Disclaimer:
The Opera Factory OB1 was sent to me as a review sample from Whizzer 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 that likes to test out different IEMs/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
- Customized High-Performance Dynamic Driver
- 10mm Dynamic Driver
- Sound Pressure Level 110 dB (1 kHz, 1 Vrms)
- Impedance 15 Ω
- Frequency Response 20-20,000 Hz
- High-Purity 5N OFC Cable
- 2 pin 0.78mm Connectors
- 3 pairs Free Eartips
Packaging:
The Opera Factory OB1 box is very simple and cheap but as always good looking. It won’t be the best representation of the product but given how much it costs I’d say it’s more than enough:
- Cable + Mic + Button
- 1 set of tips (Easytips)
- Manual + Warranty
The tips have an above average quality, while the cable resembles the standard KZ but slightly softer.
Design/Build Quality:
The build quality is normal, in line with the price paid and very similar to other Opera Factory products. The shell is very ergonomic and light, making it comfortable even after several hours of listening.
In the previous Opera Factory the main problem was the driver flex which in this case has been solved.
Initial sound impression:
The Opera Factory OB1 is immediately focused on low frequencies, despite the driver being decidedly small, it hits hard. Bass extends really well. The overall timbre is not overly warm but quite natural for my personal taste. Voices are recessed but seem coerent.
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 3.5mm (ESS ES9038Q2M)
- EPZ TP20 3.5 mm (Dual Cirrus 43131)
- Hidizs XO 3.5mm (Dual ESS ES9219C)
- EPZ TP30 (Dual ESS) (review incoming)
Before jumping to final impressions, know that your ears need some burn-in too.
I’m not listing the tracks because they’re too much.
My impressions are given using the original accessories. I tried to change tips with the Nicehck 07 but there was no particular improvement, so I went back to using the L size stock.
The Opera Factory OB1 is a bass boosted V-shape (typical OF). For what they cost they are excellent to taste some bass waves. Although the focus is totally on the low frequencies, the small driver also manages to keep up with the trebles. I must admit that they are extremely pleasant and fun to listen to.
Having almost all the Opera Factory iems I can say that they are better than OS1, OS1 pro and OM1. I also have the OM3 but these are on a whole other level!
Soundstage & Imaging
The soundstage is claimed to be wide and I have to admit that’s true. Much better than expected although it is definitely not one of the widest.
I felt a slight improvement in the soundstage using the Nicehck 07 maybe due to the wider bore.
I have listened to Jazz, R&B, Pop, EDM & Chill music and I think it is also the most suitable for this iem.
Fast Comparison:
vs CHU II
Moondrop Chu II is less bassier and also more detailed than the OB1 but it seems that the soundstage is in Opera Factory’s favor (It could be a feeling given by the low frequencies that surround you). The timbre and tonality goes in favor of Moondrop.
vs Kbear Storm
In the Kbear Storm the high frequencies are pushed higher. I have a general impression of more detail and air. However, the basses are less full-bodied and in some tracks they are less composed (it depends a lot on the quality of the tracks). Noticeable bass bleeding.
vs Blon Z300
It must be considered that even if they are cheap products, one costs twice as much as the other. Higher cost does not always mean higher quality. In this case the Blon Z300 wins on practically everything. The Blon build quality is unmatched. The sound is warmer and smoother across the range in the Blon which are less V-shaped compared to the OB1.
vs OC1
In my ears they sound pretty close. Slightly higher build quality than the OB1. Better tips included in the box. They are both extremely valuable and underrated, , obviously for those who love bass.
vs OS1 pro
Some Bassheads have certainly appreciated them in the past (including me) and they still make me smile today. The OB1s don’t have the driver flex as they have a vent hole. The bass is less exaggerated and the highs finally have a touch of definition that was missing. They are definitely better! But if you’re Bassheads the OS1 Pro is still a lot of fun, It feels like sticking your head into a subwoofer vent
vs OS1 and OM1
OS1 got more bass than OS1 Pro. Here the bass eats up all the other frequencies. Obviously being worse than the OS1 pro, it is useless to continue the comparison.
Same thing for OM1 which is very similar to OS1, maybe just a little bit more refined.
Conclusion:
If you don’t like bass, avoid these iems completely. Some time ago Opera Factory was more focused on low frequencies. They listened to their customers improving the overall sound quality. Now they are certainly more pleasant and capable of reproducing more details but they are still bass focused.
But realistically, this set is just less than 15 USD, same for the OC1.
They are for sure one of my best basshead sets together with the OC1, OS1 Pro and the legendary OM3 (unfortunately no longer on the market).
If you’re on a tight budget, are a basshead, or want to experiment with some badass low frequencies, then you’ve come to the right place. So in my opinion they are absolutely worth it!
I think that to find a similar quality you can go up to 50 usd.
4/5
Pros:
- Nice Whizzer Tips
- Removable cable
- Standard fit & Comfort (extra light)
- Extra Fun Tuning
- Safe treble
- Bassheads approved
- Soundstage is quite good
- Super cheap bass experience
- Cheap packaging (keeps the price low)
- Easy to drive (you don’t need anything expensive)
Cons:
- Cheap Build Quality
- Recessed mids (not too much)
- Lacks of air
- Bass could be too much
- Packaging
