IKKO OH10 Full Review

Introduction

The IKKO OH10 (also known as the Obsidian) is a hybrid in-ear monitor featuring a dynamic driver and balanced armature driver enclosure in a solid metal housing. Released in 2019 as a follow-up to the well-received OH1, the OH10 aims to provide an engaging and balanced sound signature at an affordable price point. I was eager to test out the OH10 to see if the dual driver setup, metal build, and $190 price point could deliver on the hype.

IKKO OH10

Specifications

• Balanced Armature: Knowles 33518
• Dynamic driver: 10mm polymer composite titanium-plated diaphragm dynamic driver
• Sensitivity:106dB
• Frequency range:20-40kHZ
• Imdepance: 18ohm
• Connector: 2-pin 0.78mm
• Nozzle: 5.7 mm
• Cable type: 4 strands of 8 high-purity oxygen-free copper-plated 5n silver-plated

Individual ratings

Bass

Hard-hitting sub-bass extension, good texture definition

0/5

Midrange

Cooler tonality, distant male vocals, thinner sounding

0/5

Treble

Airiness without fatiguing peaks, good extension

0/5

Soundstage And Imaging

Wide dimensions, coherent instrument imaging

0/5

Detail Retrieval

Impressive for the price, crisp micro details

0/5

Dynamics

Engaging dynamics, decent agility

0/5

Resolution

Admirable for a sub $200 hybrid, lack of veil

0/5

Sound Quality

0/5.0

Build Quality

Supremely solid metal construction

0/5

Comfort

Ergonomic shape but heavy weight causes fatigue

0/5

Gaming Performance

Fun sound but not ultra-precise imaging

0/5

Value For Money

Packs lots of technical ability into an affordable package

0/5

Other Factors

0/5.0

Overall Rating

0/5.0

Bottom Line

For under $200, the impeccably constructed OH10 brings copious bass impact, lively treble presence, and compelling sonic imaging together in a robust metal shell. An easy recommendation for vocal skeptics wanting bold musical dynamics and steely hardware strength.

1. Packaging

• IKKO OH10
• 6 Pairs of eartips
• Cable
• Paperworks

2. Design And Build Quality

The design of the OH10 screams durability with its solid CNC-machined metal construction. The obsidian-colored zinc and copper alloy shells have an eye-catching textured finish and sharp facets cut into the surface. Weighing in at a hefty 32 grams, they truly feel like mini sculptures in your hands. While heavier than your average plastic IEM enclosure, the ergonomic shape nestles comfortably into the ear. A compact nozzle design also ensures a natural fit and a strong seal with silicone or foam tips. The removable 2-pin cable feels robust, with metal strain reliefs on the earpieces and a sturdy straight plug. Extra points for the stylish packaging and leather cable pouch. Overall, the tank-like build should withstand years of use.

3. Comfort

Despite the heaviness on paper, I found the OH10 to be comfortable for extended use. The faceted shape wedges securely into the ear concha. I could walk around or exercise without them falling out. After 2-3 hours, fatigue would start setting in, mainly due to the weight pressing down on my ear canals. But that’s still an impressive feat. Using Comply foam tips in the stock medium size, I achieved a tight seal and ample noise isolation. The nozzle length works well with a variety of tips, too. There are no sharp edges or hotspots to speak of. For a metal monitor, the OH10 is pleasantly wearable.

4. Sound Quality Of The IKKO OH10

I. Tonality

The OH10 adheres to a mildly V-shaped sound with elevated sub-bass and treble regions. The overall tonality avoids sounding overly sculpted, though. Bass and treble heights are tastefully done rather than cranked up radically. The midrange takes a slightly recessed position focused on clarity over warmth. So those desiring a super lush or colored sound may want to look elsewhere. To my ears, the OH10 strikes a pleasing balance between high energy and even-handedness. It caters to multiple genres without significant colorization. There are no glaring dips or peaks across the spectrum. Inoffensive tuning is applicable for analytical and recreational listening alike.

II. Frequency Response Graph Of The IKKO OH10

III. Bass Response

The low-end provides a satisfying injection of sub-bass rumble. Quantity is north of neutral yet stops short of bleeding excessively into the mids. I hear no muddiness or bloat-obscuring details. Bass guitar lines and kick drums carry discernible texture and definition. Attack has a pleasing bounce to decay rather than utmost speed. So the decay tends to linger slightly for a smooth musicality over dryness. Extension feels full for an IEM, potent enough for EDM and hip hop. The sub-bass does overshadow the mid-bass impact, though. So the physical slam isn’t as hard hitting compared to sets with huge mid-bass bias. But the OH10 delivers impact and rumble in spades without sacrificing cleanliness.

IV. Midrange Performance

Though positioned in the middle, the midrange steps back a touch behind the bookending frequency regions. Lower midrange sounds slightly distant on instruments and male vocals compared to female vocals and upper midrange elements. Clarity holds the spotlight over density. So notes come across as more transparent versus naïvely organic or overtly colored. The mild dip in the 300–500 Hz range gives mixing space and avoids muddiness, yet male vocals lack some body and fullness as a tradeoff. Moving up the range, female vocals retain naturalness and intimacy. Treble spills avoid harsh sibilance too. Overall, I would call the mids competent for the price, if not rich or emotional in nature. Resolution and imaging are more strengths than organic density.

V. Treble Response

A tasteful lower treble lift grants airiness and energy without peakiness. Brilliance stands out noticeably, giving acoustic instruments, cymbals, and high hats a satisfying crunch and liveliness. Decay is smooth, avoiding any metallic harshness or sting. Treble extension also impresses, giving high-frequency effects ample room to sparkle and shimmer. admirable refinement as the added treble presence refrains from fatiguing or tizzying peaks. My sensitive ears encountered no listening fatigue over long sessions. My only wish was for a bit more upper-treble air and extension. But a clear focus on musicality over cold analysis or sizzle resides here.

5. Technicalities Of The IKKO OH10

I. Soundstage And Imaging

Thanks to the dynamic driver and vented enclosures, the OH10 casts a nicely expansive soundstage. Width stretches satisfyingly outside the head, conveying dimension and space. Depth matches respectably too. Imaging sounds coherent, with apt instrument placement across the defined dimensions. While stage dimensions compete well in the price class, I would stop short of calling them giant or cavernous. The expansion enhances the imaging pedigree, though, allowing instruments room to breathe laterally. Additionally, the strong separation prevents any congestion. Overall, the OH10’s presentation is strong, injecting welcome airiness.

II. Instrument Separation And Detail Retrieval

Impressively, for a sub-$200 hybrid, the OH10 juggles multiple instruments and sounds with confidence. Inner detail pops crisply from a clean background. Notes maintain individuality as complexity rises. The stage dimensions assist here as well. Imaging avoids ambiguity or blobs of instrumentation mashing together. Even through complex metal and electronic tracks, definition ruled. Treble and bass texturing deserve credit too. Fine nuances emerge, such as accurate decay on cymbals and strings. My only nitpick comes down to ultra-micro detailing not matching pricier hybrid designs. But make no mistake, the OH10 provides a laudable resolution given the reasonable cost. 

III. Dynamics And Speed

The dynamic driver’s natural advantages shine through in the impactful bass and cleaner transients. Attacks snap with a convincing jump factor while avoiding the one-note dimension. The decays transition fluidly as well. While perhaps not lightning-quick, the OH10 sounds suitably agile. The dynamic driver’s inherent speed combines smoothly with the creamy, balanced armature tuning. Listening to fast-paced metal, rock, and electronic pieces, the OH10 kept up admirably. Phrasing flows upbeat and engaging. The sonic picture conveys both rapidity and emotion effectively. From a macrodynamics standpoint, shifts from quiet to explosive passages were also convincing. There were no signs of strain or compression at louder volumes either. an energetic and dynamic personality, indeed.

IV. Resolution

Considering the reasonable cost, the OH10 surprises with an admirable dose of resolution and a lack of veil. This applies more to the treble and midrange over warmth-focused frequencies. But micro-details and background textures emerge cleanly upon focused listening. Minute-sonic elements occupy the stage with realism and accurate placement. The OH10 treads into higher-defined territory without approaching clinical or analytical severity. For detail-oriented listeners not requiring ultra-accurate timbre replication, the OH10 should satisfy without question. The intricacy and clarity outperform similarly priced competition.

6. Gaming Performance

Driven easily by a controller or phone, the OH10 works sufficiently for casual mobile gaming. The sonic profile focuses on excitement over pinpoint accuracy. Explosions and sound cues come through engagingly with dimension. Footstep locations are discernible, if not ultra-precise. For hardcore competitive titles demanding the utmost imaging precision, the OH10 wouldn’t rank as a top choice. But its energetic and clean delivery enhances the entertainment factor nicely for casual gaming.

7. Comparisons

Dunu Falcon Pro VS IKKO OH10

Contrasted with the Dunu Falcon Pro, the Falcons convey greater midrange body and vocal intimacy over the thinner OH10 presentation. Highs are more evenhanded on the Falcons, while the OH10 really spotlights treble energy. Bass extension favors the rumbling OH10, albeit less punchy. The soundstage width is wider on the airy OH10, while the Falcons throw a rounder stage. Detail retrieval goes to the OH10, but timbre truth leans towards the more accurate Falcons. The OH10 brings more spice and kick to the table.

For more comparisons, click here: Comparisons

8. FAQs

Q. Who should buy the IKKO OH10?

• Bassheads wanting a clear sub-bass rumble
• Fans of airy treble and non-fatiguing brightness  
• Seekers of wide, spacious soundstage presentations
• Those needing indestructibly robust metal shells
• Listeners want dynamics and cleanliness over perfect accuracy.

Q. Who should avoid the IKKO OH10?

• Listeners wanting a rich organic midrange body
• Vocal-centric music fans
• Treble-sensitive buyers
• Seekers of ultra-high levels of resolution

Q. Is IKKO OH10 suitable for treble sensitive listeners?

Avoid due to the emphasized treble presence.

Q. Does the OH10 have replaceable cables?

Yes, removable cables connect via standard 0.78mm 2-pin ports.

Q. Are foam tips usable with the short nozzles?

Comply brand foam tips fit well. Other brands may slide off the shorter nozzle length.  

9. Conclusion

The IKKO OH10 earns its popularity as an affordable hybrid with enjoyably bold dynamics wrapped in metal shells. Combining technicalities with musicality, it unleashes crisp bass energy, airy highs, and immersive imaging. Supreme build chops also guarantee long-term usage despite the weight. While its cooler midrange tonality misses on supreme timbre accuracy compared to venerable single dynamics, the OH10 makes no egregious sonic missteps either. Executing its mildly sculpted sound with class and cohesion, it plays the hybrid card smoothly across genres. Factor in the reasonable asking price and packaging extras, and the OH10 warrants a recommendation for many listeners wanting engaging sound and radically solid craftsmanship. 

Read More Reviews On IKKO OH10: Headphonesty