I’m looking at the SeeAudio Yume II in today’s review. The Yume II is a 1DD+2BA revamped version of the original Yume and comes with an updated dynamic driver and new aluminium alloy shells. It’s priced at $199.

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

SeeAudio Yume II

Specifications

• Impedance: 17Ω.
• Frequency Response Range: 20Hz-20kHz.
• THD+N: ≤2%.
• Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA.
• Termination: 3.5mm.
• Connector Interface: 2-pin 0.78mm.
• Cable: 6N OFC Silver-Plated Cable.

What’s in the Box

• SeeAudio Yume II IEM
• Detachable 2-pin cable
• 5x pairs of silicone eartips
• Carrying case
• Warranty card

Design

The Yume II boasts a sleek and stunning design, with its polished aluminium alloy shells replacing the resin body of its predecessor. The golden logo adorns the faceplates, creating a luxurious look that sets it apart from the rest. The bare shells give off a minimalist and premium vibe that is sure to turn heads.

Sure, the surface may be a fingerprint magnet, but the Yume II’s beauty makes it worth it. The single vent in front of the 2-pin socket feeds air for the dynamic driver to push. The nozzles, featuring a proper lip, ensure that eartips stay securely in place.

One minor issue I did experience with my unit was that one of the mesh covers on the nozzles had fallen out and disappeared, it’s worth noting that it might be an individual problem, not a widespread issue.

Comfort was not compromised for aesthetics as the Yume II fits comfortably in my ears, with its reasonably small size and low profile design making it perfect for lying down and listening to music. Passive noise isolation is also noteworthy, as most external noise is effectively blocked out once the music starts playing.

The 6N OFC Silver-Plated Cable adds an extra touch of class to the Yume II’s design, however, it does suffer a bit from microphonics. But not to worry, there’s a chin slider that helps to attenuate the cable noise, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your music.

Sound

Gear used for testing includes the Cayin RU6, Topping E70 and L70 plus the iFi Micro iDSD Signature. The SeeAudio Yume II is an efficient IEM so it doesn’t require a lot of power but it scales with a better source to some degree.

I was left with mixed feelings after listening to the original Yume but I feel more positive overall about this new iteration. The Yume II has a balanced, clean sound signature with good coherency and an organic feel.

Bass

The Yume II boasts a bass response that is nimble yet solid. With its fast and punchy delivery, it produces a bass experience that is both exhilarating and satisfying.

Listeners can expect to hear kick drums that are snappy and precise, with ample impact and weight behind them, giving a sense of power and energy to the music. The bass guitar, which many recent IEMs delegated to the back corner of the room, is brought to the forefront thanks to the upper bass not being excessively scooped out. The result is a more immersive listening experience.

The Yume II’s bass is a perfect balance of power and restraint. It feels powerful without being overpowering, allowing other elements of the music to shine through without being dominated. The bass notes are rich and full, with a natural decay that adds warmth and depth to the music.

Midrange

The Yume II’s midrange is delightful, with a balance of clarity and richness that is hard to come by at this price. The mids sound pristine, letting all the details of the music shine through, but without sounding too lean or thin.

Vocals, whether male or female, sound lush and full-bodied, yet also articulate and detailed. You can really hear the nuances and emotions in the singing, making for an immersive listening experience. The spacing between instruments and vocals is also noteworthy, creating a sense of space and depth that adds to the realism of the music.

Midrange notes sound organic and smooth, without any harshness or roughness. At the same time, they have a light and refreshing quality that makes the music feel airy and lively. This balance of warmth and liveliness is what sets the Yume II’s midrange apart and makes it a standout feature.

Treble

Yume II’s treble is a nice balance of lightness and detail. It’s light and airy, with good extension that allows it to shine in the higher frequency ranges. It’s also detailed and precise, allowing for clear and crisp hi-hats and cymbals. The treble is also notable for being smooth and non-fatiguing, making for a comfortable listening experience even over extended periods of time.

The subtle treble lift is one of the key elements of Yume II’s clarity. It provides clean transient attacks, giving instruments such as cymbals and percussion a sense of immediacy and realism. The leading edges of percussion instruments are clean and precise, adding to the overall realism of the music. While it might not dig up every micro detail, it still offers a good amount of information.

Soundstage and Technical Performance

The Yume II offers a notable improvement in soundstage when compared to its predecessor. The V-shaped signature, while not universally favoured, is executed well in the Yume II, providing a sense of depth and width to the overall listening experience.

The additional bass fullness enhances the depth of the stage, while the crisp highs contribute to a wider soundstage. The positional cues are accurate and the instrument separation is above average. The level of detail retrieval is commendable for the price point, providing a reasonable amount of information without any significant loss. Overall, the Yume II is a well-rounded in-ear monitor that is on par with its peers in a technical sense.

Comparisons

Moondrop KATO ($189)

The Moondrop KATO (review here) has a single dynamic driver.

The KATO and Yume II both pack a punch in the sub-bass department, but the KATO has a slightly fuller mid and upper bass. The KATO’s kick bass will make your heart race with its sharp transient attacks and defined leading edge. But, the Yume II isn’t one to be underestimated, with its smooth and rounded notes.

When it comes to female vocals, the KATO goes for raw power while the Yume II prefers a softer, sultry approach. The KATO’s added lift around 3kHz might be a bit too aggressive for some listeners, but female vocal lovers will appreciate its forwardness.

Both IEMs share a similar frequency curve in the highs, but the KATO’s added upper midrange lift gives it the edge in clarity. The Yume II might have a slight edge in resolution during complex passages, but both IEMs have great detail retrieval.

In conclusion, the Moondrop KATO and SeeAudio Yume II are two IEMs that are similar in many ways but with a unique flavour each. The KATO is cleaner and more aggressive, while the Yume II is slightly less aggressive with more rounded notes. So whether you want to rock out or chill out, these IEMs have got you covered.

Verdict

In conclusion, the SeeAudio Yume II offers a cohesive and organic listening experience with its balanced and natural bass, midrange and treble. The bass is nimble, punchy and well-textured, providing a sense of power and energy to the music. The midrange is rich, clear and detailed, with a good balance of warmth and liveliness. The treble is light, airy and non-fatiguing, adding to the overall clarity and realism of the music.

The soundstage of the Yume II is noteworthy, with a good sense of depth and width, and accurate positional cues and instrument separation. Overall, the SeeAudio Yume II is a highly recommendable in-ear monitor that offers great value for its price.