Disclaimer
Yanyin Canon was sent to me for review, but there were no expectations for a positive or a negative review. All thoughts and impressions shared here are based on my unbiased experience with the product.
Introduction
The Yanyin Canon features 1DD and 4BA configuration with 3 tuning switches. Released at (I think) a competitive price point, it offers a level of flexibility that’s always welcomed. These allow users to tailor the sound to their preferences, making it a versatile option for a wide audience. My first impression of the Canon was its strong technical foundation and impressive adaptability to different sources. After experimenting with various combinations, I found my preferred setup using the stock tips, a pure silver cable, and pairing it with the Hiby R6II and iBasso DC-Elite, with only the middle switch engaged. However, I did wish for a touch more treble extension, as the treble switch added more glare than I desired.
Design and Comfort
The Yanyin Canon features a sleek, medical resin shell that is both durable and comfortable for long listening sessions. The shell design includes a small air vent for the dynamic driver on each side, effectively eliminating air pressure build-up and enhancing comfort. The overall fit is snug and ergonomic, making it ideal for extended wear without causing fatigue.
Sound Performance
The sound signature of the Yanyin Canon is highly customizable, thanks to its three tuning switches. In the Down-Up-Down (DUD) configuration, the Canon delivers the most natural sound profile, closely resembling the tuning of Softears Studio4s. This setup offers a balanced sound with a touch of warmth, especially in the mid-bass, providing just enough body to vocals without overwhelming the mix.
The Down-Down-Down (DDD) configuration offers a U-shaped sound signature with a noticeable bass boost, making it suitable for bass-light genres or electronic music. However, for those seeking a more bass-heavy experience, the Up-Down-Down (UDD) configuration significantly amplifies the low end, although it can overwhelm the natural balance found in the DUD setup.
The Canon’s technical abilities are noteworthy, with an above-average soundstage that captures the width and height of recordings effectively. Imaging is precise, allowing each element of the music to have its own space. The bass is dynamic and well-controlled, adding a slight warmth to the low mids, while the mids themselves are natural and resolving, sitting upfront when the mix demands it. The trebles are detailed and clean, although slightly recessed for my taste. While the treble switch can be engaged to boost these frequencies, it tends to introduce a shrillness that detracts from the overall experience. Foam tips help tame the treble but can make the mids sound uneven. After experimenting, I found that the stock tips offered the best balance.
Ease of Driving
The Yanyin Canon is easy to drive, thanks to its very low resistance. However, this also means it is quite revealing, exposing any hiss or noise from your source. The IEM scales impressively with higher-end equipment but can also reveal the limitations of lower-end sources. After experiencing it with a high-quality DAP or DAC, listening through a basic phone or laptop might be disappointing as the Canon’s full potential is not utilized.
Yanyin Canon Personal Comments
Overall, the Yanyin Canon 2 was already great but Yanyin Canon is a fantastic IEM for those who value flexibility in sound tuning. While the treble could use a bit more refinement, and not all switch configurations are equally useful, the Canon still offers a remarkable listening experience that can be tailored to individual preferences. It’s an IEM that grows with you, especially as you upgrade your source equipment and one that I’ve decided to keep as a daily driver due to its comfort, natural sound signature, and impressive technical performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Highly Customizable Sound: Three tuning switches provide multiple sound profiles, allowing you to tailor the sound to your preference.
- Comfortable Fit: Medical resin shell design with an air vent ensures comfort for long listening sessions without air pressure build-up.
- Strong Technicalities: Above-average soundstage, precise imaging, and resolving mids offer a highly technical listening experience.
- Easy to Drive: Low resistance makes it easy to drive from most sources while scaling well with higher-end equipment.
Cons:
- Limited Useful Configurations: Although the three switches offer many options, only three configurations felt truly effective.
- Treble Needs Refinement: The DUD configuration could benefit from a bit more treble, and the treble switch can introduce unwanted sharpness.