In this article, I review the I/O Audio Sogno IEMs. Sogno features a 2DD+6BA configuration and a 5-way electronic crossover and is priced at $399.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Shenzhen Audio for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.
I/O Audio Sogno
Specifications
Driver Unit: 1x 10mm + 6mm Customized Coaxial Dual Dynamic Driver;
4x Customized Full Range Balanced Armature Driver;
2x Customized High Range Balanced Armature Driver
Diaphragm Material (DD): 10mm Silicone Rubber Surround Mixed-Fiber Dome;
6mm PET Diaphragm
Frequency-crossover Structure: 5-Way Electronic (4-Way Physical)
THD: THD@1kHz<0.8% (94dB)
Sensitivity: 126.5dB/Vrms (@ 1kHz)
Impedance: 12.89Ω±10% (@1kHz)
Effective Frequency Response Range: 20Hz – 20kHz (IEC60318-4, -3dB)
Cable Material: 4-Strand Oxygen-free Copper Cross – Twisted Cable
In the Box
- Sogno IEMs
- Faux leather carrying case
- 4-strand, 6N OFC, silver-plated cable
- 3.5mm, 2.5mm, and 4.4mm plug terminations
- TW45 medium-bore single flange tips (s/m/l) + case
- TW40 wide-bore single-flange tips (s/m/l) + case
- TW43 wide-bore single-flange tips (s/m/l) + case
- ST50 wide-bore single-flange tips (s/m/l) + case
- F49 wide-bore foam tips (s/m/l) + case
- Cleaning cloth
Design
Sogno adopts a similar styling as its predecessor, the Volare. It has the same glittery grey shells with a slightly different faceplate pattern. Subjectively, I think this IEM looks incredible – maybe even more so than the Volare.
Sound
Gear used for testing includes the iBasso DX180, FiiO KA17 and SMSL RAW-MDA1.
The I/O Audio Sogno has a V-shaped sound signature with an elevated sub-bass and upper midrange. It places a lot of emphasis on the upper mids around 2kHz-3kHz. This gives it excellent vocal clarity, instrument definition, and abundant forwardness. However, I found this boosted presence region sounded shouty and harsh, without enough lower midrange warmth to fill in the gaps.
Bass
The bass has a sub-bass focus and a somewhat hollow mid-bass. While it can produce some rumble, I found the bass in general lacks authority and extension. The mid-bass sounds somewhat anaemic and lacks body and impact. However, the bass is tight and agile and doesn’t bleed into the lower mids.
Midrange
There’s good clarity and articulation in the midrange but male vocals and instruments in the lower mids lack richness and saturation. The upper midrange emphasis is quite aggressive and shouty.
Treble
The treble is fairly forward in the mix and coupled with the boosted upper mids, it creates a bright tonality. Unfortunately, despite its brightness, the Sogno’s detail retrieval is nothing to write home about and feels somewhat lacking. It struggles to extract finer nuances, leaving the overall presentation sounding bright but lacking in refinement.
Soundstage & Technicalities
The soundstage is fairly wide but lacks depth. Sogno’s resolution is lower than I expect to find at this price point. Instrument separation and imaging are average and the detail retrieval is moderate.
Verdict
The I/O Audio Sogno is a beautifully crafted IEM that comes with generous and well-thought-out accessories. However, the audio quality doesn’t quite live up to the price, falling short in terms of detail retrieval and resolution. While some might appreciate its brighter tonality, it lacks the refinement and technical performance expected at this level.