When I first got into contact with the NF Audio NE4, its minimalist and sleek design caught my eye. And didn’t hurt my M sized conchs. I had high expectations, especially regarding its soundstage and separation. During my listening sessions, the NE4 revealed its detailed and balanced sound signature, presenting each layer of music with clarity. Unlike many other IEMs I have tried, the NF Audio NE4 delivers a performance that draws the listener into the music.
Disclaimer
This earphone was loaned by NF Audio for the AG Turkey tour. Thanks to both parties.
Technical Specifications
– Sound insulation: 25dB
– Distortion: <1%
– Cable: 2pin 0.78mm 5N silver-plated OFC cable
– Connector: 3.5mm
One of the standout features of the NF Audio NE4 is its use of faceplates for tuning changes instead of switches. This offers both aesthetic and functional advantages. By changing the faceplate, users can achieve different sound profiles, allowing for adjustments based on personal preferences and the type of music being listened to. Additionally, this method is more reliable and durable compared to switches, as it minimizes the risk of mechanical wear. The flexibility provided by faceplate changes makes the NF Audio NE4 a dynamic and customizable option.
Frequency response:
– 9-20kHz – Pop faceplate (red)
– 18-22kHz – Reference faceplate (black)
– 20-30kHz – Transparent faceplate (blue)
– Sensitivity:
– 104dB/mw – Pop faceplate (red)
– 108dB/mw – Reference faceplate (black)
– 110dB/mw – Transparent faceplate (blue)
– Impedance:
– 6Ω – Pop faceplate (red)
– 10Ω – Reference faceplate (black)
– 22Ω – Transparent faceplate (blue)
NF Audio NE4 Real Life Performance
I am conducting the performance tests with the R4 and reference faceplate. The first thing that stands out is the extreme realism. In “Autumn Mist,” I can distinctly pick out the vibrating treble plates, showcasing the NE4’s ability to render high-frequency details with precision. The overall presentation is balanced, tangible, and upfront, making each element of the track come to life in a coherent and immersive manner.
The resolution is excellent in every dimension, from the clarity of the midrange to the separation of instruments in the soundstage. Instead of merely capturing the tension in the bass guitar strings, the NE4 goes a step further by presenting the tonality with exquisite richness. The dark timbre adds depth and warmth, enhancing the listening experience by providing a more profound and engaging sound signature. This level of detail and balance ensures that the music feels both lifelike and emotionally resonant, making the NF Audio NE4 a standout performer in its class.
In symphonic rock, both the staging dimensions and dynamics, along with resolution, scream for a more powerful DAP. The contrast between Tarja’s operatic vocals and the band member’s raspy voice is elegant. In Tool’s Sober, the bass guitar in the intro doesn’t penetrate deeply; thus, the overall sound leans less on the bass. Maynard’s voice is very clear. There is no approach to sibilance so far, and the weight of the notes is undeniable. The same applies to APC – Passive. The playback of live tones with rises and falls is well reflected. However, the combination of dark timbre and distortion-free control indicates that every song, especially on the Cayin N8ii, is uniquely outstanding.
In my reference track Desert Tornado, it performs very well with the reference faceplate. All the rhythms in the background gain a 3D imaging effect, tapping quickly. Even at peak chaotic moments, there is an order that allows you to easily separate the instruments. The fluid and neutral-warm playback is an added bonus. In my electronic bass reference, the existing technical perfection gives the rhythms a tactile volume and material quality.
In prog rock, it delivers a smooth-like playback, paying homage to analog eras while showing its elegance to the user. As the solo session begins, it also creates a distinct atmosphere. In Anouar Brahem’s pieces, all organic instruments are presented with their true textures and post-hit resonances. Everyone familiar with these lands knows Brahem’s instruments and can catch their timings.
In Shut Up, despite using the reference faceplate, there is a non-exaggerated pop music performance. Although it is not exaggerated, I can hear that the edges are slightly rounded, making long listening sessions easier. Fergie’s voice is realistically conveyed by the NE4 with the reference faceplate, portraying a woman fed up with her man. Andy Timmons’ solo-based piece Hiroshima is conveyed from start to finish in a mesmerizing manner, with coherence. As the song reaches its end, the guitar climbs to very high notes, almost crying, giving me goosebumps.
In Arctic Monkeys’ classic I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor, it creates a crispy, fast, and dark storm, while in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s Dance of the Knights, it tells a musical story from start to finish. Even the breaths taken in the flute are discernible. As the piece heads toward its conclusion, the piston-like trombones bring peace
Performance with Wide-Bore Eartips__
When using wide-bore eartips, even at high gain, the playback isn’t as sharp as with the NA2+, but smooth jazz plays like a musical dream cloud. The NE4 feels closed, yet the soundstage is never constrained, showcasing the expertise in tuning. In symphonic rock, the female vocals are relatively hushed, but the coherence is very high, effectively conveying the story of the song along with its dynamism. The transparency allows riffs in the lower layers to be distinguishable.
To confirm the loss of sharpness, I couldn’t think of anything better than a live recording of the Blues Brothers. That crispy vocal and trumpets have softened a bit, and everyone on stage gains a 3D imaging effect in their separate positions.
Considering other NF Audio models I have on loan for this tour, this one stands out technically and musically with the wide-bore eartips. The playback is enveloping, especially in Chuck Berry’s “Carol,” where it’s hard to stay still. And finally, in Violent P*Hy, I find myself saying, “Wow!” The vocals, band members, guitars, and drums all sound so real; I could only hear this on the R4 with the NE4 and these specific eartips.
Yes, I would love to continue further, but it is time to observe the effects of different faceplates on the sound.
First, I am using the red faceplate. According to the official frequency graph, it should strengthen the sub and mid-bass, improving PRAT.
By the way, count everything up above as results with dark gray Reference Faceplate.
Reminder
POP Faceplate___
What can we expect? A playback that has little in common with smooth jazz. The bass can swell, 3D imaging is reduced, and tonal accuracy takes a hit. Extensions mostly lose their realism.
However, it contributes ideally to the sound for symphonic rock, with high dynamism. Yet, upper mids and trebles do not improve much. The prominent bass boom in smooth jazz is masked under the crowd of instruments here.
In Tool’s “Sober,” I skip the song after the soft-toned bass guitar intro. It’s not bad at all for electronic bass. Transparency is excellent, with strong sub-bass and mid-bass, at least compared to the reference faceplate.
However, in Wishbone Ash and other organic musical references, it delivers only half the quality compared to the reference. But when it comes to Black Eyed Peas, this plate shines. With high gain, it feels like adding nitro, much like in NFS Underground’s “Get Low” and “Fortress Europe,” especially with black and narrow-bore eartips, taking you back to those days. For maximum fun, just turn on the DRX10K Dynamics on HiBy or activate tube mode and P+ settings on the Cayin.
EXPLORE Faceplate__
The Cayin N8ii, even without tube mode activated, fully embodies its spirit. Finer details become more audible, and the increased transparency reveals second, third, and even fourth layers depending on the recording. While some extension is lost, crispness and detail converge under an analytical banner.
In smooth jazz, the playback is the opposite of POP. Everything is airy, hits are sharper-edged, and lower layers are more visible. It almost feels like an Ety 4SE, though it could benefit from a similar fit. In symphonic rock, the entrance of the church organ indicates both dynamism and voluminous mids, avoiding the trap of thin analytical sound. Vocal clarity and tonal shifts are impressive, adding depth to the performance.
In Tool’s “Sober,” the bass guitar is very well defined in the intro, as are the drummer’s hits. The music is enjoyable, and the faceplate earns its Explorer name by inviting a deep dive into the music. I can imagine things changing significantly with tube mode and P+ settings activated. As expected, this faceplate gains a bit of warmth, and 3D imaging increases, bringing Maynard to life. With concentration, the mix of the song can be distinguished, but it never quite achieves enough slam. It prefers resolution over delivering the fat, wet hits typical of a classic dynamic driver. This trait extends to dubstep, where it doesn’t play as enjoyably.
TRANSPARENCY Faceplate__
With the blue hued Transparency faceplate, the NF Audio NE4 reaches new heights in clarity and detail. The added transparency allows for a more immersive experience, revealing multiple layers of sound that were previously hidden. Even the finest details become audible, creating an analytical yet engaging listening experience. While the extensions might lose some realism, the increased crispness and precision more than compensate for this.
In smooth jazz, the Transparency faceplate offers a playback that is airy and sharp-edged, with more visible lower layers. It’s almost reminiscent of the Ety 4SE, providing an experience that’s both detailed and enjoyable. In symphonic rock, the church organ’s entrance showcases dynamic mids without falling into the trap of thin analytical sound. The vocal clarity and tonal shifts are impressive, adding depth to the performance.
Tool’s “Sober” benefits significantly from the Transparency faceplate, with well-defined bass guitar and drum hits. The Explorer faceplate invites a deep dive into the music, but with the blue faceplate, the overall transparency is even higher. The 3D imaging brings Maynard to life, though it still lacks the heavy slam of dynamic drivers. However, for genres like electronic bass and symphonic rock, the NE4 with the blue faceplate provides a highly satisfying experience, blending analytical precision with immersive sound.
Performance with Wide-Bore Eartips__
When using wide-bore eartips, even at high gain, the playback isn’t as sharp as with the NA2+, but smooth jazz plays like a musical dream cloud. The NE4 feels closed, yet the soundstage is never constrained, showcasing the expertise in tuning. In symphonic rock, the female vocals are relatively hushed, but the coherence is very high, effectively conveying the story of the song along with its dynamism. The transparency allows riffs in the lower layers to be distinguishable.
To confirm the loss of sharpness, I couldn’t think of anything better than a live recording of the Blues Brothers. That crispy vocal and trumpets have softened a bit, and everyone on stage gains a 3D imaging effect in their separate positions. Considering other NF Audio models I have on loan for this tour, this one stands out technically and musically with the wide-bore eartips. The playback is enveloping, especially in Chuck Berry’s “Carol,” where it’s hard to stay still. And finally, in Violent P*Hy, I find myself saying, “Wow!” The vocals, band members, guitars, and drums all sound so real; I could only hear this on the R4 with the NE4 and these specific eartips.
Cayin N8ii Performance___
The Cayin N8ii performs exactly as expected with these eartips, delivering an impressive auditory experience. At just 30% volume, it reveals subtle nuances even in the most poorly recorded dubstep tracks, highlighting its exceptional detail retrieval capabilities. This level of performance extends across various genres, making distinctions between them with remarkable clarity.
For instance, it captures the gospel-tinged, rock’n roll-flavored blues of Buddy Guy with richness and depth, while also providing an immersive experience for lighter, more upbeat summer songs. The Cayin N8ii, therefore, not only meets but exceeds expectations, showcasing its versatility and high-fidelity sound reproduction across diverse musical styles.
Letshuoer DT03 and Transparent Faceplate
Experimental
I decided to launch an experimental adventure with two pieces I adore. Hiby R4 and Letshuoer DT03. More will come soon, but for now, let’s go with this.
I started with one of my favorites, Riverside’s “Big Tech Brother.” Even at L gain, it added a rich foundation. Not just technically, but the coherence and musicality reached their best with the available resources. Then, another favorite of mine, “Friend or Foe?” begins. I must admit, hearing the 80s synth rhythms smoothly followed by the bass guitar solo was an amazing experience.
Pros
• Excellent clarity and detail
• Customizable sound profiles with faceplates
• Impressive 3D imaging
• Versatile across various genresCons
• Lacks heavy impact of dynamic drivers
• Some loss of realism in extensions
• Less enjoyable with certain genres like dubstepConclusion of NF Audio NE4 Review
In conclusion, the NF Audio NE4 has proven to be an exceptional in-ear monitor, delivering a versatile and immersive audio experience. Its minimalist design, combined with the innovative use of faceplates for tuning adjustments, offers both aesthetic appeal and functional flexibility. This allows users to customize their sound profiles to match personal preferences and musical genres. The NE4 consistently impresses with its detailed and balanced sound signature, providing clarity and depth across various music styles. Whether enjoying the intricate nuances of smooth jazz or the dynamic storytelling of symphonic rock, the NE4 excels in delivering a coherent and transparent soundstage.