Launched in 2017, the Tin Hifi T2 was a smashing success for the brand and it launched them onto the world stage. Five years later, the T2 is still considered to be an excellent IEM. We’ve seen several iterations and revisions of the original T2 (or Tank) body and it’s held up remarkably well. So well, in fact, that we’re still seeing new releases using the same shells even today. And in this article, I’m checking out the new Tin Hifi T2 DLC.

The Tin Hifi T2 DLC comes with a 4th gen DLC composite diaphragm, a 10mm dynamic driver and the now very familiar aviation-grade aluminium metal cavity. It’s priced at $59.

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.

Tin Hifi T2 DLC

Specifications

• Driver: 4th Gen DLC Composite Diaphragm, 10mm Dynamic Driver
• Impedance: 32Ω±15%
• Sensitivity: 111±3dB @1kHz 0.179V
• Frequency response: 10-20000Hz
• Cable: 5N 8-core silver-plated cable
• Interface: 0.78mm 2Pin
• Price: $59

What’s in the Box

• Tin Hifi T2 DLC IEMs
• Detachable 5N 8-core silver-plated cable
• 1x pair of foam eartips
• 6x pairs of silicone eartips
• Documentation/warranty

Design

Little has changed in the external physical design of the T2 DLC. The faceplates now sport a coloured logo which is the only visible difference compared to the original T2. On closer inspection though, we see that the T2 DLC now has 0.78mm 2-pin sockets in place of the previous MMCX ones.

Internally, things are different, of course. The T2 DLC houses a single 10mm composite diaphragm dynamic driver whereas the original T2 had dual dynamic drivers working in tandem.

There’s a small vent below the 2-pin socket housing and another one near the base of the nozzle. A protective metal grille covers the mouth of the nozzles to keep out ear wax and debris.

I’ve always found the T2 shells neither especially comfortable nor uncomfortable. Although they don’t cause my ears any discomfort, they don’t feel all that secure in my ears. The passive noise isolation is less than average.

Sound

Gear used for testing includes the SMSL DO200 MKII paired with the Topping L30 II, iFi Micro iDSD Signature and xDuoo Link2 Bal.

Bass

The bass is near neutral in quantity. It has good note weight and yet is nimble and fast. There’s a touch more emphasis on the mid-bass compared to the ultra-lows. Having said that, the sub-bass is able to produce some light rumbling.

Firing up Synthetic Epiphany’s “Icarus (feat. CoMa)”, the T2 DLC doesn’t have the impact or authority of something like the Tin Hifi T3 Plus. But it sounds remarkably clean and has just the right amount of thickness.

Midrange

The midrange has a pleasing balance between presence and ease of listening. There’s ample clarity and plenty of detail, although I wouldn’t call it an especially resolving IEM. I suppose the thing that comes to mind when listening to the T2 DLC’s mids is that they sound natural.

There’s nothing forced or artificial about the midrange. Vocals and instruments have a lifelike timbre – although upper piano registers and some brass instruments might sound a bit edgy from time to time.

Treble

There’s a reasonable amount of energy and liveliness in the highs. Sibilance is not an issue, even on inherently sibilant recordings. The upper treble is slightly smoothed over but the overall extension is quite good.

It’s not the most detailed treble but it’s forward enough to give clarity to the midrange and some spaciousness to the sound. Although I wouldn’t call it a ‘sparkly’ treble, I think it’s nicely tuned and adds just the right amount of brightness while simultaneously avoiding any sharpness. It’s an unremarkable but pleasant treble.

Soundstage and Technical Performance

The soundstage is average in size meaning it doesn’t extend out past your ears but at the same time, it doesn’t feel crowded. Placement is decent and you can get a fairly clear idea of the position of different instruments. Macro details are handled well but some micro-details aren’t as apparent. Considering the price, I think this IEM’s technical performance is respectable.

Comparison with the Original T2

The Tin Hifi T2 (review here) has a lighter, airier presentation. It’s got noticeably less bass presence and weight than the DLC. The T2’s midrange comes to the forefront more in tuning and stage position. Vocals and instruments don’t have as much density as they do on the T2 DLC.

Although the T2 doesn’t have a prominent treble, the highs stand out more due to the lightness of the bass. As a result, the T2 sounds more ethereal and airier than the DLC. The DLC, on the other hand, has better note density and more body. The original T2 has a larger and airier stage.

Verdict

The Tin Hifi DLC is more of an evolution than a revolution in the Tank IEM series. It improves on several aspects of the original sound such as body and note weight. At the same time, it concedes some of T2’s strong points like airiness and soundstage. At the end of the day, it’s a good IEM that can stand up on its own merits and performs well for the price.