BGVP is a Chinese manufacturer that specialises in in-ear monitors. They produce earphones ranging from ultra-budget all the up to flagship models in excess of $1000. In this review, I’m looking at their latest entry-level earphone, the BGVP DN2. The DN2 is a dual-driver hybrid unit with 1 beryllium-plated dynamic driver and 1 customised balanced armature driver.

BGVP Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BGVPaudio

Disclaimer: This sample was provided for the purpose of an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own based on my experience with the product.

BGVP DN2

• 

• 

Package and Accessories

The outer packaging is consistent with other BGVP models we’ve seen in the past. There is an outer white cardboard sleeve with an unbleached brown box beneath. When you open the box you’re greeted with the earphones plus a wide variety of accessories. This is more than you normally get with IEMs at this price point and is a refreshing change. In fact, the bundle is similar to what you get with BGVP’s more expensive models such as the DMG and DMS.

Box contents:

• BGVP DN2 earphones
• Detachable SPC MMCX cable
• Velcro cable tie
• Shirt clip
• 1 pair of foam eartips
• 3 pairs of ‘vocal’ silicone eartips
• 3 pairs of ‘ bass’ silicone eartips
• 3 pairs of wide bore silicone eartips
• User manual/warranty card

• 

• 

Design, Comfort and Isolation

DN2’s aluminium-magnesium alloy shells are CNC milled to a high-degree of precision. The surface is silky smooth and in fact, the shells look and feel similar to the DMG shells, albeit much smaller. They’re actually quite diminutive and look smaller than they do in the photos.

Surrounding the faceplates is a silver ring and within the ring is silver BGVP lettering. On the top of the shells are the MMCX sockets which are colour coded (red for right and blue for left). The nozzles have a solid ridge that holds eartips securely in place, as well as a metal mesh cover.

Although I generally find BGVP’s earphones comfortable, the DN2 fits my ears particularly well. Due to the small shell size and smooth finish, I barely notice they’re in my ears and can comfortably wear them for hours. Furthermore, the nozzles are fairly long making it easy to choose the right eartips and get a nice, secure fit.

Noise isolation is fairly good for such a small earphone and if someone tries to talk to me while I’m listening to music I generally don’t hear a word. Perfect!

Cable

The silver-plated 6N OCC cable is really quite nice. It’s braided with 4 strands and has smooth, transparent insulation. The black aluminium MMCX connector housings are colour coded and marked with L and R for left and right respectively. A barrel-shaped Y-split, the straight 3.5mm plug and the connector housings all have the exact same colour and finish as the shells, making the package feel coherent and well though out.

There’s also a small transparent plastic chin slider should you wish to use it. Handling is excellent, as the supple cable drapes nicely and has very minimal microphonics. Overall, this is among the nicest stock cables you’ll see around this price point.

Sound

Gear used for testing:

• Windows laptop -> Cozoy TAKT C
• iBasso DX120
• FiiO M6

The DN2 has a warm, laid back and musical presentation. It’s defined by its weighted, impactful mid-bass and lower midrange warmth. The overall tonality is a little dark which comes from an emphasis on the low end and a relaxed upper treble.

Bass

The beryllium-plated dynamic driver produces a reasonably fast bass but meaty bass. More emphasis is put on the mid-bass but the sub-bass still delivers a satisfying smooth rumble. The bass is boosted north of neutral but not anywhere near basshead levels.

Leading edges are slightly blunted to give a thicker, weightier impact but the control is still good throughout. The upper bass carries over into the lower mids but without any noticeable bloat.

Mids

Lower midrange notes are forward and slightly thick, giving vocals and instruments an inherent warmth that is both inviting and musical. Vocals are rich and slightly forward. String instruments have body and resonance and although electric guitars aren’t super crunchy, they still have good texture.

Overall, the midrange is warm and smooth with a more harmonious than analytical presentation. Having said that, the midrange timbre is still quite good despite the full-bodied and forward nature.

Treble

The treble is fairly relaxed apart from a considerable peak at 8kHz. The DN2 manages to avoid sibilance in most cases but if it’s inherent in the recording it can be heard. Hi-hats and cymbals sound quite natural without being harsh or brittle.

There is a decent amount of details and even some degree of micro-details can be heard within the overall warmth of the tonality. BGVP’s new Phoenix balanced armature driver shows a marked improvement in the treble compared to some of their earlier models, like the DS1 Pro. It’s non-offensive, crisp and has good extension.

Soundstage

The DN2 soundstage is fairly intimate in terms of dimensions but is quite stable. It is a little narrow but portrays a good sense of depth and has a strong centre image. Instrument separation is good, although it deteriorates somewhat on bass-heavy tracks. Imaging is a strong point of the DN2 and it has well-defined layering for a budget IEM. It does a good job of instrument positioning in songs like Hadouk Trio’s “Dragon de lune – Live“, which I found very enjoyable with these earphones.

Comparisons

iBasso IT00 ($69)

The iBasso IT00 has a single dynamic driver. Just like the DN2, it has a warm tonality with an emphasis on the bass. The difference here is that the IT00 has an emphasis on the sub-bass and a leaner mid-bass.

IT00 has a deeper underlying warmth with a leaner midrange, while the DN2’s warmth carries well over into the lower mids. To put it another way: the IT00 generally boosts bass guitars while the DN2 emphasises the kick drum more.

The IT00 has a more even treble with slightly better extension. Its treble is not quite as forward as the DN2 but it still sounds airier and a bit lighter compared to the more direct and denser DN2’s treble. IT00 has a larger soundstage but the DN2’s imaging is more steadfast.

Tin Hifi T2 Plus ($59)

The Tin Hifi T2 Plus is a single dynamic driver earphone. Its general tonality is more linear and leaner in nature than the DN2. The DN2, in comparison, has a warmer, denser presentation with more bass presence and warmth.

In terms of bass, the DN2 has more impact and a punchier sound. The T2 Plus has a linear transition between the sub-bass and mid-bass, giving its low end more emphasis than the DN2. Furthermore, the Tin T2 Plus bass is more in line with the midrange and treble, while the DN2 favours the bass and midrange more.

It’s really in the midrange where these two contrast most starkly: the T2 Plus has a neutral midrange with lean note size and a lightness while the DN2 is thicker, warmer and denser. The DN2 is more upfront and deliberate compared to the T2 Plus’ light airiness.

In the treble, the T2 Plus has a more even response, while the DN2 is quite peaky. As a result, the DN2 has more dynamism but at the same time, is prone to occasional sibilance. In terms of build quality, both have metal shells but I find the ergonomics of the DN2 to provide a more secure and comfortable fit.

Conclusion

The BGVP DN2 is an earphone that in some ways, goes back to the days of musicality while many other current offerings are vying to impress with linear, technical performance and Harmon curves. It has a fun, boosted bass, a warm, rich midrange and detailed but smooth treble.

If you’re tired of the recent budget earphones that are all aiming to please the ‘audiophiles’ and instead just want something that has good bass and a fun sound, then the DN2 might be just what you’re looking for.

Specifications

Impedance: 21Ω
Sensitivity: 110dB/mW
Frequency response range: 20-350000Hz
Driver configuration: 1x 10mm beryllium-plated dynamic driver + 1x customized Phoenix balanced armature driver