (liquid crystal polymer) + PU composite diaphragm
Impedance: 32ohms
Sensitivity: 104dB (@1kHz)
Freq response: 10hz - 20khz

PACKAGING:​

The C2 are packaged in a compact, unassuming white box that comfortably fits in the palm of one’s hand. The front features a monochrome illustration of a mechanical warrior, reminiscent of the popular Japanese anime series Gundam.



Meanwhile, the right side of the box lists the technical specifications in both English and Chinese languages. The left side is adorned with TINHiFi’s logo, while the back of the box displays QR codes for their social media accounts alongside a Chinese motto that roughly translates to “Every day is a new beginning.”

The box’s minimalist design is standard, lacking any flashy or vibrant hues that would otherwise detract from the product’s understated elegance.

In the box​

• TIN HiFi C2 IEMs
• Cable
• 3 pcs medium bore silicon ear tips (S)
• 5 pcs medium bore silicon ear tips (M)
• 4 pcs medium bore silicon ear tips (L)
• Product warranty card
• TIN HiFi card

Inclusions are barebones and are what is expected in this price range. No complaints here on my end.

The ear tips all seem to have the same bore size - no matter how I squint at them. Not much of a choice, really. But don’t worry, just pick the size that fits your ears best and gives you the perfect seal.


The S-sized ear tips were used for this review.

SOUND IMPRESSIONS:​

Tests were done with Ovidius B1, Hiby RS2 DAP, Centrance Dacport HD, Oppo A94 smartphone, and Hidizs AP80 pro DAP using FLAC, WAV, and DSD files. The streaming services used were Apple Music, Tidal, and Qobuz; mobile apps were UAPP and Hiby Music.

The C2 has an engaging,vibrant and energetic sound that is very easy to admire. They will not just cater to seasoned audiophiles or musicians but also to the average consumer.

What really surprises me is the refinement of the sound quality. A few years ago, the typical sound of sub-USD$50 IEMs was a dominant bass response that slams really hard, then the rest of the frequencies were either too recessed or veiled sounding due to too much emphasis in the low frequencies.

Although the C2 bear the usual U-shape sound signature, I can’t shake off the fact that they have good control over the whole frequency spectrum.

The tone and timbre are reasonably sensible and depict how things actually sound - closer to real life. Nothing really jumps out of its place, whether it’s jazz, reggae, funk, rock, or even orchestral tracks - all sound excellent, and exciting.

In the facets of technical performance, as we expect at this price point, there are shortcomings, including a linear soundstage. Almost everything is pointed toward the center. Imaging or placement of instruments is audibly present, but nothing remarkable to note.

On the flip side, the speed of the drivers are rather fairly acceptable as they are not insanely quick nor sluggish, and they exhibit an appropriate and consistent performance. There might be ineffectiveness when it comes to complex tracks, nonetheless, they perform decently.

Resolution is below average as the C2 doesn’t have that proper sense of individuality in instruments. The presentation is in one place rather than systematically arranged within the soundstage. Note definition doesn’t have an overly edgy presentation despite possessing quick attacks.

The C2 is fairly easy to drive, and proper loudness can be achieved even with a modest smartphone.

Bass​

The bass of the C2 is mature and controlled, delivering a refined listening experience that is not aimed at bass heads. The Chain by Fleetwood Mac intro of drum kicks has a decent punch and nice attack, showcasing the bass’s tasteful balance.

Bass guitars are never boomy or overbearing, with a good touch of mid-bass definition. The overall sound signature exudes a sense of restraint, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a more refined and discerning listening experience.

Bass bleed is almost non-existent, providing clean and nicely defined bass even for modern tracks. Although my playlist consists mostly of classic tracks (Stevie Wonder, Alan Parsons Project, George Benson, Bob James, Lynyrd Skynyrd, AC/DC, Michael Jackson, EWF, and the likes), even modern music like Daft Punk and Calvin Harris never sounds boomy or smeared. This showcases the C2’s ability to deliver a balanced and clean sound that is not overpowering, making it suitable for a wide range of music genres.

Midrange​

I find the midrange slightly recessed in the general presentation across its frequency range. Typically, this kind of presentation really turns me away, but surprisingly, it still does deliver the representation of instruments I’m quite fond of like pianos, Rhodes piano, organs, brasses, snares, mid toms, percussions, tenor sax, cellos, horns, and some synths are very bright, transparent, and have good presence. The recessed nature only occasionally comes into play, with some vocals sitting behind the bass domain.

The upper mids are never shouty nor hot, even in brightly mixed tracks. Vocals are equally proper in sound, both male and female.

Treble​

The treble on the C2 is neither aggressive nor lacking in air and openness. Among all the frequencies, the treble is the star of the show, offering impressive detail and crispiness.

Moreover, it does not exhibit any sibilance, which makes it safe for people with sensitive ears. The cymbal strikes are sparkly and have an average bite, allowing unmasked sound reproduction. The energy of the C2 gives it a lively and vivid sound signature, which is bound to impress even the most discerning audiophiles.

COMFORT and FIT:​

Comfort is subjective because we all have different ear anatomy. Small ears may experience some discomfort during long listening periods due to the C2’s sharp edges. I personally experience this on the antihelix part of my ears at around a 2-hour mark of continuous wear.

If you have a habit of sleeping or napping with IEMs on, the C2s might give you soreness over time. Nonetheless, I anticipate the opposite for large ears.

COMPARISONS:​

As part of my assessment, I will compare the C2 and Dunu Titan S, a model that I currently have on hand with a similar driver type and price range.

Vs Dunu Titan S​

The Dunu Titan S boast a more refined and polished signature, with the treble in particular exhibiting greater restraint and control. The tonality is somewhat smoother and more detailed, offering a neutral listening experience that outshines the C2.

While both IEMs perform comparably in the low-frequency range, the Titan S midrange takes the lead, delivering a forward sound that accentuates the nuances of each instrument. Overall, the Titan S proves to be a worthy contender in about the same price range, packing a more polished and sophisticated sound.

The soundstage is prominently wider on the Titan S, and instruments are better placed and accurate. Details are more audible and felt, coming off as a better player in technicalities.

Ear insertion is a tad bit deeper with Titan S with less pinna gain.

Ultimately the Titan S are more subtle and less energetic, with better technicalities. The C2 are vivid and brighter in sound and more prone to listening fatigue in the long run.

​

SOURCES USED:​

• Questyle QP2R
• LG V30 quad dac with Centrance Dacport via Hiby music app
• Oppo A94 with Centrance Dacport via Hiby music app
• Oppo A94 with Ifi Hipdac v2 via Hiby music app
• Macbook pro 2011 with Centrance Dacport via Foobar
• Macbook pro 2011 with Ifi Hipdac v2 via Foobar
• Tidal Masters
• Qobuz Studio
• Apple Music

TEST TRACKS:​

Here are some tracks I usually listen to when reviewing:

That’s the way of the World by EWF
Africa by TOTO
The Girl in the Other Room by Diana Kral
Balmorhea album All is wild, All is Silent
Sila by Sud
Smooth Escape by D’Sound
Never too Much by Luther Vandross
P.Y.T by Michael Jackson
Ain’t no Sunshine by Eva Cassidy
Shoot to Thrill by AC/DC
Another one bites the Dust by Queen
Good times bad times by Edie Brickell
Alice in Wonderland by Bill Evans
Ain’t it Fun by Paramore
Redefine by Incubus
Far Away by Nickelback
Lovesong by Adele
Lingus by Snarky Puppy
Harvest for the World by Vanessa Williams
Love Bites by Def Leppard
No Such Thing by John Mayer
As by Stevie Wonder
Whip Appeal by Babyface
Ain’t Nobody by Chaka Khan
Futures by Prep
Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
Every Summertime by NIKI
SADE tracks
AC/DC tracks
Queen tracks


And many more… I always listen to High resolution format, being the least quality 16bit/44khz FLACS be it offline or online.

VERDICT:​

Truth be told, it scares me how well the IEM budget segment is coping with competition. The gap continues to narrow between entry-level and mid-range players. While the C2 are not giant killers, they sound not far off of gear priced around the USD$100 domain.

The C2’s tonal accuracy is noteworthy and can easily win over those who prefer brighter sound signatures. Casual listeners will likely be smitten with the sound profile right from the start, except for those who crave serious bass. However, audiophiles and discerning listeners will find themselves yearning for more technical finesse.

Despite their unremarkable technicalities, the C2 remain highly appealing and deserving of praise. Their fun and lively sound exudes the essence of being a “mech warrior” - adventurous, nimble, and ready for a battle.

I would like to thank the folks from HiFiGO for sending this unit in exchange for this review.

Where to buy​

• HiFiGO
• TIN HiFi