In this article, I review the OPENAUDIO Siren IEMs. The Siren features a 1DD+2BA driver configuration and a lovely unboxing experience. It’s priced at $249.
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.
OPENAUDIO Siren
Specifications
Drivers: 1DD+2BA
Frequency response: 10Hz – 45kHz
Sensitivity: 107dB
Impedance: 10Ω
In the Box
- OPENAUDIO Siren IEMs
- Detachable OCC copper 0.78mm 2-pin cable
- Rigid carrying case
- 6* pairs of OA05 liquid silicone eartips
- 6* pairs of 003 silicone eartips
- Cleaning cloth
- 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs
- Documentation
Design
Siren has clear acrylic shells offering a clear view of the internal wiring and drivers. The faceplates boast an attractive green and white pattern, adorned with the OPENAUDIO logo and covered with a layer of clear resin that gives the design extra depth and beauty.
There’s a single vent near the 2-pin connector sockets. The aluminium nozzles have a sturdy lip for securing eartips in place and a protective metal grille. Overall, the build quality is fantastic. However, these things are huge. They’re some of the biggest shells I remember seeing in recent times. Why they need such a large acoustic chamber for 4 drivers is beyond my understanding.
The included OCC copper cable is stunning. It’s a dark teal colour that, subjectively, makes it one of the best-looking cables I’ve ever seen. Furthermore, the cable handles really well – you can tell it’s full of high-quality copper just from how it drapes and feels in the hands. All of the cable’s components are polished aluminium, including the chin slider. Moreover, it’s a modular cable, allowing you to easily switch between the included 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations.
Sound
Gear used for testing includes the Muse HiFi M5 Ultra, iBasso DX180 and SMSL RAW-MDA1. Siren is an efficient IEM, so it doesn’t need a powerful source. However, due to its low 10Ω impedance, I’d recommend using a source with as low an output impedance as possible.
The marketing says the OPENAUDIO Siren is tuned to the Harman IE 2019 target, but if you know that target, you’ll see it doesn’t look anything like that in the graph below. It has reduced bass quantity, a massive spike around 4kHz and a treble that drops off a cliff at 8kHz. The resulting sound signature is one that can sound pleasing on certain recordings and dreadful on others.
Bass
The bass has a good blend of impact, speed and control. It doesn’t come near basshead levels; instead, it aims for technical performance with a dash of engagement. The sub-bass extension is quite good and can deliver some satisfying rumble but the mid-bass only has a mild impact.
Midrange
The mids have excellent clarity and presence, largely thanks to a prominent spike at 4kHz -5kHz. Male vocals are articulate but a little recessed while female vocals are highlighted and vibrant. Instruments in the lower mids could use more richness and saturation, as they often come across as dry-sounding. In contrast, the upper mids sound forward and detailed but can also sound a bit aggressive and fatiguing.
Treble
The Siren’s treble is forward and energetic, with most of its emphasis in the lower treble, dropping off sharply after 8-9kHz. Some cymbals sound thin, lacking the sheen and extension for a natural finish. While crisp, treble notes feel prematurely cut off, rather than smoothly extending into the upper ranges. Treble-sensitive listeners might find it a bit too aggressive, while treble enthusiasts will appreciate the energy but may be left wanting more in terms of extension.
Soundstage & Technicalities
The soundstage is reasonably spacious, though slightly constrained by the limited treble extension. Detail retrieval is above average, with the Siren excelling at picking up micro-details that many other IEMs tend to overlook. Instrument separation and imaging are solid, providing accurate placement of vocals and instruments.
Comparisons
Moondrop Kadenz ($189)
The Kadenz (review here) has a single dynamic driver. Kadenz is leaner in the mid-bass and has similar sub-bass extension but less sub-bass quantity. The lower mids on the Kadenz have a similar slightly lean note size. Its upper mids are more prone to nasality whereas the OPENAUDIO Siren has more lift in the presence region – both IEMs sound a bit aggressive in the upper mid/lower treble area. Kadenz has better treble extension, giving it more air and stage width.
ThieAudio Hype 2 ($299)
The Hype 2 (review here) has a 2DD+2BA configuration. Hype 2 has a similar frequency curve but its bass feels beefier, probably because of its isobaric bass configuration. Hype 2 is more even from 2kHz-8kHz, resulting in fewer peaks and a less aggressive presence region. Hype 2’s treble has better extension, making it airier in the highs with better shimmer and more sparkle. It has better stage depth compared to the Siren.
Verdict
The OPENAUDIO Siren is an IEM that shows a lot of promise but is ultimately held back by a few issues. First of all, the shells are huge, which seems unusual considering there are only 3 drivers within. Then there’s the large spike in the upper midrange that sounds a bit aggressive. Lastly, the rolled-off treble limits the amount of air and spaciousness.
That said, the Siren offers excellent midrange clarity and bass control, along with impressive cohesiveness between the IEMs and the bundled accessories. However, I’d hesitate to recommend it at its current price, which feels a bit optimistic for what’s on offer.