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As we speak, we evaluation the RAPTGO Leaf D01, which is an reasonably priced self-developed 10mm twin cavity dynamic driver common in-ear monitor. It’s priced at $129.
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There is no such thing as a doubt that the younger IEM producer Raptgo can design novel and thrilling releases as they did with the Hook-X. However I wager not quite a bit knew of the model earlier than their TOTL hybrid planar and PZT driver which makes it all of the extra thrilling to know the place they’re headed.
So, once I heard Raptgo set its sights on saying a brand new single dynamic driver IEM known as the Leaf D01, I grew to become curious if will probably be a profitable streak.
The actual problem I see with the Leaf D01 is that if the $100 financial savings from the Hook-X are a trigger for concern or celebration.
Tech Highlights
With out the mumbo jumbo of a multiple-driver system, the Leaf D01 is stored easy with a single 10mm Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) dynamic driver. It’s a newly developed driver by Raptgo able to producing frequencies ranging between 20Hz and 35kHz.
What’s particular about that is that even with their restricted price range they nonetheless got here up with a devoted driver. The tuning and tweaking of the 9 micro-LCP diaphragm and the twin layer OFC voice coil are as much as Raptgo to settle.
The Leaf D01 can be designed with a semi-open again cavity as proven by the 2 chunks of cutouts on the face. This sort of therapy often helps in lowering undesirable ear stress and in some functions improves the sound as nicely.
Design
After all, the Leaf D01 is formed in the identical kind as the place it’s named after. Nonetheless, it lacks any shade often related so the rugged aviation-grade aluminum physique of the Leaf D01 gained’t be paying homage to the greens except instructed.
And when worn, I additionally seen that the tip that mimick the place a leaf finish is pointed downwards. So, onlookers will likely be much less prone to relate the Leaf D01 to its inspiration with one look alone.
I gained’t dismiss although that when oriented correctly, the Leaf D01 is an elegantly designed IEM. The perpendicular canal varieties a strong lure persevering with to the tender crease, finishing a leaf’s guise.
Whereas touching the floor as I inspected the construct high quality, the tender brilliance coming off of the IEM supported the strong materials used for the chassis. And in response to Raptgo, the outside has been handled for bettering the resistance of the Leaf D01 to put on.
Utilizing common 0.78mm 2-pin sockets, what’s distinctive concerning the Leaf D01 is the sunken gap the place the cable ought to be inserted. I did discover it worrying to start with since not with the ability to see inside I could possibly be forcing the pins in whereas not but aligned.
Consolation & Isolation
Due to the recessed connectors mounted deeper than normal the ear guides are positioned proper the place it must be to not have an ungainly hole curving again. This can be so however the precise curvature, as soon as it reaches the decrease portion, just isn’t as cosy feeling so it isn’t as safe as I’d have preferred.
The form of the shell additionally sits a bit weak in my ear. Whereas I maintain the Hook-X with excessive reward because it sits firmly even with its heavier and bulkier construct, the Leaf D01 falls out extra simply in all probability due to its smaller and extra elongated dimensions.
The place the Leaf D01 positive aspects confidence is in its nimble weight as soon as placed on. It could be dense and strong within the hand being absolutely steel however that rapidly fades when it additionally isolates fairly averagely for a semi-open again when fitted accurately.
Ideas
I’ll get to the variations in sound in a later part since there is no such thing as a clear label differentiating the 2 units of silicone ear suggestions offered. However it’s good of Raptgo to make use of a tough case to retailer the information which can be utilized if you wish to additionally convey aftermarket ones on the go.
The principle figuring out issue when deciding on suggestions is the totally different coloured stems. What’s much less apparent although because the bore width and total dimensions are related is that one set has a tougher composition whereas the opposite is on the softer facet.
Inventory Cable
There are two apparent modifications Raptgo did to the cable of the Leaf D01. The 1.25m cable offered remains to be utilizing 0.78mm 2-pin connectors for the IEMs however it not has the interchangeable connectors and the colour is now extra impartial.
I don’t thoughts dropping the flexibility to swap the ends of the cable since on the finish of the day I a lot choose simplicity and save on the additional jacks not included. For me, the usual 3.5mm jack can be placing much less pressure when plugged in since it’s also shorter constructed.
The end on the metals used on the y-split and jacks are strong and the 2-pin can be designated with a pink and blue ring to determine the facet. And the softness of the paracord cable is versatile sufficient plus it has a premium-looking nylon braid that if not for the slight microphonics is already good for on a regular basis use.
Packaging & Equipment
In all probability as a result of the model is fairly younger, the unboxing of the Leaf D01 is equivalent to their extra profitable and costly Hook-X monitor to construct an upscale picture. Raptgo stored the field in a sleeve along with the bristly but nice-to-touch supplies used inside.
However earlier than we see the Leaf D01, a skinny translucent plastic with the Raptgo emblem will teasingly present what’s beneath. Whereas it doesn’t straight serve any actual objective to guard the contents, it does once more present that Raptgo cares concerning the expertise.
With a modest partition created from thick cardboard hiding the paper works taking on a lot of the decrease part, the Leaf D01 in its space is free from any distraction. Beneath each sections are the remainder of the equipment.
The half the place the cheaper Leaf D01 reveals a distinction from its costlier sibling is the lacking interchangeable connector to the cable. So, other than the laborious case containing the substitute suggestions inside, solely the cable with a 3.5mm jack is left.
Sound Impressions
The yellow stem silicone ear suggestions have been used within the formulation of the sound impressions. How the sound is modified by swapping suggestions will likely be mentioned individually. Each the Chord Electronics Mojo 2 and the Earmen Angel transportable DAC/Amps have been used as sources.
Abstract
A coursing high quality the Leaf D01 exhibited all through is its means to excite and sound clear, which by the way in which is its primary criticism as nicely if a brighter sound signature just isn’t up your alley. I do need to applaud Raptgo although for making the Leaf D01 its personal IEM and never being primarily based on its extra profitable larger brother.
Technicality clever the primary spotlight for me if you wish to contemplate the Leaf D01 is instrument separation and depth. The semi-opened chassis might be serving to quite a bit in conserving the room info fairly cohesive for the value.
As talked about, the Leaf D01 is a brightly-tuned monitor. The bass area isn’t insubstantial in any respect however will appear on the reserved facet as soon as the upper frequencies starting from the higher midrange to the treble area trades evenness for perceived readability.
Timbre
The Leaf D01 gained’t be the sweetest nor closely flavored IEM should you’re curious. Quite the opposite, it is a fascinating hear that solely provides impression by means of traces of being supple in key areas because it in the end pursues a sure degree of precision.
And so initially, the Leaf D01 did appear fairly missing in character till I seen it approaching with an expansive piano reverb. It’s fairly amusing {that a} deep rumble diffusing in an accentuated method is all it must introduce some life to the combination.
Transparency remains to be at play right here even with the fleeting feeling of wetness and smoothness within the low finish. Examine the scene additional and whereas the shortage of tightness brings larger thumps nearer to 1 one other, tighter bass strains will present crispness across the edges.
The vocal area is ethereal for the value and the definition although not actually refined is simple to detect. Feminine singers are particularly resolving however the climb to the treble area has a shouty character that could possibly be an excessive amount of to some.
Serving to the advantage of the Leaf D01 on most devices a minimum of is the timbre that doesn’t sound anemic. So, play the proper set of songs and the Leaf D01 wouldn’t get highhanded.
Nonetheless brilliant sounding in the long run, devices could provoke readability and element to start with however they may use extra delicacy to not sound as spicy for lengthy listening. The surplus vitality for instance of a loud electrical guitar tends to cowl different elements of the tune which may get off-putting.
Staging
Relying on the combination some devices stage out of the motive force simply. The dispersion of sound echoes with a deep area that doesn’t sound pressured or laborious within the placement of snaps and faucets.
And there will even be no concern width-wise with the staging functionality of the Leaf D01. Nevertheless it doesn’t go as tall although so whereas it does have management over a busy state of affairs, the dispersion of vitality will likely be heard extra laterally limiting placement accuracy.
I do discover that the scale of the devices is fairly just like each other and the vocals are in entrance comfortably sitting a few rows forward.
Ear Ideas
Earlier than I even started reviewing the Leaf D01, I’d been switching tricks to see which fits the Leaf D01 extra. I’m curious to see if Raptgo is remodeling the tuning in a manner that would swimsuit totally different use circumstances.
What jumped at me is a extra ahead midrange when utilizing the inexperienced suggestions bringing vocals nearer. If a extra naturally spaced and distanced heart picture is most well-liked, the yellow did usher in some extra breathiness along with a lighter impression.
The yellow suggestions having a thinner signature let devices separate clearer opening up the image. Its primary drawback although is that at occasions it may be extra sibilant.
I nonetheless stayed with the yellow suggestions for the evaluation although because the inexperienced suggestions aren’t fairly giving the low-end that I wished. Whereas it does have a tighter sonic attribute, its bass line is drier and never as simply presenting itself because the denser oomph of the yellow suggestions.
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