In this article, I review the new Soratune YI01 IEMs. Soratune is a name that will be unfamiliar to many people as I write this but seasoned Chi-Fi enthusiasts will most likely know its mother company – Letshuoer. The YI01 features dual dynamic drivers and CNC-crafted aluminium alloy shells. It’s priced at $69.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Soratune for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.
Soratune YI01
Specifications
Driver Unit: Double dynamic coil
Impedance: 9Ω(@1kHz)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): ≤1%(@1kHz)
Sensitivity: 101 dB/mW(@1kHz)
Frequency Response: 20-20kHz
Cable Specification: 1.2m silver plated wire 0.78mm Double Pin
Plug: 3.5mm without Microphone\Type-C with Microphone
Price: $69
In the Box
- Soratune YI01 IEMs
- Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin cable
- Zipper carrying case
- 6* pairs of silicone eartips
Design
Soratune is marketing the YI01 as an IEM for audiophiles and gamers. It’s aimed at the younger crowd with its “mechanical punk” styled shells which are supposedly inspired by the Italian harpsichord.
There’s a single vent on the inner side of the shells which also have standard 0.78mm 2-pin sockets that sit flush with the surface. The nozzles have a good lip to hold eartips in place securely and a protective metal mesh to keep out that nasty ear wax.
Comfort is great, at least for my ears and I can happily wear the YI01 for hours at a time. The passive noise isolation is about average so you can enjoy your music relatively free from distractions.
The YI01 features a braided silver-plated copper cable, designed with durability in mind. Both the Y-splitter and plug are crafted from matching aluminium, while the 2-pin housings and chin slider are made of transparent plastic. It’s a fairly generic style cable but it feels durable and handles well without tangling or microphonics.
Sound
Gear used for testing includes the FiiO KA17, HiFi Walker H20 Pro and SMSL RAW-MDA 1.
The Soratune YI01 has a balanced sound signature. The bass is enhanced slightly, the mids are pulled back a little and the treble is neutral in forwardness. I think calling this a gaming IEM doesn’t do justice to its audio quality because its tuning is quite mature and refined.
Bass
The bass of the Soratune YI01 delivers an impressive performance. It delivers a powerful punch with excellent impact but is never boomy or loose. A rapid decay ensures the bass remains tight and precise, preventing any unnecessary lingering.
The sub-bass extends deep, providing plenty of rumble that adds weight to tracks, yet remains well-contained, with minimal bleed into the mids. This results in a bass response that’s both impactful and refined, striking a fine balance between power and control.
Midrange
The midrange comes across as reasonably forward, offering a sense of clarity and balance. Instruments are well-spread and never feel cramped, giving the mids an effortless, natural vibe. There’s a slight warmth to the tone that adds to its inviting character without feeling overdone.
One of the most satisfying aspects is the evenness—you won’t find any shoutiness or nasal tones here. Female vocals strike a beautiful balance between sultry and bright, coming through smooth yet articulate, while male vocals are dense and rich, retaining a realistic presence with clear definition.
Treble
The treble is well-extended, providing a sense of openness and space without losing its warmth. It has a nice timbre, managing to stay light and airy while still giving the notes enough density to feel present. There’s no sharpness or sibilance to worry about, making it easy on the ears during long listening sessions.
While it may not be the most precise treble, that seems to be by design. The tuning favours a smooth, non-fatiguing experience, which keeps the overall sound enjoyable and relaxed. It’s a treble that’s easy to listen to but is still engaging.
Soundstage & Technicalities
The soundstage is impressively wide, with a stable centre image that solidifies everything. While detail retrieval is only average, it still offers good resolution and dynamics.
Imaging and layering are handled well, making it easy to pick out individual elements within the mix. This capability, combined with the spacious soundstage, makes the YI01 great for music and well-suited for gaming.
Comparisons
Letshuoer S08 ($99)
The Letshuoer S08 (review here) has a single planar driver. It has a warmer tonality due to its fuller lower midrange and a less boosted presence region.
The S08’s bass has more impact and quantity and it hits harder than it does on the Soratune. Vocals have a bigger note size on the S08, in addition to having a more forward presentation. The upper mids have less lift on the S08 but the 9kHz lift adds some extra brightness and detail. Hi-hats and cymbals have more shimmer on the S08.
Soundstage dimensions are similar on both IEMs but the S08 has better overall resolution and detail retrieval. Positioning is more precise on the YI01, however it deteriorates more during complex passages.
Kefine Delci ($59)
features a single dynamic driver that delivers a V-shaped sound signature, emphasizing the bass and treble for a more energetic presentation. Its sub-bass extends deeper, providing a stronger rumble, while the punchier upper bass adds excitement, though it introduces some coloration to the midrange.
The Delci has more treble presence, resulting in brighter highs. It has better detail retrieval than the YI01 but it might be fatiguing for treble-sensitive folk.
Verdict
The Soratune YI01 surprised me with its impressive audio quality. Its tuning leans warmer than neutral, yet it strikes a good balance with solid technical performance. At $69, the YI01 competes well with other IEMs in its price range, though it remains to be seen if listeners will take a chance on a less familiar brand. That said, for anyone seeking a warm, non-fatiguing sound signature, this is an IEM I can confidently recommend.