NFACOUS NM20 Review

The NFACOUS NM20 is NF Audio’s latest release, positioned as a successor to the NM2. Known for its high transparency and solid soundstage, this IEM aims to deliver a well-rounded listening experience at an affordable price. I’ve tested the NM20 with a range of tracks from prog-rock to gospel blues, using the HiBy R4 as the primary source. Let’s dive into how it performs across different sound characteristics.

Disclaimer: This unit is the loaner unit from NACOUS for the Audio Geeks’ Turkey chapter. I thank both parties.

Unboxing NFCOUS NM20

The NM20 arrives in a sleek, minimalist package, which reflects the brand’s design philosophy. Inside, you’ll find the IEMs securely placed in foam, alongside several sets of eartips, a carrying case, and the user manual. The packaging isn’t extravagant but practical, emphasizing function over form. The included accessories, like the different-sized tips, ensure a comfortable fit for various ear shapes.

Sound Technical Details

Right out of the box, the NM20 offers solid technical performance. Its transparency is immediately noticeable, delivering a clean and clear sound. The soundstage is wider than expected for its price range, and instrument separation is commendable, allowing for a detailed listening experience. However, the upper treble can occasionally come off as thin and uncontrolled, which becomes apparent during high-energy tracks. Still, for an IEM in this range, its overall technicality is impressive.

NFACOUS NM20 Performance and Listening Experience

The NM20 excels in genres where clarity and separation matter. Tracks like Soul Kitchen by The Doors are immersive, with instruments well-placed in the soundstage. The detailed representation allows you to pick out individual elements of the music, enhancing the overall experience. That said, it struggles slightly with more complex and bass-heavy tracks like Dance of the Aristocrats, where the treble sharpness and slightly lacking sub-bass become noticeable. Still, for its price, the NM20 delivers a well-rounded performance that competes with higher-tier IEMs in its class.

Bass

The bass on the NM20 is balanced, neither overpowering nor too subdued. In Take My Hand by Ben Harper, the lower frequencies are tight and controlled, providing a natural depth to the music. However, in electronic-heavy tracks like Speaking Gently by Badbadnotgood, the sub-bass presence can feel slightly underwhelming, lacking the punch that some listeners might crave. Still, the NM20’s bass performance fits well within a wide range of genres, offering just enough warmth without becoming bloated.

Midrange

The midrange is where the NM20 shines. Vocals and instruments are clear and present, without sounding overly forward. In No Volvere by Gypsy Kings, the vocals are rich with detail, and the guitar strings feel vivid and textured. The midrange has a natural timbre that complements a variety of genres, from rock to jazz, without overshadowing other frequency ranges. The NM20’s midrange positioning is slightly laid-back, but it works well in keeping the overall presentation balanced and smooth.

Treble

The treble is where I encountered some minor issues with the NM20. While it delivers solid clarity and airiness, especially in orchestral pieces like Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, the upper treble can become a bit uncontrolled. High-pitched elements in prog-rock tracks such as Take it Back can sound overly sharp or thin at times. It’s not a deal-breaker, but for those sensitive to treble, it may require some getting used to. Fortunately, the overall treble performance still manages to complement the rest of the frequency range without becoming too harsh.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Wide soundstage and excellent transparency

• Detailed midrange with natural timbre

• Balanced bass suitable for multiple genres

• Strong price-to-performance ratio

Cons:

• Uncontrolled upper treble in high-energy tracks

• Sub-bass could use more presence for bass-heavy genres

NFACOUS NM20 Review Conclusion

NF Audio’s NM20 is a solid upgrade over the OG NM2 celebrating the NFACOUS line, offering a balanced and clear sound for its price point. While there are minor shortcomings in the treble and bass, the IEM still delivers impressive technical performance, making it a great option for those seeking an affordable entry into high-fidelity audio. As NF Audio continues to refine its designs, future iterations could potentially bridge the gap between budget and premium models, bringing even more to the table for audiophiles.

TRIVIAL COMPARISON WİTH 64 AUDIO U4s

This potential for growth is exciting, as it signals that NF Audio is on the right path to pushing boundaries and elevating their products to the next tier of audiophile excellence.

U4s__

With the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra, the U4s delivers a performance so immersive that it feels like I’m there without using over-head headphones. Both the woodwinds and strings are clearly positioned around me, and when the percussion kicks in, the playback becomes even more enjoyable, with HiFi-level fidelity in the extensions. Each frequency range is coherent, without causing discomfort, and as Beethoven’s trademark rhythm begins at the dynamic and vibrant rendition of Symphony no:5; I find myself tapping along with the woodwinds, percussion, and strings, all present in distinct positions.

NM20_

A playback that made me smile from the beginning welcomed me. The transparency, clarity, resolution, and soundstage volume during the prog-rock flow of Take it Back are quite impressive for its price. The only negative aspect I noticed was the somewhat uncontrolled and occasionally thin upper treble. However, while listening to Take My Hand by Ben Harper, I felt like I was in the middle of a gospel blues ceremony seen in films. Every detail is present and delivered naturally. The excellent texture is also very noticeable. Even in a studio recording, there’s plenty of air around everything.

Addendum: at Beethoven Pop Symphony by Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra I am like hearing a lite version of u4s. This is surely horray for NFACOUS!

✅

This discovery highlights a clear progression and refinement in NF Audio’s new IEMs, especially when compared with high-end models like the 64 Audio U4s. The NM20 delivers an impressive performance at its price point, particularly in terms of transparency, soundstage, and clarity, though it still has minor areas for improvement, such as the upper treble. In comparison, the U4s showcases a more immersive and balanced experience across the frequency range, even in complex orchestral performances, where it positions instruments with precision and high fidelity.

What this tells us is that while the NM20 offers significant value and strong technicalities for its price, it is not yet on the same level as more premium models like the U4s. However, with continued refinements, NF Audio’s future IEMs under the NFACOUS line could potentially close this gap, offering even more sophisticated sound experiences that rival higher-end competitors. This potential for growth is exciting, as it signals that NF Audio is on the right path to pushing boundaries and elevating their products to the next tier of audiophile excellence.