Artti R1
Intro
Hello, I have with me today one of Artti Audio’s multi driver budget iems, the Artti R1. I have had this set for some time now debating on whether I would even review them due to the fact that they’ve been out for quite some time. However, I don’t think that time should matter folks. I get great enjoyment from this hobby and the Artti R1 is a small reason for that. Honestly, it’s been an absolute treat for me. Just so you know what the mood of this review is going to be. The Artti R1 is a triple dynamic driver earphone which is ridiculously appealing to me. Why I waited so long to hear this set is beyond me. Being that this review is far past the release date of the R1, it is basically on sale all the time. At Volkchoi.com you can get this set for as low as $63, which, is an awesome price!
Artti
Artti is supposedly a sister brand of one of my favorite’s… Letshuoer. I really mean it that I enjoy darn near everything that Letshuoer creates. I don’t know how connected the two brands are but there are obvious traits seen in the genetics of both brands. The style, the use of materials, the willingness to try new things, the sound and also… the sound. All of it is a testament to Letshuoer and their ability to provide very well rounded iems. From what I can tell, Artti is on the fast track to becoming a budget brand fan favorite. Move over Simgot. Okay, that’s going a little far and I may be getting ahead of myself a bit. Anyways, we’ve seen sets like the Artti T10, Artti R2 as well as the brand new Artti R3. I’ve actually purchased a few of their cables as well and each is very nice. I see that Artti is managing to create sets in every price point, beginning with the budget oriented iems. I am very curious where this newer brand goes from here. Will we see them venture past the $100 price point? Only time will tell. However, at least until now they’ve done pretty well for themselves.
Against the best
I’m very curious just how well the R1 fits within the under $100 big boys. I can tell you that there are a vast number of iems which play at a very high-level ranging from $50 to $100. Just to name a few we have the Tripowin Olina, Simgot EA500 and EA500LM. The Truthear Hexa sits pretty in this range, also the Letshuoer X-Gizaudio Galileo, the Dunu Kima and Kima Classic, Fiio JD7, Fiio FD3, EPZ X-Tipsy Star One, KZ AS24, among many others (I realize I left many out). The point is, the R1 sits right in the middle of a loaded price range. The reason I bring it up at all speaks volumes on how I feel about this set. Can the R1 can mix-it-up with the best? We shall see. With all that said, I’m ready to explore this triple DD iem. The Artti R1…
R1 Pros
-Very well built, made of all alloy
-I think this set looks dope. This could go either way though
-Nice accessories
-Timbre is nice to my ears
-Artti really brought this sound together, very cohesive, natural
-Well balanced and dynamic sound
-Deep and authoritative bass with good texture, definition, impact
-Midrange notes are up-front, open, clean, vibrant
-Easy listening treble, non-offensive
-Soundstage
-Imaging
R1 Cons
-The look won’t be for everyone
-Upper mids may be too harsh for some
-Too much bass presence for those who desire speed, clean impact
-Treble may not be emphasized and extended enough for some folks
Gear used for testing
–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2
Packaging / Accessories
Unboxing
The R1 comes in a small white box with a shot of the R1 on the front. There are some specs on the back as well. Open the box and you will see the R1 staring back at you in foam cutouts. Lift off the layer of soft foam and you’ll see the hard case underneath. Inside the case are the two styles of tips and the cable. There’s some reading material too. There really isn’t much to it but it’s a decent unboxing for a $60 to $70 (depending on the sale) iem. Nobody cares about this section so… moving on.
Eartips
Artti actually provides two styles of eartips within the packaging. The 1st set (S, M, L) is a dark gray narrow bore silicone tip with a rigid and harder inner stem and a firm flange. Good tips for anyone trying to increase the perceived bass a little and knock back the upper mids a bit too. The next set is a white silicone eartip with a semi-wide bore, a firm stem and a firm flange. These are basically the KBear 07 tips in a different color. Hence, I love them. I also feel that these are the tips that pair the best with the R1. Out of the two anyways. Both are useful tips and it’s nice that Artti adds them in.
Carrying case
The R1 also comes with a decent zipper style hard case. The case is of a decent size to easily hold your earphones and cable and maybe some spare tips. It’s a stylish dark gray fabric covered hard case with the name “Artti” on the top in light blue lettering. It is actually a pretty nice case. We have seen a drastic downgrade in cases over the course of the last couple years. Usually, you’ll simply get a no name case that are all relatively inexpensive. Just cheap additions. So, I do like that Artti adds in at least a decent case for those who actually use them.
Cable
The cable that comes with the R1 can be bought in either 3.5 single ended or 4.4 balanced terminations. This cable is said to be high quality copper made from Australia. I guess Australia is a hot spot for cables. The included cable is a 4 core 216 strand cable with a harder brown shield covering. It’s a nice cable for the price, I suppose. Certainly, better than most. I don’t get any microphonics either. However, I swapped the included cable for a better pairing aesthetically to another 4.4 Letshuoer cable. The one which comes with the DZ4 to be exact. So, I kept it in the company. The included cable is perfectly fine, and you really have zero need to swap it out. I’m just a cable snob as far as aesthetic is concerned and so I’m always trying to swap cables to best fit the sound and the design. You don’t have to be like me. Lol. The included cable is very nice for the price that you are paying to own the R1.
Build / Design / Internals / Fit
Build Quality
Just look at this set. Made entirely of 6063 aero-space aluminum and CNC engraved shells with an anodized protective coating. No bones about it, the R1 is very well built. In fact, it’s one of the selling points for sure. The aluminum feels great in hand and is very light on the ear. You won’t even notice them, even after long listening sessions. The nozzle is medium length, not too long, nor too short. I see that there are three consecutive small vent holes on the back of the Shells as well. Artti did a wonderful job with this set, and I tend to like it slightly better than the “HeyGears” 3D printed shells that Letshuoer has been using.
Design
The design will be one that is either loved or… Not loved. I think the color choice is very cool and a bit different too. The color of the R1 is a dark green which is contrasted by a silver “ropy” distorted looking… square (best way I could describe it) on the faceplates. That’s more of a question than a statement of fact. I have no idea how to describe it, but you can just look at my pictures. The look is actually pretty minimalist, a touch artsy maybe. It’s different. One of those things where, the more I look at the R1 and handle the R1, the more I like it. Between its build and the design, I simply enjoy the whole aesthetic. It is simply solid, and simply… simple. Machined very nicely. Everything is smooth, no rough edges, silver on dark green. Add in the nice-looking brown wire and you have yourself a match. Letshuoer/Artti knows how to design an earphone to be distinct, fresh and different from everything else on the market while keeping things simple. Look at the DZ4, S15, S12 Pro etc. etc. Letshuoer has always had very nice designs and the R1 is no different.
Internals
The Artti R1 has a unique driver configuration consisting of three dynamic drivers in total. To be exact, that’s two 6mm PU suspension edge & titanium dome DD’s. The R1 also features one 8mm custom composite dynamic driver with a beryllium coating. Artti also boasts a physical as well as electronic three-way sound separation system (their words). They make use of a PCB crossover which does seem to do the trick at providing fairly distinct separation, in my opinion. I love the idea of triple DD’s and even more-so when I see titanium and beryllium in the description. Very nice.
Fit / Comfort
This is a very subjective take, as with any of my reviews. The fit is like a glove in my ears. It’s darn near perfect. The depth of nozzles, the way the R1 seat around my ear holes. It’s also very comfortable to wear for longer periods of time. For me personally, I couldn’t ask for a better fit which is key in finding a good set of earphones. Obviously. Isolation is about average. Nothing worth noting here other than it doesn’t have perfect passive noise isolation and there is the faintest bit of sound leakage to the outside world too. Nothing that you won’t get from most any earphone.
Drivability / Synergy
Mobile Listening
Listed at Volkchoi.com The Artti R1 has an impedance rated at roughly 20 ohms and a sensitivity of 102 db’s. Basically, the R1 is easy to drive from most any source. I had zero issues driving the R1 from my iPad as well as the Fiio UTWS5. The Artti R1 has an overall tonal color leaning to the warm side of the aisle and so it does pay slightly to use a more neutral dac. If you are into pairing based on tonality that is. Maybe you enjoy warm + warm? At any rate, I found the R1 to pair better with the Qudelix 5k using 2.5 balanced and an adapter than I did the IFi Go Blu using 4.4 balanced. Both have plenty of power but for whatever reason the R1 simply sounds great on the 5k. As far as dongle dacs go, I used many of them during critical listening. However, I primarily opted for the EPZ TP50 & Aful SnowyNight (both use CS43198 dac chips) due to their more neutral sound color swing and the high amount of output they provide. Granted, the R1 sounds more than fine with almost any source I used. The Moondrop Dawn 4.4 (CS43131 dac chip) was also a great source for on the Go listening.
More juice
Now, I notice a slight tightening up of the spectrum using a bit more juice, but I am much privier to think the real uptick in sound quality is simply because I’m using a more talented source device. I used the Shanling M6 Ultra, iBasso DX240 and the Fiio Q15. Each of them sounds fantastic in their own way. I am a bit partial to the Fiio Q15 as the sound is so very clean coming through the R1. However, listening with the Shanling M6 Ultra (AK4493SEQ dac chip) with its velvet sound somehow sounded so juicy. Perhaps, the bass became a slight bit less defined, but still awesome. The M6 Ultra gives the R1 a hint more note weight while adding some additional smoothness as well. Source tonality does make a big difference on this one. Truth is, the R1 sounds nice on almost anything, just different flavors.
What you need?
All you really need is a decent Dongle Dac. You can find them cheap anymore. The R1 will play nice on almost anything. I’m assuming even a simple phone jack will suffice. Of course, I don’t own a phone with a 3.5 port other than my LG V60 (that doesn’t count). So, driving the R1 is really not an issue and there isn’t some earth-shattering change with a ton more power. Just plug n’ play.
Sound Impressions
Like I said earlier, the Artti R1 comes across slightly warm with an emphasized low-end as well as an uplifted upper-mid/lower treble area. The R1 definitely has a warmer hue to the sound mixed with some slight levity. It certainly isn’t dark, too warm, or veiled sounding. I would probably call this a very slight V-shaped to even a U-shaped iem. I’m actually privier to U-shaped. I wouldn’t argue with either descriptor though. A variation of Harman tuning on paper, but not to my ears. Each area of the mix is handled nicely as each has plenty of representation for most hobbyists, I would imagine. There is a slightly less exciting treble than on some sets but for the most part the sound has a good and dynamic balance. Maybe tilted a hint towards the low-end, but a balance, nonetheless. One thing that the R1 does extremely well is recreate a very natural and yet firm/compact timbre. On top of that, the macro-dynamic expression is enhanced and clear, more full-bodied with controlled intensity. The sound comes across in a lean-lush & rich style, but without any extra fat to notes. There’s no veil to the sound whatsoever and it’s very musical to my ears. The R1 comes across clean, resolving and does so in an effortless manner. Notes across the spectrum are a good mix of crisp and smooth, knife-edged but also glass lined. No real grain, fuzziness and not low-res. Folks, the R1 is really a fantastic iem for the price. Perhaps a bit less treble extension and brilliance than some may like but as a whole this has a very non-fatiguing sound.
Condensed Sound Between the 20’s
I use this section to explain my thoughts in a much more condensed manner so that you can at the very least get a grasp for how the R1 sounds. To begin, the low-end is warm, full, profuse in density but also a bit too much for many. This is certainly an emphasized and rumbly bass region. Relatively quick per the quantity. Definitely not a basshead set, but very satisfying just the same. The midrange is forward enough with very good presence in this range. Perhaps a hint less defined than some sets but the timbre in the midrange is really nice on the ears. Voices and instruments come through realistic and with good separation. The treble is not as pronounced as I’d like, and the extension isn’t the best on planet earth. However, detail retrieval is above average, and the treble has plenty of lift to add levity across the mix. The stage size is wide, tall and there is some depth. Imaging is also better than most.
Honestly, the R1 sounds very good friends. I don’t always like breaking things down per each 3rd of the spectrum. Some sets need to be explained as a whole. This is one of those sets. I’ve always enjoyed the timbre of a good DD and the R1 has an abundance of them, coincidentally. Under the $100 price there are a handful of very good iems that will really be a special addition to any collection. I do believe that the R1 can be that for a multitude of people.
Bass Region
The bass on the Artti R1 has a full presence yet without the muddiness usually afforded to a more warm and elevated bass region. Especially those on a budget. I wouldn’t call this the hardest edged and clean delivery I’ve ever heard, but it fits the organic and atmospheric theme perfectly. I would consider this a quality bass without the typical qualifications of a “quality” bass. It isn’t tight, fast, detailed or super ultra defined. I would say that the low-end meets those descriptors with respect to the size and fun nature. This is a bass with some real nice punch. It hits pretty hard and does so without destroying the rest of the mix. Kick drums do have that tacky edge followed by a bulbous hollow boom and resonant decay. I’ve heard some complain about pillowness on this set, but I just don’t hear that. I will say that source plays a big part in how this set comes across. But pillowy is not a word I’d use to describe it. Maybe if you are comparing something that is much more expensive with cleaner, denser and more expensive bass and you have an expensive taste. Maybe then you could call it that. Compared to anything in its price range… not pillowy. At worst it’s simply not ultra speedy, ultra tight and ultra defined. Also, I love the easy slope into the midrange, it’s a job well done in my eyes.
Sub-bass
The sub-bass is deep, fairly dense, clean enough to define note edges well. However, the R1 also doesn’t sound quite as clean, vibrant and porcelain lined as some sets when listening on a warmer device like the M6 Ultra and a few of my other warmer sources. Just something to keep in mind. The R1 really does react to the tonality of my sources. However, when attached to the Q15 I find there is a more refined nature to the sound, cleaner, faster to a degree as well. To be honest, the sub-bass isn’t the most heavy-handed and guttural, but it is pretty agile. Able to become pretty rigid and condensed at the leading edge on attack with a natural decay. Certainly not as concentrated and resolving as a few sets I have in mind within the price point, but it is full enough to sound fun while kempt and orderly enough to create distinct notes. Of course, the track you are listening to may change this to a slight degree but all in all the sub-bass does the trick well. It’s satisfying.
Sub-bass cont…
Take the track “Heavy Is the Ocean” by Bush. Right out the gate you get that meaty, growling and impermeable sub-bass haptic feedback and reverberant rumble. Not as heavy as a true basshead iem, but the R1 makes for a very nice guttural drone heading into the main verse of this track. The sub-bass has great texture and very nice extension down low. For instance, the track “Can’t Make Up My Mind” by Cmat has that globular resonance that vibrates at pretty low frequencies showing the extension that the R1 provides. Couple that with the crystal clear and smooth vocals of the lead singer sounding perfectly separated without any harmful or unfavorable encroachment from the thrumming sub-bass. No, it isn’t basshead, it’s more like… quality-trumps-quantity without lacking quantity, does that make any sense? There’s limited ways to say it. Nice sub-bass
Mid-bass
The mid-bass has a punchy quality to it. Along with that punchiness is a well textured sound on any bass guitar, bass drop, kick drum etc. There is tactility to notes in this region and within that tactile textured note there is also a certain fullness which is pretty quick with respect to the quantity. I don’t hear anything soft, pillowy, weak or muddy either. There’s definition to the crest of notes on this set and just like the sub-bass, the mid-bass also decays naturally. Definitely not fast or ultra tight. This is certainly a dynamic driver type of bass. Harmonics run to completion, the decay through a notes’ release carries a mostly timbre accurate, viable and organic type of atmospheric sound that I can appreciate. Actually, we like to call it atmospheric because there’s no other good word for it, but you don’t lose any info within a note. It’s “atmospheric”. It’s not some tightly wound or an ultra nimble style bass as you’d find on a BA or Planar.
Also, the mid-bass can BANG when it’s called upon to do so folks. In the same breath I don’t hear any detrimental bleed into the midrange. Instead, what I hear is added weight provided to the low-mids as well as some much-needed smoothness. I find no real glaring issues unless you subjectively dislike this type of bass. I happen to really enjoy it.
Mid bass cont…
“Stereo Colour Cloud” by Sampha has that meaty, rotund, and wholly convex type of mid-bass roundness when the R1 is in my ears. There’s depth to the note delivery and while this isn’t the most separated and fine lined bass replay or the most layered reproduction of my music, it’s good for its price and good for the type of fullness that the R1 provides. This isn’t the type of mid-bass which has that vibrant clinical punchiness to it. This is the type of punchiness which leans warm, thick and with softly layered compactness. I always say it’s like a pounding hammer wrapped in a sock. Still booming and dense but not as hard surfaced as some iems. Also, I love the bass guitar edginess and gruff sound in the track “Rose-Colored Rearview” by Grace Potter. This is a funky style bass guitar with plenty of mid-bass fullness and sub-bass vibrational density and rigidity. I love that nothing else is masked over and the rest of the melody is heard with good clarity. Artti really did a nice job of separation between the frequencies.
Downsides to the Bass Region
If I were to pick apart a $60 to $75 iem’s bass region (as I have many times in the past) I’d 1st have to frame my words in a very picky nature. So, in the name of pickiness, I would probably say that the R1 will be too elevated in the low-end for some people. Again, this isn’t BA bass here. This is a pretty heavy DD bass. It’s exactly what Artti intended it to be. Big, fun and not concerned with every last detail. However, not everyone wants a bigger bass section. Next, I’d say that the bass could have a bit more definition and concrete style hardness. A hammer wrapped in a sock is not what everyone wants. However, I do like the dynamic shifts that the R1’s bass can adequately push air through in a moment’s notice. Yes, it decays a pinch longer than some but the agility that it has is not the norm. Personally, I love the low-end for what it is. It adds some dimension to the sound, some body to notes, and works really well with multiple artists, genres, and really just moves my feet. This is a great low-end.
Midrange
The mids are slightly recessed against the rest of the mix but not even close to making them sound too pushed back or attenuated. In fact, the midrange has very nice placement. I would not consider this a “vocal lovers” type midrange and certainly not mid-centric either. Yet, vocals come across very nice, warm to warm/neutral, highlighted in the mix and with a good note body. Another case of lean muscle mass. I love it. It’s a nice V-shaped sound to even a U-shaped sound midrange that doesn’t lack body or density of notes. There are moments of that milky and moist timbre without losing resolution or cleanliness. You have a slightly warmer low-mid and a slightly more vibrant upper-mid. Again, it’s an organic warm/neutral in my opinion. You also have very nice transitions from bass to mids and mids to treble, it all comes together cohesively. One real nice aspect of the Artti R1’s midrange is that there is a 3D quality to the staging in this range. There’s nice layering of sounds which you don’t always see at these prices. However, my favorite aspect of the midrange, (other than the nice presence) is that the timbre comes across pretty naturally and the tonality is refreshingly good. Actually, to be even more accurate, there are subtle colorations here and there and so I kinda view the timbre as slightly “off natural”. Still, it’s a really nice timbre folks. Note weight is that lean lush style with good control. Nothing too thin and nothing too syrup thick. This is a difficult set not to like folks. If you haven’t already figured… I’m impressed.
Lower-midrange
The low-mids feature male vocals with a tinge of warmth. Not thick, not veiled, not congested, not overly recessed. Males simply come across good. I find that any male vocalist seems to do well on this set. There’s enough sonorous fullness from bass singers, baritone. Even moving to tenors, they have such a nice and non-offensive smooth tonality. Pick any male, like Chris Cornell in “Nothing Compares 2 U” (cover of Sinead O’Connor track) (fast fact; he’s the original writer). What you have with Chris’s voice is this ultra gruff and abrasive style voice which cannot excel if my earphones come across either too thin or too veiled. The R1 is neither of those things. On many sets his voice can derail fairly quickly, but with the R1 I hear nothing but effortless timbre, smoothness and also clarity. Or another “Chris” in Chris Stapleton. He has a track called “Tennessee Whiskey” which is that dripping, almost swampy style southern melody. On the R1, Stapleton’s voice can quite literally pierce through darkness. I find the R1 is a set which can hold that note edge without faltering to grain and fuzz, even at louder volumes. You see this even more in his more strident moments of the somg. The R1 handles him and every other male very well. Instruments also come across nicely, naturally, sharp when they need to be sharp, robust when they need to be robust and always with smoother inflections and good agility on the R1.
Upper-Midrange
Females as well as instrumentation in the upper midrange definitely have a more vibrant flare to them then the lower parts of the midrange. When listening to females they may have more of a shimmer to them but that doesn’t mean that the actual body to a note is necessarily too lean, flattened, sharp or sibilant either. I hear none of those things. For a Harman tuning the R1 handles females with a good lean-lush approach which really bodes well for a singer like Olivia Rodrigo in “Drivers License”. Her voice has that teenage emotional longing which is captured easily on the R1. The modulations within every shift and curve to her voice is eloquent and firm. Nothing sloppy. Or a singer like Jess Williamson in the track “Stampede” the R1 shows off her tuneful vocal chops while the piano plays softly behind her. Both come across very musical. I also never heard anything too sharp for me. Megan Trainor‘s track “Sensitive” is also sensitive to sharpness, however, once again the R1 holds that edge and never comes across too harsh. Perhaps the slightest bit of sibilance from time to time but nothing that I’d label a hard “con”.
Downsides to the Midrange
I would say that anyone who wants that warm/dark molasses thick midrange that is even smoother, and more forgiving may not be completely impressed here. Also, anyone who yearns for a more snappy, analytical and detailed type sound may also not be perfectly happy here. Some folks like that dry and thin-lined clinical style that can come and go ultra-fast. So for those folks I’d understand why they’d think the R1 is no good. Everyone is different. If I’ve learned one thing from this hobby, it’s that… nobody is the same. We all like different types and sounds and it’s just a fact of life. Now, I do feel that the vast majority of folks will love this musical style midrange with fantastic warm to warm/neutral timbre that simply sounds emotional when it needs to, detailed when it needs to, and mellifluous in every moment. Really a nice sounding set as a whole and the midrange does a lot to help in that.
Treble Region
The treble is mildly elevated. The highest peak in the midrange is in the lower treble and then you have a soft decline through to the upper treble. Extension up top leaves a bit to be desired and I don’t always have that superlative open and airy feeling when the R1 is in my ears. It has its moments though. It certainly isn’t congested or dark sounding. It’s relaxed, somewhat warm and it doesn’t lack for detail retrieval either. Honestly, the Artti R1 is something of a unicorn in this way. Usually, these brands will over saturate the treble region in hopes to illuminate some extra fine details. That is one thing you won’t hear on the R1. That said, resolution is still very nice on this set; even with the warmer and less emphasized treble region, it still brings out some micro-details. Even the low volume micro-dynamic subtle shifts can be picked up rather well.
Not perfect, but good for what it is…
Treble notes are generally smoother than they aren’t. They have a bit less bite to them and you won’t hear each note contoured to perfection. They also aren’t perfectly vivid either, but all things considered, the sound still follows that natural theme. The down slope in the treble region is well mannered and not abrupt and while extension isn’t the best, I still feel as though the treble fits the overall character of the R1 very well. Let’s put it this way, I’m not missing much up top. No, I don’t hear perfectly rendered, fine cut and emphasized note outlines, fundamental tones or secondary harmonics, but I also don’t feel as though the sound is blurry or too dark either. It’s a nicely detailed set up top for what it is. Also, I feel as though there’s a capped brilliance that never veers into sharpness or fatigue. So yes, notes are a bit less structured and chiseled than other sets which are tuned to define this area better, but there also isn’t anything that sounds out of place. I certainly could use a few more db’s past 8k though.
Enough luminance to fit
This entire section has probably sounded pretty bad for the R1. However, I don’t feel that way at all. For me, there’s enough luminance up top to bring some levity to the mix. There’s enough treble energy to bring some shimmer to the upper mids and some snap to percussion. The secondary harmonics of a cymbal strike are generally less energetic but at the same time they aren’t anywhere near splashy or tizzy. I don’t hear that washed out sheen of treble that so many iems have. I feel the treble is just enough to help the R1 sound pretty organic as a whole. Just enough emphasis to counter the low-end enough to call the entire tonal color “warm/neutral”, or “warm”, I’d go with either. Also again, the treble is still lifted enough to hear some details up top. Imaging is spot on in this region as well as every note seems partitioned off and separated.
Downsides to the Treble Region
The downside to this region is that it will be a bit too relaxed for some people. Plenty of folks will desire more energy up top with more brilliance and vibrance. Certainly, treble heads will be left wanting more. Honestly, it isn’t all that bad really. I’m sure this section reads much worse than the treble actually is. Altogether the highs on the Artti R1 are decent.
Technicalities
Soundstage
The soundstage has very good width to it with sound completing outside of my ears. Along with good width is very good height as well. However, the best part of this set’s stage presentation comes from the depth that the R1 affords my listening ears. Enough that I can hear nice layering of sounds. Honestly, it is more of a 3D stage with a very holographic sound to it. I think Artti did a great job here.
Separation / Imaging
Separation is for the most part pretty darn nice. Definitely the midrange is the best separated area of the entire mix with easy to delineate elements of the stage. I hear very good imaging as well as I have zero issues picking out instruments and voices and hearing the placement of each. The R1 has great imaging left to right and good front to back layering of sounds which helps each instrument to have that round-circle sound. Some tracks are better than others, some sources will affect this as well. Still, for the most part the imaging is simply another bright spot in the R1’s tuning.
Detail Retrieval
As a whole I would say that the Artti R1 is just above average. Some areas of the frequency are better than others. Also, a little bit has to do with the track you are listening to, the tips you are using and the source you are attached to. The R1 is affected to a degree by each (tips & source) and maybe more so than most iems in its price point. At any rate, the detail retrieval is actually quite good considering that the R1 wasn’t exactly tuned to illuminate the subtleties. The R1 is pretty well resolving, it has a relatively good transient attack, the stage is pretty wide and deep, and you don’t have a huge amount of masking happening. These attributes all go into helping the R1 to bring out those little details. Obviously, this set is not tuned to be a Truthear Hexa and show off as a detail monster. It’s simply not that. This is a fun tuning which is musical before it’s anything else. It’s about musicality with the R1 and everything else is simply icing on the cake. The good news is that the R1 is also much better at the technical stuff than it has any business being. I attribute this to good drivers, a nice tuning, a clean sound, and a pretty open sounding stage. Nothing is cramped together or congested which is great.
Comparisons
CCA Rhapsody ($50)
I chose the CCA Rhapsody (Rhapsody Review) simply because it is such a well-tuned multi driver iem that I feel competes very favorably with the Artti R1. The Rhapsody is actually a 2DD + 4BA hybrid and so it really should have a sort of “leg-up” on the R1. Of course, we know that this is not true all the time and to be honest the Rhapsody and the R1 share some similarities in their tuning, to a degree that is. Now, many of you may be wondering why I didn’t choose the 3DD CCA Trio, the answer to that is that someone is borrowing it at the moment. I’ll edit it in later if I ever get it back. I don’t conduct comparisons without actually comparing in my ears. So, the Rhapsody is a true contender under $100 and is worth anyone’s time and money to own it. The wild thing is that KZ reduced the price to as low as $49. Crazy. Anyways, the Rhapsody actually has four tuning switches as well but for the comparison I am going with all switches up (1111), which happens to be my favorite switch settings.
Differences
The differences are pretty obvious between the two sets. First off, as good as the build is on the Rhapsody, the R1 simply outclasses it in every regard as far as build is concerned. Now, I really feel both sets designs are great. Both look slick and classy with a unique aesthetic. I like the R1 a bit better, but they are both pretty sweet looking. Again, the Rhapsody has tuning switches which actually effect the sound. The Rhapsody is a bit larger as well. Artti provided a much better unboxing with much better tips, an actual case and a much better cable. Actually, the unboxing isn’t even close. The R1 wins out by a landslide in that area.
Sound Differences
To begin, the R1 and the Rhapsody are both slightly warmer than neutral with the Rhapsody having the ability to get even warmer or cooler with switches. Both sets have a clean replay for what they are too. The Rhapsody is more V-shaped with a more emphasized mid-bass and a more lifted pinna gain. I find the bass of the R1 is harder edged and slightly tighter, but the Rhapsody has a bit more in quantity while the R1 has slightly deeper sub-bass rumble. The R1’s midrange is more forward with better timbre, more natural & organic while the Rhapsody is slightly more recessed. Both are nice here, but I do find the R1 is better suited for vocals, both male and female. Treble is one area that provides a bit more of a distinct separation as the Rhapsody has more vibrance, luminance and brilliance in this region. Both sets present the frequency in slightly different ways, but both are very well tuned.
Technicalities
Technically speaking I find both sets are pretty much equal in many ways. The R1 has the more detailed, resolving, separated and layered midrange whereas the Rhapsody has a much better detailed, separated and extended treble region. Both are good for what they are, and neither is crafted to be detail kings. Both are musicality first iems and both are geared toward fun. The stage is about the same on both sets, but I do hear a bit better depth on the R1. These are minimal differences, but differences, nonetheless. Also, the transient attack through release is a bit quicker on the Rhapsody past the midrange but I do find that note definition is better on the R1.
Final thoughts about this comparison
If I had to choose between the two sets I would probably… actually, I’d certainly choose the R1. I love the tonality and timbre in this set which I feel is the real deciding factor for me. I truly enjoy them both as I’m happy as a clam no matter what set is in my ears. However, the R1 simply fits my preferences a bit better. I could see this going the other way for many people though. Neither is distinctly better than the other. This was not a duel to the death at all. Both are worthy of a being in the “top 5” or “top 10” under $100.
Letshuoer DZ4 ($89)
The Letshuoer DZ4 (DZ4 Review) is another awesome set under $100. Now, this is a real true “triple DD” comparison and also… I’m keeping it in the family. As we’ve learned, Artti is a sub-brand of Letshuoer and so you can see the genetics taking shape here. Again, the DZ4 is also a triple dynamic driver iem but it also carries a “R-Sonic” passive filtering system, or passive radiator. Letshuoer made some special sets in both the DZ4 and the R1 and I couldn’t be happier conducting this comparison.
Differences
For starters, the DZ4 is built by the brand “HeyGears” which you’ll either feel is amazing or… you won’t. Then you have the all-aluminum R1 and so I suppose it comes down to preference on which you like better. I think the R1 is probably the better built set but the people of HeyGears may have a thing or two to say about that. As far as design goes, Letshuoer/Artti flat-out know how to design iems. Always unique and different. I actually love the look of the DZ4, but many would disagree with me. I think the majority of folks would likely think the R1 is a bit better looking. I’d certainly say that the DZ4 has a bit better of an unboxing. Comparable tips, better cable, better hockey-puck style case. Then again, I suppose that could be up for debate, but it isn’t a debate within my mind. The DZ4 is better equipped. In fact, I use the DZ4 cable on the R1 because it simply fits it better aesthetically. The R1 and the DZ4 are about the same size while both sets are equally comfortable for me. The DZ4 may have a bit better comfort but again, debatable. Now, the DZ4 uses three titanium domed 6mm DD’s and one PR whereas the R1 uses two 6mm titanium dome DD’s but with a larger 8mm beryllium DD. Both sets have very nice drivers.
Sound Differences
To begin, the DZ4 is closer to neutral, cooler to a degree and closer to a W-shape sound signature. As you know the R1 has what I’d call a U-shaped tuning. The DZ4 has a more smooth and lush timbre and very organic while the R1 has a slightly crisper leading edge across the mix. I find note weight is a bit richer in the DZ4 but that is also debatable. The R1 sounds cleaner, more exact in its note outline. In the bass, the R1 bangs harder while the DZ4 may be referred to as bass lite by some folks. R1 has deeper sub-bass, more rumbles, slams harder but the DZ4 is not bass deficient. The DZ4 has a slightly more pillowy bass. As far as the midrange, the DZ4 has a more forward low and upper mids. I feel that vocals are quite literally in center stage with the DZ4 which has some of the best vocal’s money can buy under $100. The R1 isn’t bad by any stretch but the DZ4 simply has them beat here. Details emerge better on the R1 with a slightly more defined note structure. The treble of both sets is not ultra extended but the DZ4’s treble comes through with a bit more brilliance. Both offer relaxed treble regions but the DZ4 sounds more uplifted without the low-end to counter like the R1.
Technicalities
Details come through better on the R1 for me. Something about the cleaner approach and better definition. Soundstage goes to the R1 with a wider stage and a deeper stage. Both sets have great imaging in my opinion. Though separation is a bit more apparent on the R1. Also, please know that these differences are not night and day. Anyways, the R1 has a slightly snappier transient response while the DZ4 is smooth like butter all the way through. Neither set is a technical wizard, and both prefer musicality first.
Final thoughts on this comparison
This is a very tough one for me. I really mean that. I truly adore the vocals and that sweet smooth replay on the Letshuoer DZ4. What a set. It got a horrible rap, but it truly is a hidden gem. Now, I do prefer everything else on the R1 a bit more and the vocals on the R1 are still very good. They simply don’t Excell there like the DZ4. I suppose if worse came to worse and I had to choose which to keep, I’d keep the R1. Maybe a prisoner of the moment but it does have the more fun sound, more musical, bigger bass, and simply fits more genres better. Definitely more of an all-rounder in comparison. Again, both iems are very good at being what they are. Letshuoer/Artti deserves a round of applause for these two.
Is it worth the asking price?
I’ve said alot here, and I feel that anyone who’s read this far already knows what I’m going to say concerning the question posed in the header. However, there is always nuance to everything. Speaking for myself, absolutely the R1 is worth every penny, and then some. It’s a fantastic iem with a unique driver configuration that sound very nice. However, this hobby covers all types of people with all types of preferences and all types of monetary situations. I could tell you this, if the R1 is at the top of your budget, absolute top, and you’ll have to skip a meal to own it. If that’s the case then no, the R1 isn’t worth your money. Instead, eat a meal and just buy the CCA Trio. Now, if you simply want a unique and totally dope set for your collection then 100% yes, the R1 is worth your dollar. I’d also say that against the current crop of iems “under $100” the R1 can stand against any of them and do so convincingly. For some it will be the best of the group and for others it may not. Some won’t enjoy its lack of treble extension, lack of brilliance. Some will want better detail retrieval, more bass, Yada Yada Yada. You guys get it. Still, for the rest of us who simply want something musical and technically adept too, the Artti R1 is a fine set and worth the loot to own it.
The Why…
1st off, the R1 has a great build made completely of aluminum, it’s lite, it’s ergonomically sound, and it looks dope. 2nd, the R1 has great accessories with a nice case, good tips that actually work with the R1 and a very nice cable for the price point. Next, the R1 is loaded with talented drivers, and each was cohesively tuned to take on certain areas of the spectrum and I’d say that they nailed it. Truly. Lastly, those drivers, the entire acoustic cavity, and the tuning in general really helps this set to sing. It’s musical through & through. You have an emphasized bass that reaches deep and slams hard while keeping tight reigns on the note structure and definition. The midrange has a very nice presence with smooth undertones, top rate timbre and some very nice vocals. Also, the treble isn’t bad at all. Especially if you prefer a relaxed treble that still has enough lift to bring some levity to the mix. Never sharp, not sibilant, not sloppy, not glaring or splashy. The sound is very nice friends. To me this is a good budget all-rounder type set that will fit many hobbyists’ collections nicely. Without blinking an eye I’d say it’s worth the cost for this set.
Ratings (0-10)
Note: all ratings are based upon my subjective judgment. These ratings are garnered against either similarly priced sets or with similar driver implementations or styles with the unique parameters of my choosing. In the case of the Artti R1 ratings below, that would be $50-$80 iems in any driver configuration. Please remember that “ratings” don’t tell the whole story. This leaves out nuance and a number of other qualities which make an iem what it is. A “5-6” is roughly average and please take into consideration the “lot” of iems these ratings are gathered against. $50-$80 US is a huge scope of iems that is extremely competitive, and so seeing a Rating above a “9.0” better mean something very special. My ratings are never the same and each set of ratings tells a different story. Each time you read one of my ratings will be unique to that review. Basically, I create a Rating that makes sense to me.
Aesthetic
–Build Quality: 9.5 Built very well, all aluminum.
–Look: 9.0 I feel the design is very unique.
–Fit/Comfort: 9.2 Fit and comfort is great for me.
–Accessories: 9.8 Very well accessorized.
–Overall: 9.4🔥🔥
Sound Rating
–Timbre: 9.8 Top class timbre.
–Bass: 9.4 Rumbles, slams, yet keeps it clean.
–Midrange: 8.9 Great presence in the mids.
–Treble: 7.8 Relaxed but great tonality.
–Technicalities: 8.4 Soundstage & imaging are great.
–Musicality: 9.6 Musical thru & thru.
–Overall: 9.0🔥🔥🔥
Ratings Summary:
Not much to summarize with these ratings. I feel a very lofty “9.0” is very well deserved by the R1. Certainly, one of the higher scores I’ve given out within the range. Of course, I didn’t extend it to $100 which does help the R1’s total score. Remember, I pitted the R1 against any and all iems between $50 and $80. So, you can imagine that it would do quite well. Of course, the overall score wouldn’t change much if it was against any and all iems under $100. At any rate, this is a very good set folks. However, once again it is an iem that doesn’t score quite as high in individual categories as it would score as a whole. I actually believe it is a set that should only be judged as a whole. It’s about how the R1 brings it all together in my opinion.
Explain Yourself!
However, you could argue that I gave the R1 too high of a “bass” rating and I’d get it. It isn’t the most ultra-defined bass region. I feel it’s a “9.4” but that might as well be a “6.0” to anyone who wants something more snappy, detailed, tighter and more fast moving. “Technicalities” is another area that I went back and forth over. I had roughly 12 to 13 iems sitting in front of me that I feel are some of the best between $50 and $80 and to me the score is correct. The detail retrieval is just above average (what’s average?), separation is about average (what’s average?), but the imaging is fantastic, depth of field is fantastic, and the soundstage in general is great. That equates to “8.4” for me. Everything else I feel is right on the money but obviously you may feel different.
Conclusion
To conclude this full written review of the Artti R1, i want to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed my time critically listening to this set. Ya know, I only ever review iems that I enjoy or sets that I feel others will enjoy. However, I don’t always recommend many sets. This is a set that I will gladly recommend. Artti is certainly a player in this game with whom I will watch closely. I’m a big fan of Letshuoer and now I’m starting to become a fan of Artti. They have that Letshuoer lineage. Also, I want to thank you for actually reading this far. I cannot thank you enough for clicking the link and visiting our site. It means a lot.
Other perspectives
Please take some time and read some other thoughts and opinions about the Artti R1. I’ve said it countless times in the past that not everyone shares the same preferences and to get a good idea of how something will sound, it would pay off for you to check out as many thoughts as possible. We are different in so many ways folks. With that, I thank you again. Take good care, stay as safe as possible and always… God Bless!
