Disclaimer
The CVJ Bidong reviewed here was generously provided by Orange Audio Store. However, please note that while I appreciate the opportunity to review the CVJ Bidong, this does not influence my review or alter my perspective on this product. Not the company nor the retailer dictated to me when or how to write the review, and every aspect of the review was considered by me. My assessment remains unbiased, reflecting my honest opinion on the CVJ Bidong’s performance and value. Big thanks to Orange Audio Store, and thank you, the reader.
Introduction
The CVJ Bidong, priced at $189.99 (almost always on discount on AliExpress), aims to carve out a niche in the highly competitive mid-range IEM market. This price point is saturated with numerous excellent options, making it challenging for any new entrant to stand out. However, Bidong seeks to differentiate itself with its unique design, engaging unboxing experience, striking Valentine’s Day-themed presentation, great accessories, and compelling sound performance. In this review, I will explore the unboxing experience, sound performance, technical aspects, and overall value to determine if the CVJ Bidong has what it takes to compete in this crowded segment.
Unboxing
The unboxing experience of the CVJ Bidong is a delightful and meticulously crafted journey, perfect for a Valentine’s Day gift. The box itself is beautifully designed with a romantic theme, featuring illustrations of two anime lovers on one side and an elegant envelope-like cover on the other. The same two anime lovers also came in the form of a stand to put on your desk. This eye-catching presentation sets the stage for what’s to come.
As you lift the cover, a striking 3D heat pathephone design comes into view, adding a touch of sophistication. Under this layer, you are greeted with a message: “With every beat, a symphony plays, your laughter echoes, in vibrant arrays, in the boundless expanse of time, your love, is the eternal rhyme.” This poetic touch enhances the overall romantic atmosphere of the unboxing experience.
To the left, a bouquet of roses adds to the ambiance with a pleasant and strong rose smell, creating a multi-sensory experience. Nestled in foam are the IEMs themselves, showcasing a full metal shell with the CVJ logo (albeit written upside down for some reason). The IEMs exude a premium feel and a durable build.
accessories:
The package includes a high-quality silver and gold-colored cable (it would have been great if it was thicker), featuring modular connectors for various setups, including 4.4mm, 3.5mm, 2.5mm, and even a Type-C with a built-in 31993 DAC chip, along with a Type-A to Type-C adapter. This ensures versatility and compatibility with a wide range of devices. Additionally, the box contains a sturdy metal carrying case, perfect for protecting your IEMs on the go, and three sets of S, M, and L ear tips to ensure a good fit for every user.
The combination of thoughtful design, quality accessories, and an absolutely beautiful presentation makes CVJ Bidong’s unboxing experience truly special and memorable, setting a high standard in its price range.
Technical Specifications
- Driver Configuration: 1 Dynamic Driver + 6 Balanced Armature Drivers per Side.
- Crossover: a three-way electronic and physical crossover.
- Impedance: 28Ω±15%.
- Sensitivity: 112dB±3dB.
- Frequency Response Range: 10Hz-40kHz.
- Connector Type: 0.75mm 2-Pin.
- Cable: silver-plated wire with interchangeable plugs.
- Cable Length: 125 cm±5 cm.
- Included Plugs: 3.5mm, 4.4mm, 2.5mm, USB Type-C with built-in 31993 DAC chip, Type-A to Type-C adapter.
- Shell Material: CNC-machined aviation-grade aluminum alloy.
- Ear Tips: Three sets (S, M, and L).
- Carrying Case: A metal carrying case is included.
Driver Configuration:
The CVJ Bidong boasts an intricate driver configuration designed to deliver exceptional audio performance. Each earpiece features a hybrid setup comprising one dynamic driver (DD) with a magnesium-aluminum alloy diaphragm, complemented by two balanced armature (BA) drivers dedicated to handling the midrange frequencies and four BA drivers tasked with reproducing the highs. This combination of driver technologies should promise a balanced and detailed sound signature across the entire frequency spectrum, but it all depends on the tuning.
Crossover:
To facilitate seamless integration and precise frequency distribution, the Bidong incorporates a sophisticated three-way electronic and physical crossover system. This crossover design effectively divides the audio signal into distinct frequency bands, allocating specific drivers to reproduce bass, midrange, and treble frequencies with better accuracy. Additionally, the inclusion of two damping filters and an acoustic conduit further refines the sound output, enhancing the overall sound by minimizing distortion and optimizing acoustic performance.
Sound performance
Bass
Sub-bass:
The CVJ Bidong sets a high bar with its sub-bass performance, delivering a deeply satisfying low-frequency experience that resonates with impact and texture. Anchored by a single dynamic driver, this IEM produces sub-bass notes that are pronounced and extend well into the lower frequencies, providing a solid foundation for the overall sound signature. While it may not be the quickest bass response, the Bidong’s sub-bass presence is undeniable, offering a rich and immersive rumble.
Mid-bass:
Transitioning to the mid-bass frequencies, the Bidong demonstrates a very strong yet maintains good control and clarity on the most part, ensuring that the bass remains tight and well-defined. This controlled mid-bass response contributes to a fairly clean presentation, allowing each bass note to be heard distinctly and with precision. The dynamic driver’s ability to handle mid-bass frequencies with accuracy and detail enhances the overall musicality of the Bidong, adding depth and energy to the sound signature.
Punchiness and Energy:
One of the standout qualities of the Bidong’s bass performance is its punchiness and energy, which imbue the music with a sense of dynamism and excitement. The bass notes carry a deep, rumbly impact that adds a dimension to the sound, particularly in genres that benefit from a strong low end, such as electronic music. Despite its energetic nature, the bass remains well integrated with the rest of the frequency spectrum, although it may get a little muddy and V-shaped-sounding from time to time.
So, the CVJ Bidong excels in delivering impactful, textured, and versatile bass performance that elevates your music experience. From deep sub-bass rumble to tight mid-bass punch, this IEM offers a dynamic and engaging low-frequency response that is sure to delight audiophiles looking for strong and rumbly bass. While it may have minor limitations in clarity on some tracks, the Bidong’s bass performance remains impressive and captivating, making it a standout choice for bass lovers.
Mids
Lower Mids:
In the lower midrange frequencies, the CVJ Bidong exhibits a slightly V-shaped signature, which can lend a sense of warmth and richness to vocals and instruments. However, this emphasis may lead to a slight muddiness, particularly with lower male vocals. Despite this, the Bidong manages to maintain a well-presented lower midrange that provides a solid texture for the overall sound signature.
Upper Mids:
Moving to the upper midrange frequencies, the Bidong shines with clarity and detail, especially benefiting female vocals and instruments. The emphasis on the upper mids adds an airy and sparkling quality to vocals, enhancing their presence and articulation. Instruments like violins and flutes also benefit from this emphasis, delivering detailed performances. Overall, while Bidong’s midrange may exhibit slight muddiness in the lower frequencies, its upper midrange presentation is well-balanced and engaging.
Handling Complexities:
Furthermore, the Bidong demonstrates versatility in handling different music genres, adapting pretty nicely to the nuances of each track, although it may seem a bit V-shaped and a little muddy with bass bleed on some tracks. But other than that, the bass is pretty fast, and it delivers a versatile performance that enhances the enjoyment of your music. However, on some very complex tracks that demand rapid response and decay, the Bidong may exhibit slight limitations in speed, resulting in minor resonances in the reproduction of the bass; however, the BA for the mids does handle it very nicely, making the mids and especially the upper mids very detailed and separated.
Overall, CVJ Bidong’s midrange performance offers a compelling blend of warmth, clarity, and detail, elevating the experience across a wide spectrum of music. Whether you’re immersing yourself in intimate acoustic melodies or energetic electronic tracks, the Bidong’s mids deliver a nuanced and engaging portrayal of the music, drawing you deeper into each note.
Highs
Treble Extension:
The CVJ Bidong boasts a nice high-frequency performance with its extended treble and airy presentation. Powered by four balanced armature drivers dedicated to high-frequency reproduction, the Bidong achieves remarkable clarity and detail in the upper registers. Highs extend well into the upper frequencies, allowing for the portrayal of intricate musical details and nuances with finesse and precision.
Sparkle and brilliance:
A defining characteristic of the Bidong’s highs is their sparkle and brilliance, infusing the music with energy and excitement. Cymbals are screaming, strings resonate with clarity, and percussion instruments possess a dynamic presence. Despite this, it’s important to note that the lower treble exhibits some elevation, which can introduce occasional harshness to the sound.
Smoothness and cohesion:
Despite the energetic presentation, Bidong’s highs remain cohesive and well-integrated with the rest of the frequency spectrum. While there is a bit of BA timbre that imparts a slight metallic-like sound, the transition from the midrange to the treble is quite good, ensuring a balanced sound signature without abrupt peaks or dips. This smoothness and cohesion contribute to a mostly fatigue-free experience.
All in all, the CVJ Bidong offers a high-frequency performance that is impressive and engaging. With its extended treble and sparkling brilliance, the Bidong delivers a high-frequency presentation that brings music to life with clarity, detail, and excitement. Despite occasional harshness in the lower treble and a hint of BA timbre, the Bidong’s highs ensure that every note is rendered with precision.
Technicalities
Soundstage and imaging:
The CVJ Bidong offers a soundstage that is characterized by its average dimensions, providing a decent sense of spatial depth and width. While not particularly expansive or huge, the soundstage still offers a satisfactory level of immersion and separation between instruments, with good enough imaging and instrument placement.
Detail Retrieval:
One of the Bidong’s standout qualities is its ability to retrieve fine musical details with precision and clarity. From subtle nuances in vocal performances to delicate instrumental textures, the IEM excels at capturing the intricacies of the music, allowing you to discern even the smallest nuances with ease.
Layering:
The Bidong demonstrates nice layering, effectively separating and delineating individual elements within the music. Instruments are presented with distinct layers of depth, allowing for a fairly rich and immersive sound. In complex tracks, Bidong’s layering is good, and every part of the mix can be heard.
Overall, the CVJ Bidong offers sound technicalities that are characterized by pretty average soundstage and imaging, exceptional detail retrieval, and nice layering. While it may not excel in every aspect of technical performance, the Bidong delivers a satisfying experience that is sure to captivate.
Overall Sound Performance
The CVJ Bidong offers a captivating and “fun” sound signature that blends musicality with technicalities for an enjoyable sound. Its hybrid driver configuration delivers impactful bass with tight control and definition, complemented by a slightly V-shaped signature with upper midrange and treble that is enhanced with presence. The extended treble response adds sparkle and detail to the music, though there’s a hint of brightness and BA timbre in the lower treble. Despite average soundstage and imaging, the Bidong excels in detail retrieval and layering, providing a compelling overall sound experience highly suitable for electronic music, in my opinion.
Can it compete in a crowded competition?
Competing in the market, the CVJ Bidong faces stiff competition from other IEMs renowned for their sound quality, such as the Myer Audio CK-D41 and Truthear Nova. While the Bidong offers exceptional detail retrieval and a captivating sound signature, its slightly V-shaped tune may not match the presentation and balance of its competitors. However, where the Bidong truly shines is in its outstanding accessory package, impeccable build quality, and a very unique unboxing experience I’ve never seen before. With absolutely all of the modular connectors you can ask for (including a type C), a high-quality stock cable, and a premium metal carrying case, the Bidongs value lies not only in the sound performance but also in the overall presentation, making it a truly special and very unique choice.
Comparing it to the Myer-Audio CKLVX CK-D41
timbre and sound signature:
When comparing the CVJ Bidong to the Myer Audio CK-D41, several key differences emerge. While both offer impressive sound quality, the CK-D41 tends to excel in presentation, boasting a more balanced sound signature and greater accuracy across the frequency spectrum. In contrast, the Bidong leans slightly towards a V-shaped sound profile with emphasized bass and treble frequencies, which may appeal to listeners seeking a more “fun” and energetic sound.
Technicalities:
In terms of detail retrieval, both IEMs perform admirably, with the Bidong offering excellent clarity and resolution. However, where the CK-D41 edges ahead is in its ability to handle complex music passages with finesse, thanks to its tighter bass response and more nuanced midrange presentation. Additionally, the soundstage and imaging are better on the CK-D41 compared to the Bidong.
build and accessories:
Build quality and accessories also play a role in the comparison. While both models feature solid construction, the Bidong stands out with its premium aviation-grade aluminum alloy shells, while the CK-D41 is fully resin with just metal tips. The bidong also excels with its set of modular connectors, providing versatility and convenience for users. Additionally, the Bidong’s exquisite unboxing experience adds a touch of luxury to the overall package.
Overall, the choice between the CVJ Bidong and the Myer Audio CK-D41 ultimately comes down to personal preference and priorities. While the CK-D41 may offer a more balanced and accurate sound signature, the Bidong compensates with its exceptional accessories and stunning presentation, making it a compelling option for those who find the unboxing, accessories, and overall quality very important.
Conclusions
The CVJ Bidong impresses on multiple fronts, offering a captivating blend of style, performance, and unique characteristics that set it apart in the crowded IEM market. With its premium build quality, “fun” sound signature, and comprehensive set of accessories, the Bidong delivers a compelling experience that is sure to delight. While it may not excel in every aspect compared to some competitors, the Bidong compensates with its rumbly bass, detailed presentation, and engaging highs, making it more unique and not as Harman-tuned as most of the IEMs nowadays. Whether as a treat for yourself or a thoughtful gift for a loved one, the CVJ Bidong offers an enticing combination of performance and aesthetics that is hard to resist not looking at.
Pros:
- Amazing unboxing experience.
- Great build quality.
- Modular cable with: 3.5, 2.5, 4.4, Type C, and Type A adapters.
- Strong and rumbly bass.
- Good detail retrieval.
- Fun sounding.
Cons:
- Sound signature may not be for everyone.
- A small BA timbre.
- Treble may get a bit shouty.
- The bass may get a bit muddy.
