Kontinum Ulim Review

Today, I’m thrilled to dive into my experience with the Kontinum Ulim earphones. From the moment I unboxed them, it was clear these weren’t your average in-ear monitors. The Ulim, Kontinum’s first foray into the audio world, stands out not just for its sleek design but for the bold audio quality it promises. With so many options out there, the Ulim aims to secure a special place in the hearts of audiophiles. Let’s explore what sets these earphones apart from the rest.

Kontinum is the brainchild of James Lee, a luminary in the high-fidelity audio space, known for his work with Astell&Kern and iRiver. His ventures have consistently pushed the envelope in delivering high-resolution audio wrapped in luxurious designs. With Lee at the helm, expectations for Kontinum’s debut product were sky-high. The Ulim is aimed to deliver on those expectations, packing Lee’s innovative spirit into a compact, ear-friendly package

Box, Kontinum Ulim, Cable

Upon opening the box, adorned with a pleasing green and white design, I was greeted with a simple yet sufficient set of contents: three different sizes of ear tips, some documents, and a plush-look carrying case with the logo prominently displayed on top. The cable, at first glance, seemed ordinary but upon closer inspection, I found it to be flexible and thick, hinting at its durability. The silver-plated OFC cable with a 0.78mm 2-pin connector promises high-quality sound transmission, a detail that did not go unnoticed.

10mm, 7.8mm Dynamic Drivers

• Integrated 2-Way Crossover

• 3D Spatial Sound Chamber

• Silver-Plated OFC Cable (3.5mm)

• 0.78mm 2-pin Connector

• Input Sensitivity:  117dB/Vrms

• Total Harmonic Distortion:  1Khz＜0.5% 

• Impedance:  13.5Ω ± 15%

• Frequency Response Range:  10-40KHz

Kontinum Ulim Sound

The Kontinum Ulim earphones offer an immersive sound experience, thanks in part to their dual dynamic drivers and an integrated 2-way crossover. The soundstage is expansive, with 3D imaging capabilities that make each listening session a journey into the heart of the music. Its timbre lies between neutral and dark, adding a serious tone to the music it plays. The tonality is unique, adeptly capturing the medieval church-inspired melodies of Haggard as well as the rich mosaic of Middle Eastern culture in Orphaned Land’s music. 

The layering is successful, and I didn’t notice any sibilance in the vocals. Interestingly, I experienced the 3D imaging feature, often mentioned in relation to instruments, with vocals this time. It was as if I was watching a music video, visualizing the cute girl dancing and singing in “Day Eleven: Love” in my mind. Moreover, the immersive soundstage offered a rich presentation. Over the years, while critically listening, I even caught a few beats in some songs that I hadn’t noticed before. The realism of the instruments and the tonality it achieves are commendably distinctive features. Likewise, the ability to spread the entire live recording scene 180 degrees in front of me is noteworthy. All this richness and comfort were enhanced when using the dx320 as the source.

 Bass

The bass is where these earphones truly shine. Firm and full-bodied, the low-end delivers a punchy response that’s detailed and engrossing. Whether it’s the rhythmic slap of a guitar or the deep grooves of drum and bass, the bass performance is nothing short of delightful. It’s evident that with a better bass-producing DAP, the experience would be even more shattering. Hadegaard Inferno is a perfect example.

 Midrange

The midrange is warm and inviting, making organic and live music come alive in a way that’s both engaging and authentic. The earphones’ ability to layer sounds, despite their dual dynamic structure, is impressive. Vocals and instruments are rendered with clarity, and the texture in the music is beautifully preserved. It’s in the midrange that the Kontinum Ulim’s timbre, straddling the line between warm and hot, truly benefits the overall listening experience.

 Treble

The treble is detailed and clear, extending the earphones’ capability to present music with fidelity. High-frequency sounds, such as cymbals and high hats, are crisp and well-defined, adding a brightness to the sound that never veers into harshness. The wide frequency response range ensures that even the subtlest details in the treble are captured and reproduced with precision. Kitaro’s Matsuri (live) is turning into an enchanting, almost dream like 9mins with it – thanks to its micro detailed treble extensions and micro resonances.

Comparisons_

VS Simgot EM6L

There’s a certain weight in the playback, but the treble resolution and the strings playing in the lower frequencies don’t add much body. Compared to the Ukim, the resolution, tonality, and detail projection are inferior. The Ulim’s timbre is notably dark and demands a significant amount of power, especially with violins playing majestically, and the bass can shake if the song requires it.

VS Simgot EA1000

The EA1000 plays louder and with more bass, driving more easily, but it lacks the Ulim’s tonality and volume, especially in flowing strings. The vocals are not as discernible as with the Ulim. Speaking of discernibility, I must add that the resolution is also not on the level of the Ulim. The ability to discern the texture of the drumheads being struck is stronger with the Ulim.

VS AFUL MagicOne

I must say from the start that this comparison isn’t exactly fair. The MagicOne I have uses a 4.4 output, but the Ulim uses 3.5, and it’s known that the Dx320’s BAL output is favored. But there’s nothing to be done about it.

As expected, the MagicOne plays larger and the resolution in the trebles is good. However, unlike the trebles, the bass is not good, but I must not deny it its due, the bass doesn’t mess up. In playback, the strings don’t come through voluminously, and sometimes the vocals’ lyrics can blend into the music. Unlike the MagicOne 4.4, the bass in the Ulim isn’t bloated, allowing its technicalities to shine through. For the final test, hoping to compensate for the fundamental difference between them, I switched from L gain to H gain, and alas, this favored the Ulim. With the MagicOne 4.4 connected in the same setting, it would leave a bad impression on me.

Pros_

1. High-Quality Audio Performance: The Ulim impresses with its dynamic drivers and 2-way crossover system, delivering rich, detailed sound that can please even the most discerning audiophiles. Its ability to handle a wide range of genres with finesse is a significant plus.

2. Innovative Design: With a focus on redefining the in-ear experience, the 3D spatial sound chamber offers an immersive listening session, setting the Ulim apart from many competitors.

3. Build Quality and Materials: The use of a silver-plated Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) cable and precise connectors underlines Kontinum’s commitment to durability and signal integrity. The earphones not only sound great but are built to last.

4. Prestigious Legacy: Coming from James Lee, a figure with a proven track record in the audiophile community, the Ulim carries an expectation of quality and innovation that it largely lives up to.

5. Versatile Soundstage: The expansive soundstage and precise imaging make for an engaging listening experience, whether you’re enjoying classical, jazz, rock, or electronic music.

Cons_

1. Price Point: Given the high-end features and pedigree, the Ulim might come with a price tag that’s steep for casual listeners or those on a tight budget.

2. Power Requirements: The earphones’ need for a substantial power source to unlock their full potential means they might not pair as well with lower-powered devices without an amplifier.

3. Complexity for Casual Listeners: The detailed sound and sophisticated design might be more appreciated by audiophiles than casual listeners who prefer a plug-and-play approach.

4. Fit and Comfort: While the inclusion of three different sizes of ear tips is thoughtful, the fit might still not be perfect for every ear shape, potentially affecting comfort during long listening sessions.

5. Limited Availability: As a debut product from a new company, there might be initial limitations in availability or distribution, making it harder for interested buyers to get their hands on the Ulim.

Kontinum Ulim Review Conclusions

In summary, the Kontinum Ulim earphones offer an exquisite listening experience, backed by innovative design and build quality. However, their appeal might be more niche, targeting audiophiles willing to invest in high-quality audio gear.

The Kontinum Ulim earphones represent a significant achievement in the realm of audio gear. Their performance across the bass, midrange, and treble is commendable, offering a balanced and immersive listening experience that few can match at this price point. The detailed presentation, coupled with the expansive soundstage and 3D imaging capabilities, makes for a listening experience that is as enjoyable as it is revealing. Whether you’re an audiophile or a casual listener, the Kontinum Ulim earphones are a compelling choice, offering a sound quality that can elevate your music to new heights.