In today’s article, I’m reviewing the Raptgo Leaf earphones. The Leaf features a single 10mm LCP dynamic driver and CNC-crafted aluminium shells. It’s priced at $129.

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

I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars.

Walt Whitman

Raptgo Leaf

Specifications

• Driver: New generation 10mm LCP dynamic driver
• Sensitivity: 110dB SPL/mW
• Frequency range: 20Hz-35KHz
• Impedance: 32ohm
• Interface: 0.78mm 2Pin
• Price: $129

Package and Accessories

Raptgo does excellent packaging and it’s no exception with the Leaf. The box is nice on both the inside and the outside and the included accessories are solid as well. Here’s what you get in the box:

• Raptgo Leaf IEMs
• Detachable fabric braided 0.78mm 2-pin cable
• 6 pairs of silicone eartips
• Faux leather carrying case
• Documentation

Design

Inspired by nature, Leaf’s CNC-carved aluminium shells are shaped like their namesake. The gunmetal grey finish with its mix of sharp and curved lines gives off a steampunk vibe. And I like it.

There are 2 vents on the faceplate and another near the base of the nozzle. The nozzles have a proper lip so eartips are held securely in place. A metal grill on the nozzle protects the IEM from detritus and ear wax.

The Leaf comes with standard 0.78mm 2-pin sockets that are sunk really deep into the shell body. As a result, both the sockets and the connectors have added protection and longevity. I’m really impressed with the overall build quality.

The included cable is made of high-purity OFC wire with a nylon braided outer layer. It handles reasonably well but has some mild microphonics (cable noise). Sadly, this cable is not modular like the one that comes with the Raptgo Hook X, but it’s pretty nice.

Sound

The Leaf’s presentation is V-shaped. It has boosted bass and treble with somewhat dry mids. Its tonality is on the warmer side of neutral; a result of the lifted bass but it has a spirited top end too.

Bass

The bass is emphasized but not to basshead levels. Both sub and mid-bass have a meaty response. The sub-bass rumble is really satisfying and fun to listen to. Mid-bass notes have clean leading edges but a good deal of impact as well.

Overall, I find the Leaf’s bass to be of good quality; it’s powerful yet it doesn’t intrude on the middle bands and it’s quick enough to keep up with all music genres. If I had to nitpick, I’d say the leading edges of kick drums are a tad too sharp. But that wouldn’t be fair because, for the vast majority of the time, I really enjoy the bass.

Midrange

The midrange is tuned for clarity and spaciousness. Thus, it had a leaner note size which can be heard in vocals and instruments. A thinner centre image means the mids don’t sound congested or smeared. However, there’s enough body present so that the mids still sound natural and not just super clean.

There’s a pretty good sense of midrange layering for something in this price range. They might not hold you in their warm embrace but they don’t leave you out in the cold either. The Leaf fills the space with detail and air and shows off some pretty impressive dynamics.

Treble

Riding on top of the punchy bass and neutral mids, the treble takes on a slightly edgier stance. It’s a bit uneven and peaky, making the highs brighter and somewhat unpredictable. One result of the treble’s ebullience is very good definition across the board. Not only does it make percussion attacks snappy and tight but it gives the midrange clarity in spades.

However, that same exuberance also has the effect of adding sharpness. The Leaf doesn’t suffer from sibilance but the occasional snare drums and cymbals come across a bit too strongly, especially at higher volume. On a more positive note, the detail retrieval is good but some listeners might find the treble fatiguing over time.

Soundstage and Technicalities

The soundstage has average width and depth. Although it has fairly forward highs, it’s not an especially airy treble. As a result, the stage isn’t all that wide but it is spherical and well organized and there’s ample space between instruments. Imaging is around average for single DD IEMs in this price range so you can get fairly accurate positioning.

Verdict

The Raptgo Leaf shows that the brand wasn’t just a one-hit wonder based on the Hook X. I can tell from the build quality and tuning of the Leaf that we can expect good things from Raptgo in the future. The design is excellent and the included accessories are top-notch.

The Leaf IEM has great bass and an impressive midrange with good technical ability sprinkled on top. If the treble was a bit more refined, the Leaf could be fantastic but as it stands, it’s just another good IEM in a very competitive space.

You can get the Leaf at AliExpress and Linsoul.