Disclaimer
Hello everyone. I want to let you all know that TinHiFi sent me the C2 2025, but honestly, there was no influence from them on my review since I didn’t even know it was on the way until it showed up, lol! Everything you read here is purely based on my own experience and opinions. Big thanks to TinHiFi for giving me the chance to test these out, and thanks to you, the reader, for your trust and time in reading my review.
Introduction
Ok, so getting the TINHIFI C2 2025 was a surprise for me. They were sent to me for a review without me even knowing, lol. But here I am today, reviewing it for you.
I was curious to see how these budget IEMs would hold up against the competition, especially for the sub 40$ price point, which is pretty tough to compete in nowadays. At a glance, they’ve got a rugged, industrial design and pretty all rounder tuning that’s supposed to please most listeners. They come with a straightforward setup no fancy extras here and a metal shell that is actually unique looking, in my opinion, and of good quality. So, with some decent first impressions in mind, I went in to see what they could bring in terms of sound quality and fit. Let’s dive in and see if the C2 2025s live up to TinHiFi’s words that it is a hard to beat IEM for its price.
Unboxing
So the TINHIFI C2 2025s comes in a pretty small and simple box, with a “Mecha Warrior” (that’s how they all it) displayed on it. Its overall just clean packaging that got right to the point. Inside, I found the earphones placed into foam.
Underneath, there were some extra eartips in different sizes, although they are all of the same type of tips, and there are 2 sets of each size (S, M, and L). The cable was packed separately, and it’s detachable. I liked the design, but I think it is thin and feels too gentle for me.
No extras here, just the basics, not even a case or a pouch. But honestly, it got the job done, yet I still wish for a more rich package, and a carrying case or a pouch is a must have nowadays.
Technical specifications
Specs
- Driver: 10mm PU+LCP dynamic driver
- Colors: Gun, Black
- Sensitivity: 104 ±3 dB @ 1 kHz 0.179v
- Frequency response: 10 Hz -20 kHz
- Maximum distortion: 3% @ 1kHz 0.179v
- Impedance: 32Ω±15%
- Interface: 0.78mm gold plated 2 pin 3,5 mm or USB Type-C DAC connector
Drivers
The TINHIFI C2 2025s have a single 10mm PU (20%) + LCP (80%) dynamic driver inside each earpiece. From what TinHiFi claims, they are designed to give you a clean, balanced sound without too much fuss. Basically just straightforward, reliable audio.
Build Quality
The C2s are built like little tanks with a solid metal shell with 3 screws for design purposes and a nicely looking vent hole. They feel very rugged, which I appreciate because it makes them feel durable enough for everyday use without having to worry about them getting damaged easily. The fit was ok for me, but I think they could have made it much smaller.
Cable
The cable is detachable and uses a recessed 2 pin connection with a right angle 3.5 connector (in my case), and although it is very thin, I think it will hold up. There is also an in line microphone, so I can take calls easily without needing to switch devices or take out the earbuds. Just what is strange to me is the chin cinch, which is positioned under the mic, and it will not let you slide it above the mic, so you can’t put it tightly…
Connectivity Option
If you are not into the traditional 3.5mm jack, you can also buy the C2s with a USB-C option, which is a nice touch if you are using a newer phone or tablet without a headphone jack.
Sound performance
Bass
The bass on the C2 2025s leans more toward a sub bass focus but it’s still not a basshead bass. It’s noticeable, but I wouldn’t call it super powerful. There’s some roll off on the low end, so it doesn’t hit that extra “oomph” that bassheads might want, but its definitely there. On slower tracks, it’s decent, but it starts to struggle a bit when things speed up, sounding a little sluggish and even bleeding into the mids at times. It’s not the most textured or detailed bass, but it still adds enough weight to get by.
Mids
The lower mids are warmer, so they are thick. It’s got that tuning where male vocals will get thick note and instruments will have thicker and warmer sound as they blend in. There’s a bit of an upper mids boost that can make female vocals sound a bit intense at higher volumes, almost on the edge of shouty. At medium levels, it’s fine, though, and the mids as a whole still come through in a natural way, without any odd harshness or wonkiness, but it can sometimes get a bit shouty.
Highs
The treble is smooth and pretty relaxed, which makes it easy for long listening sessions without hitting any sibilance. If you are someone who’s sensitive to treble, these are a safe pick, as there is not much brightness that would cause fatigue. That said, it’s not very extended, so you don’t get a lot of sparkle or extra clarity up top. It’s a bit subdued, which keeps things comfortable but might feel a bit “safe” or even dull for those who prefer more excitement in the highs.
Technical Performance
Detail Retrieval
I’d say details here are on the softer side. There’s a bit of a veil, and it doesn’t dig up those micro details in the music like some other sets. You get the basics, but finer textures and little nuances tend to blur together.
Soundstage
It’s pretty average, not wide or spacious. Everything stays pretty close, so it’s not the most 3D experience, but it doesn’t feel too closed in either.
Imaging
I’d call the imaging functional. It gets the job done but doesn’t have that precise placement that would make complex tracks really shine. Sometimes, especially with busy songs, things can feel like they are blending into one spot rather than separating out…
Layering
It has a harder time keeping up with layered tracks that have a lot going on. When instruments overlap or riffs stack up, it can get a bit muddy, and things don’t always feel distinct and separated.
Conclusion
I would say that the C2 2025 is a nice all rounder that does a pretty good job for its price. It’s built like a tank, so I’d say durability won’t be an issue, and the tuning is generally a safe one and easy to enjoy. If you are looking for something versatile with a more relaxed sound, it’s a decent option, but keep in mind that it’s definitely not a technical IEM…
That said, if you can stretch your budget a bit, I’d probably suggest looking at the DUDU instead. I know, I know, its a planar and not DD, but I feel like it just edges out the C2 2025 in almost every area. From clarity to technicalities. Keep in mind, though, that the DUDU has a flatter tuning, so if you are into something more lively, you might still prefer the C2. I can also suggest taking a look at the T5S, which, in my opinion, has similar tuning but is executed better, and especially if you can find it on a discount. So at the end the C2 2025, for its price, is not a bad option at all, and if you find attractive what it offers, you can definitely go for it!
Pros
- Great built quality for the price
- Smooth overall sound
- Good and not sharp treble
- The option for 3.5mm or Type-C
Cons
- The accessories are pretty limited
- The cable feels too thin and gentle
- Pretty slow bass
- Technicalities could have been better
