I’m checking out the Tripowin X HBB Olina earphones in this review. The Olina has aviation-grade aluminium shells and a single 10mm Carbon Nanotube (CNT) dynamic driver. It’s priced at $99.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Linsoul for the purpose of an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own based on my experience with the product.
Tripowin X HBB Olina
Specifications
- Diaphragm Material: Carbon Nanotube (CNT)
- Impedance: 32ohm
- Sensitivity: 110dB/mW @1KHz
- Frequency response range: 10-43KHz
Package and Accessories
Here’s what you get inside the box:
- Tripowin Olina IEMs
- 3x pairs of black silicone eartips
- 3x pairs of grey silicone eartips
- 5x pairs of replacement nozzle filters
- Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin cable
- Faux leather carrying case
Design
CNC machined from aviation-grade aluminium, Olina’s shells are durable but lightweight. The faceplates have a smooth glossy finish with a marbled grey or grey/blue pattern. There are 2 vents, one on the front side and another near the nozzle base.
The nozzles are fairly short but have a solid lip that holds eartips securely in place. Overall, the build quality feels good and looks fairly premium for the price.
The Olina comes with a 2-pin silver-plated oxygen-free copper cable. It has a glossy grey PU sheath with matching colour aluminium components. The cable handles fairly well and doesn’t have microphonics but it’s extremely prone to tangling.
Sound
Gear used for testing includes the Shanling Q1, Burson Funk and Cayin RU6.
The Tripowin X HBB Olina has a balanced presentation with a moderate bass boost. It produces an airy sound with a spacious soundstage and an ethereal lightness. Fairly linear in nature, Olina is an IEM with a mostly safe tuning, although the upper midrange is a tad thin. Olina will suit anyone looking for a clean sound with strong technical performance but not so much those looking for a rich or warm tonality.
Bass
The bass has a moderate boost that should satisfy most listeners but might leave bassheads wanting more. It’s a nimble bass with clean leading edges and fast decay. The transition from sub-bass to mid-bass is fairly linear, resulting in a good balance of authority and slam.
However, the bass is light on texture and lacks grit. It’s a well-controlled bass with a somewhat dry upper range that helps create a spacious, open sound. The low-end extension is satisfying and delivers plenty of impact plus ample rumble on demand.
Midrange
The midrange has a neutral-bright tuning making it crisp and somewhat lean. Female vocals and specific instruments such as pianos are crisp and upfront but don’t cause agitation.
Fast transients and the upper midrange lift aid in clarity and articulation. The lower mids are a tad dry and could benefit from more body and fullness. This also applies to male vocals which lack some power and depth. However, the midrange resolution and transparency are above average for something in this price range.
Treble
Olina’s treble is fairly forward in amplitude but doesn’t come across as being sharp. Treble-sensitive listeners may find the sound fatiguing but it shouldn’t be a concern for the majority of people.
It’s an airy treble with good extension and natural decay. The rounded treble notes aren’t the most resolving but they’re smooth and don’t create any sibilance.
Soundstage and Technicalities
Here is where Olina really shines. Its technical performance is among the best you’ll find in this price range. The soundstage is large and airy with good width and ample depth. Olina’s imaging and layering are impressive, as is its detail retrieval. A lot of this comes down to the excellent treble extension and transient speed that results in good spacing and instrument separation.
Comparisons
Moondrop Aria
The Moondrop Aria (review here) has a single dynamic driver. Both of these IEMs have a very similar bass response. But Aria’s bass is more pronounced because its upper midrange is more laidback compared to the Olina.
Olina has an edge in clarity. This comes from the extra lift in the presence region and extra treble. As a result, Olina has a thinner note size and less body. Olina is more detailed but the Aria has a more natural tone.
Aria’s treble is sweeter and more laidback compared to Olina’s drier treble presentation. The Olina has a larger, airier soundstage with better treble extension. The Aria has more note density compared to the Olina.
Verdict
The Tripowin X HBB Olina is a good contender in the $100 price bracket. It has class-leading technical performance, especially in soundstage dimensions. Furthermore, Olina’s build quality and accessories add to its value. Anyone looking for a high-fidelity entry-level IEM should definitely check this one out.