In today’s article, I’m reviewing the ARTTI T10 IEM. The T10 features a large 14.2mm planar driver and high-quality silver-plated oxygen-free copper cable. It’s priced at $53.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Volkchoi for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.
ARTTI T10
Specifications
Driver Configuration: 14.2mm Dual Magnetic Circuit Planar Driver
Cavity Material: PC Engineering Plastic + UV handling Technique
Faceplate: 6063 Aviation Aluminum Alloy CNC Carved Decorative Plate
Cable Material: 4-Core 216 Strands * 0.05mm Australian High-Purity Copper Silver-Plated Wire
Cable Connector: Standard 0.78mm 2-Pin
Impedance: 16.5Ω±1% (@1kHz)
Sensitivity: 96dB/mW (@1kHz)
In the Box
- ARTTI T10 IEMs
- Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin SPC cable
- Carrying case
- 6* pairs of silicone eartips
Design
The ARTTI T10 has a somewhat retro design, available exclusively in a beige tone. The shells are crafted from acrylic, featuring aluminium faceplates adorned with a concentric circle pattern. Despite its somewhat budget aesthetic, the T10’s build quality feels robust and reassuringly solid in the hand.
There’s a vent behind the 2-pin socket enclosure and another very small one on the inner side of the shells. The nozzles have a protective metal mesh cover and a lip that holds the eartips in place securely.
The ARTTI T10 shells feel super comfortable in my ears, even more so than many pseudo-custom-shaped ones. I can easily wear these IEMs for extended listening sessions. Passive noise isolation is good too, making the T10 great for distraction-free listening.
The T10 comes with a silver-plated oxygen-free copper cable. This is a fantastic quality cable for such a budget IEM. It has all aluminium components except for the clear plastic chin slider. It looks great, feels good and handles superbly.
Sound
Gear used for testing includes the FiiO KA17, HiBy R3 II and SMSL DO300EX. Despite having a low impedance (16.5Ω,) the T10 also has a rather low sensitivity (96dB). This means that it performs better with a more powerful source. I wouldn’t recommend plugging it straight into a laptop or smartphone but a basic dongle DAC will bring out its potential.
The ARTTI T10 is a bold and dynamic performer. The tuning is decidedly upfront, with a vibrant and engaging midrange that benefits from exceptional clarity. The bass is enhanced, providing a satisfying impact, though at a slight cost to overall resolution. Nevertheless, the T10’s presentation remains lively and involving.
Bass
The bass of the T10 doesn’t quite reach basshead levels, mainly due to a relatively mild mid-bass boost, but it leans in that direction. The sub-bass is elevated and, although it might appear extreme on the graph, it is kept in check by the speed of the planar driver, which offers fast transients and superb overall control.
The bass delivers clean leading edges, rich texture, and commanding authority. This provides a warm foundation, infusing the music with underlying rhythm and groove. Occasionally, there is some bass bleed into the mids, primarily from sub-bass notes but not enough to be problematic.
Midrange
T10’s midrange is both full-bodied and clear. It’s a midrange that demands your attention and blends well with the bass, matching its weight and dimensions perfectly. While this kind of presentation could easily result in a shouty or blurry sound, the T10 makes use of the driver’s agility and resolution to produce a midrange that is simultaneously powerful and articulate.
Overall, this is an impressive midrange for a budget planar IEM. It’s spacious, vivid and resolving yet has enough body to maintain a natural tone and timbre. Vocals are clear and articulate. Male vocals are a hair on the lean side and could use a touch more warmth while female vocals sound vibrant and inviting.
Treble
The treble has a hint of sparkle and glimmer, essential for maintaining spaciousness alongside the enhanced bass. Despite its energy, the treble remains smooth and free of sibilance. There’s good extension in the highs, providing air and openness.
Hi-hats are snappy and the sheen of cymbals has an ethereal lightness. Perhaps most importantly, the treble timbre is outstanding for a budget planar IEM. The treble is perfectly balanced to offset the bass and complement the midrange.
Soundstage & Technicalities
The soundstage has average width but notable height and depth. The stage remains uncluttered except on occasion when there’s a lot of sub-bass activity. Instrument separation is good and the imaging is notable for a budget IEM.
Comparisons
Letshuoer S08 ($99)
The Letshuoer S08 has a 13mm planar driver and comes with metal shells and a modular cable but it is approximately double the price of the T10. The S08 has a warmer tone and a more resolving, albeit less dynamic sound.
S08 has less sub-bass but a punchier and more impactful mid-bass. In addition, it has a bit more fullness in the lower midrange, which is accentuated by a more reserved upper midrange and treble response.
So, the S08 has a smoother overall presentation, with slightly blunted leading edges and softer percussion attacks. These 2 IEMs have similar soundstage dimensions but the S08’s resolution is better, leading to better instrument separation and layering.
Kiwi Ears Melody ($89)
The Kiwi Ears Melody (review here) has a 12mm planar driver and resin shells with an aluminium faceplate. It has a warmer and smoother presentation compared to the T10.
Melody has a more linear transition between the sub-bass and mid-bass and more body in the upper bass and midrange. It has a thicker note size and a darker overall tone.
Melody’s treble is more attenuated, contributing to its darker tone and additional warmth. The Melody is less dynamic and has a safer tuning with more rounded notes. It has a smaller soundstage than the T10 but comparable technical ability.
Verdict
The ARTTI T10 is an exceptional budget planar IEM with a bold and engaging sound signature that will captivate those seeking a dynamic and vivid audio experience. It offers an elevated sub-bass, abundant clarity, and a shimmering yet smooth treble, making it a compelling choice for listeners who prioritize engagement and fun. While it may not satisfy those in search of neutrality or ultimate transparency, the T10 excels in delivering a lively and enjoyable performance with impressive technical prowess. Recommended.