Greetings,
Today we're checking out the
B200 from Brainwavz.
The B200 was originally
released early 2017 alongside the B100 and B150. What set the B200
apart from it's more budget friendly brethren was the use of two
balanced armatures per side in the vein of the B2, a legacy model in
the Brainwavz lineup that found quite the following.
2018 saw the B200 receiving
a pretty hefty update. Gone were the shells shared with the B100 and
B150. That was replaced by a 3D printed unit very similar to the
design and shape used for the successful B400. Fixed cables were also
made a thing of the past with the B200 now featuring MMCX equipped
removable cables.
How does the current
generation B200 perform. Let's take a closer look!
Disclaimer:
A thank
you to Marlon with Brainwavz for sending over a sample of the B200
for review. The thoughts within this review are my own opinions based on listening to and using the product and
do not represent Brainwavz or any other entity. At the time of
writing, the B200 was retailing for 119.50 USD. You can check it out
here:
https://www.brainwavzaudio.com/products/b200-dual-balanced-armature-earphones
This was originally posted to The Contraptionist. Head on over if you want to read lots more like it.
Sources:
The
B200 was generally used straight out of a Shanling M0 on low gain.
It's not particularly challenging to get up to volume and the M0's
warmth paired nicely with the B200's lean neutrality. It was also
used with my TEAC HA-501 desktop amp on low to mid damping with the
M0 or a ZiShan DSD playing source duty. The B200 doesn't hiss when
paired with a more powerful source which is welcome.
Personal Preferences:
I
listen primarily to various EDM sub-genres (liquid drum and bass,
breakbeat, drumstep, etc.), hip hop, and classic rock. My preferences
for earphone tuning are quite relaxed and as such their is no one
signature I look for. The HiFiMAN RE800, Brainwavz B400, and Massdrop
x MeeAudio Planamic are examples of earphones with wildly varied
signatures that are enjoyable for different reasons. I generally
listen at very low volumes, so keep this in mind when perusing my
thoughts on how an earphone sounds.
Specifications:
- Driver:
Dual balanced armature
- Impedance:
30ohms
- Sensitivity:
110db @ 1mW
- Frequency
Range: 12Hz - 22kHz
Packaging
and Accessories:
I
quite enjoy the packaging Brainwavz has created for their armature
series. It has a very premium feel to it compared to much of the
competition, partly because it shares a number of qualities with the
packaging of the significantly more expensive HEM series of earphones
from Optoma Nuforce. The cardboard has a nice texture and is dense
and durable. It offers lots of protection for the contents inside so
they're kept safe and sound until they get to you, the buyer.
On
the front of the cream white exterior sheath in a clean, contrasting
black font you find the usual Brainwavz branding and model
information. In addition, there are notifications for the inclusion
of Compy foam tips and Brainwavz's generous 24 month warranty. The
sides of the sheath are completely blank while the back contains some
trademark info, the Brainwavz logo, and a number of images to
coincide with the contents.
Sliding
off the sheath reveals a matte grey box with 'Brainwavz' pressed into
the magnetically seal flap and '24 month warranty' pressed into the
main panel. Flipping back the flap you find the inner left panels
contain the Brainwavz mission statement and a short description of
what the warranty covers. In the enclosure on the right you find one
of Brainwavz's outstanding black and red elongated hard shell cases
set within a foam insert, a spare cable tucked in beside it. Resting
on top of the foam, surrounding the case, is a paper insert with a
psychedelic colour scheme thanking you for your purchase. Within the
case resides the B200 and accessories. In all you get:
- B200
earphones
- MMCX
3.5mm cable
- MMCX
mobile cable with inline control and microphone
- Shirt
clip
- Velcro
cable tie
- Red
Comply T-100 foam tips (m)
- Single
flange silicone tips (s/m/l x2)
- Manual
and 24 month warranty card
Overall
a great accessory kit. You get a spare cable, one of the best cases
in the business, quality ear tips, and some potentially useful little
extras like the shirt clip and Velcro strap. No complaints here.
Plus, you can't argue with a 24 month warranty which shows that
Brainwavz is confident in the quality of their products.
Build,
Comfort, and Isolation:
Like
other models in Brainwavz's armature lineup, the B200 features liquid
resin 3D printing for their construction. The shape and design is
quite similar to it's bigger brother, the B400, but shrunk down to
something more suitable for a dual-driver. The printing quality is
good with the two halves of the shell fitting together nicely and the
MMCX ports smoothly integrated, though the cloudiness is a bit of a
turn off. I also miss seeing the Brainwavz logo integrated into the
face plate design. It all looks somewhat barren and overly simple.
FiiO's recent release, the uber stylish FA1, is also 3D printed but
unless you knew ahead of time it would be exceptionally difficult to
tell just by looking at them. While I appreciate what Brainwavz is
doing with the tech and give them huge kudos for being one of the
first to start making retail-ready earphones with it, some additional
refinement would go a long way towards improving the visual appeal.
As is, I think the appeal is in function over form giving the B200 a
very subtle appearance that does not draw attention.
The
cables included with the B200 will be familiar to Brainwavz
faithfuls. They feature multiple twisted strands coated by a tough,
matte black sheath. While they tend to retain bends out of the box
and are a bit springy, the cable materials used have shown me time
and again that they are tough as nails. Plus, microphonics are pretty
minimal, strain relief is prominent (less so on the mobile cable),
and you get the same style of angled ear guides that were first
introduced with the B100 and B150. I love the shape of these guides
as they work very, very well. While the wire and sheath materials are
the same between the two, the hardware is quite different. The
standard cable has a rubber 45 degree angled jack with excellent
strain relief, and a beefy rubber y-split that is equally
well-relieved. Above it sits an effective chin cinch. The mobile
cable adds in a metal three-button remote. The y-split and chin cinch
are swapped out for more compact metal units, still with adequate
strain relief. I'm glad they didn't omit the chin cinch, even if it
can only raise as far as the inline control unit. The 45 degree
angled jack becomes a small metal straight jack. Strain relief here
is a bit short and stiff making me think it won't hold up as well
long term as the 45 degree jack. Overall, both cables are quality
items and welcome inclusions.
Due
to the B200's light weight, small size, and low profile ergonomic
design, this is one earphone I can't see too many having issues with.
It tucks into the outer ear like it belongs there and ceases to exist
while you enjoy your music. The tiny nozzle, 4mm at its widest and
not ideal for tip rolling, does help the B200 with it's universal
designation in that it should be suitable for ear canals of all
shapes and sizes. Another nice perk is the location of the vent on
the inside of the ear piece. Thanks to this and the sleek shell
design, it doesn't pick up much wind noise making the B200 a nice
companion when walking around outside on a windy day.
Like
other models in the Brainwavz armature lineup, the B200 provides well
above average isolation thanks to it's reasonable insertion depth,
minimal and smartly placed ventilation, and form fitting shape. These
are nice to wear in noisy areas, even more so with the included
Comply foams installed. Chilling at my computer you hear only the
highest pitched portion of a key stroke. In my local coffee shop and
on my walks around the city, you hear only a dulled murmur from the
activity going on around you. The only thing stopping the B200 from
being an amazing travelling companion is the bass quantity which is
more suited to the quiet of your home than the chaos of the outside
world.
Sound:
Bass
on the B200 is certainly not a focal point thanks to what is quite a
reserved presentation. Playing a support role, it goes about it's job
without ever overstepping boundaries. While some might call them
anemic, I can't agree. Extension is just enough and they've got some
solid mid-bass punch and overall speed. Running them with The Crystal
Method's “Bound Too Long”, a track that in the past I found
reliant in a robust low end to fully enjoy, was a surprisingly
complete experience. The B200's presentation certainly isn't ideal
for bass heavy genres, but it can still hold its own thanks to its
extension, speed, and impressive texturing.
The
midrange is where the B200 is at its most impressive. Thanks to the
reduced midbass the midrange runs lean, but that's the only criticism
I can levy at it. The detail and clarity afforded by the B200s mids
are intoxicating and impressively capable. The vocal presentation in
particular is stellar. From the screams of Warlock's Doro on “East
Meets Wesrt” to the soft, melodic crooning of Riya on Lenzman's
“Open Page”, female vocalists sound like they should. Male vocals
work too, regardless of whether you're listening to Aesop Rock's
relentless barrage on “Catacomb Kids” or Paul William's emotional
discharge on Daft Punk's “Touch”. Timbre is fairly accurate as
well with instruments sounding mostly accurate, but a bit lighter
than they should thanks to the lean note presentation.
Treble
is extremely tight and well controlled with a clean, inoffensive
presentation. Extension is fine with a smooth roll off and a fairly
even emphasis between upper and lower regions, though the lower
treble sees more of the spotlight. This gives the B200 an extremely
detailed and airy presentation without it coming across overly
analytic or bright. I like the snappy decay of cymbals and crispiness
each hit displays. The treble really nails my personal preferences.
Elevated just enough to give me the detail I want without stepping
too far. It's not laid back, but not aggressive either.
The
B200's sound stage gives off a pleasing sense of depth and width that
I just don't hear often from armature-only iems. This seems to be
something Brainwavz does better than most. Notes swirl off into the
distance and multi-instrument tracks sound layered and
well-separated. This presentation is fantastic and about as far from
congested as it gets for this driver layout, at least of those I've
tried.
The
B200 is a pretty impressive performer. If it had the B400's low end
emphasis it would probably be my favourite of the lineup. As is, if
you value detail and clarity and a neutral bass presentation, the
B200 unquestionably delivers.
Select
Comparisons:
EarNine
EN2J (267.00 USD): Like the B200
the EN2J is a dual armature model, though the EN2J uses EarNiNE's own
in-house designed drivers. The EN2J is a brighter, more precise
sounding earphone that is quite analytic. Like the B200 it is light
on bass. The EN2J is more textured but lacks the extension and as
such doesn't offer much in the way of visceral feedback. The B200
doesn't offer a lot of that either, but it does better than the EN2J.
The EN2J's mids are rife with clarity but not as timbre accurate
giving vocals a dry tone that is characteristic of the EarNiNE
drivers. I personally like the presentation quite a lot, but someone
wanting a more realistic tone would be better served by the B200.
Treble on the EN2J will be overwhelming to those sensitive to upper
frequencies. If you aren't, you'll be rewarded with a level of
clarity the B200 cannot match. It's tight and extra crisp and almost
makes the B200 sound veiled, which it isn't. Sound stage on the EN2J
is similarly large but it sets the listener closer to the action by
default. This gives sounds a greater range of motion and more
impressive imaging. Layering and separation are slightly better on
the EN2J as well. While the EN2J is the better performer, for less
than half the price the B200 more than holds it's own.
Where
the two are somewhat comparable in terms of audio performance, the
EN2J takes a few leaps forward with it's stainless steel build. Like
the B200 it is low profile and isolates quite well. The EN2J's cable
is not as dense and durable, but is much lighter and more flexible. I
liked it enough to donate it to my Campfire Audio Polaris. It's an
awesome cable but feels like it needs to be babied to survive.
Brainwavz's cables need no such thing thanks to their tough sheaths
and effective strain relief.
Havi
B3 Pro I (discontinued): The B3
Pro I is a classic example of budget neutral and has a legendary
status in the Head-fi forums. Outside of the B200 being much easier
to drive, it and the B3 are quite comparable in their style of tune.
Light on bass with a luxurious mid-range and smooth, detailed treble.
The B3 and it's twin dynamics have a larger sound stage, width in
particular, but the B200 isn't too far behind and offers more depth
to its presentation. B200's imaging is more precise and accurate with
better separation. B200's treble is slightly more forward and it's
overall presentation a bit more lean and cool. Seems tighter and more
defined. I'm split on the low end. B200 is tighter and more punchy
but the B3 Pro I provides more extension, though it isn't impressive
on either. The B3's mid-range has a thicker note presentation with a
warmer, more organic feel, but it isn't as crisp and clear.
Build
isn't spectacular on either with the B3 suffering from cracked
housings. It certainly looks more impressive with it's Sennheiser
inspired design and Gorilla glass face plates. It's fixed, quad-core
flat cable also looks snazzy but is subject to drying out and
cracking over time. While the B200's 3D printed housings are somewhat
uninspired looking and I doubt their ability to stand up to heavy
abuse, Brainwavz offers a 24 month warranty and a solid repair
service, something you never received with the now discontinued B3
Pro I. The cables are also replaceable. And they're far more form
fitting and comfortable than the B3's housings.
Along
with the Macaw RT-10, the B200 is one of the closest things I've come
across to a proper replacement for the B3 Pro I. The RT-10 is closer
in tone sharing the same, soft, slightly warm presentation as the B3,
but it's not as capable on a technical level and is notably bassier.
The B200 bests the B3 technically, but gives up warmth and note
weight.
Final
Thoughts:
Aiming
for an “ideal” target tune is great and all, but when everyone is
doing it you end up with a bunch of samey products that lack a unique
identity. It's boring if I'm being frank. The B200 doesn't have that
problem.
It
has a niche tune that is not going to have wide appeal with your
average consumer. Bass on the B200 is well-extended and nicely
textured but very much downplayed in favour of the detailed mid and
treble regions. To some that is a fatal flaw since it means the B200
isn't well-rounded. To others that specialization is exactly what
they want. Neither party is right, but neither is wrong either. This
is simply another flavour to choose from within the vast see of
earphones available to us consumers, and choice is always a good
thing. It breeds competition and innovation.
The
rest of the package is nice too with Brainwavz's usual in-depth
accessory kit. Their case is durable and spacious and the two cables
are useful. Even the quality of the stock tips is good avoiding the
need to replace them immediately. I hope to see some refinements to
the printing process in future products making the frosty/clear
models a more attractive, but as is the printing process does what it
needs to do. Function over form as they say.
In
the end, I think the B200 is a pretty good product. If a bass-lite
sound is your jam, there aren't too many options at this price range,
and fewer still that do it as well as the B200.
Thanks for reading!
- B9Scrambler
*****
***** ***** ***** *****
Some
Test Tunes:
Aesop
Rock – The Impossible Kid (Album)
Hail
Mary Mallon – Are You Going to Eat That? (Album)
King
Crimson – Lark’s Tongues in Aspic (Album)
King
Crimson – Starless and Bible Black (Track)
Supertramp
– Crime of the Century (Album)
Infected
Mushroom – Legend of the Black Shawarma (Album)
Gorillaz
– Plastic Beach (Album)
Massive
Attack – Mezzanine (Album)
Fleetwood
Mac – Rumors (Album)
Run
the Jewels – Run the Jewels (Album)
The
Prodigy – The Day is My Enemy (Album)
Tobacco
– F****d Up Friends (Album)
Felt
– Felt 2 (A Tribute to Lisa Bonet) (Album)
Michael
Jackson – Thriller (Album)
The
Crystal Method – Grace (feat. LeAnn Rimes) (Track)
Jidenna
– Long Live the Chief (Track)
Skrillex
– Ragga Bomb (Track)
Big
Grams – Run for Your Life (Track)
Funkadelic
– Maggot Brain (Track)
Aesop
Rock – Fishtales (Track)
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