Disclaimer:
The CVJ Konoka was sent to me as a review sample from CVJ, which I thank!
However, the review will still be 100% honest and, in no way, biased.
I’m not an audiophile; I’m just a guy who likes to test out different IEMs and DACs and spends a lot of time listening to music.
So I’m not going to use super technical words to review it, but I will do my best to describe them.
Tech Specs:
- 1DD + 1BA + Haptic
- Sensitivity: 112dB+3dB
- Impedance: 28Ω±15%
- Wire material: Oxygen-Free Copper Cable
- Interface type: 3.5mm
- Frequency: 10Hz-40000Hz
- Pin type: 0.75mm 2Pin
- Cable Length: 125cm±5cm
- Price for no mic: 19USD
Packaging:
The CVJ Konoka box is well made and looks like a much more expensive product. They could certainly have saved on a more standard and compact package. The tips seem to be of good quality, while the cable is the classic entry level in this price range. Inside, we find accessories, such as:
- Cable
- 3 pairs of tips
- Switch pin
- Manual + warranty
Design/Build Quality:
The quality for 19 USD is pretty good, but not excellent!
In terms of design, they are reminiscent of the Tanchjim Kara, but the quality of the plastic shell is not excellent; it seems a little thin, but the construction seems solid. The interior is quite nice; I don’t really like the BA driver in the nozzle, but we’ll talk about that later. The vibrating driver is a very interesting novelty, and it is also the main reason why I absolutely wanted to try them!
Looking at it, this driver is practically the vibration motor that we find in smartphones (perhaps a smaller and less powerful version).
Comfort and Fit:
Comfort is quite good, as the shell has a very standard shape with a well-angled nozzle. With the stock tips, I immediately found a way to seal my ears. They stay firm even when walking or running.
Initial sound impression:
The CVJ Konoka as soon as I put them on, I was slightly disappointed, as sensing the haptic driver was not immediate. Unfortunately, you need to raise the volume a lot to hear it decisively, but even the BA, by raising the volume, begins to be heard a little too decisively. At these volumes, listening is decidedly tiring and not recommended.
Final sound impression:
Equipment used for testing above.
Device:
- iMac
- Redmi Note 7 (MIUI-Based)
Software:
- Foobar2000 24bit 192khz (iMac)
- Amazon music UHD 24bit 96khz (Both)
DAC:
- F.audio KS01 (ESS)
- EPZ TP20 3.5 mm (Dual Cirrus)
- Hidizs XO (Dual ESS)
- EPZ TP30 (Dual ESS)
- Fosi Audio K5 Pro
Before jumping to final conclusions about the sound, I played them at high levels for about 50 hours, forcing the bass response with the Fosi K5 Pro.
I’m not listing the tracks because they’re too many.
My impressions are given using the original accessories.
I confirm my first impressions, but after several hours of listening, things have changed slightly.
With Kbear or Nicehck 07 tips, you get some nice improvements in the bass region. Treble is a little bit tamed, but still a little bit fatiguing.
After several hours, I have to say that the tuning didn’t excite me. It is probably too bright due to the BA in the nozzle, but even by deactivating it, the sound is not too coherent for listening to music. But things change considerably when it comes to games. I tried COD on the PlayStation out of curiosity, and I must say that the tuning enhanced the steps, and overall there is a good three-dimensional effect. With a cable and microphone, they become a great set to use for online games.
Source and Sound:
However, after trying different DACs, I decided to try them with the Fosi K5 Pro (“Gaming DAC”), and with the possibility of adjusting the low and high tones, the magic finally worked! I turned the treble down a little and pumped up the haptic driver, and finally, it worked as I would have expected.
Being the first IEM ever to adopt this driver, I can say that by slightly adjusting the equalization, the sound that comes out is interesting. But I’m definitely curious to try the modification made by some by placing a fabric filter between the BA and the original filter.
The bass is present and is actually tangible, but it has a slightly strange tone that is not suitable for listening to music but is excellent for gaming. Could it make some bassheads happy? I honestly think not; more impact could have been achieved by using a single higher-quality DD by avoiding the BA in the nozzle.
Soundstage and Imaging:
Keep in mind that the soundstage is average—not really a 3D effect on music but way better on games. Imaging is a little bit muffled due to the haptic driver resonance with the plastic shell. Overall, I would still say average. They are certainly very good for their price range and for gaming purposes.
Switch Modes:
If you remove the functionality of the haptic driver, they honestly aren’t exciting. The best modes are from my point of view, where the haptic driver is running.
- Music Mode with BA and Haptic driver off: Just using the DD, the sound isn’t engaging
- Movies Mode with Haptic driver and DD working could be a solution if you find them too harsh or sibilant.
- Monitor Mode with BA and DD working is fine but not the best experience for the price
- Esport mode with all drivers working is the best so far.
Comparison:
From my point of view, they are IEMs for gamers, so making comparisons with models for listening to music doesn’t make much sense.
vs CHU II
The Moondrop Chu 2 absolutely remains an excellent choice considering the same price range, especially if your aim is to listen to music with them. Details, brilliance, and definition, but also soundstage, are superior! Even the bass on the Chu II is more full-bodied.
Konoka are at their best with games.
With the Tangzu Wan’er, we are always at the same price, and they are also an excellent alternative. For listening to music, they beat them on all fronts.
Conclusion:
The CVJ Konoka is without a doubt a novelty! Its haptic driver piqued my interest, although I must admit that the result was slightly below expectations. Being the first attempt, the result is good. The impact of the bass can be felt, even if it is not as decisive as it might seem! The physical vibration seems to accentuate the depth of the bass, but not as much as it should. To hear it clearly, the volume must be raised significantly beyond the safe threshold for listening.
The best of CVJ KONOKA comes out with games where the result seems clearly superior to playing music. For now they have become my IEMs to use while gaming.
If you are a gamer, you will most likely like these IEMs.
6.5/10
Pros:
- Shell quality and materials are good
- Good packaging
- Removable cable
- High quality nozzle (removable tuning filter)
- Nice tips
- Fun Experience
- Tactile bass
- Tuning switch
- Good for gaming (not so good for music purposes)
- Easy to drive (you don’t need anything expensive)
Cons:
- A little bit harsh due to BA in the nozzle (adjustable with switch)
- Lack refinements over all frequencies
- Sibilance on some voices and instruments
- You need high volume to feel the Haptic vibration, but it is impossible to handle the treble
- Vibration driver works on Midbass
- Cheap Shell and plastic nozzle