The ISN Audio H50 was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price of the ISN Audio H50 is $295 and is exclusively available from Penon Audio.
ISN Audio H50
ISN Audio is a renowned manufacturer of earphones and cables, distributed exclusively by Penon Audio. Their product lineup features a variety of popular earphones, such as the ISN Audio H30, NEO 5, and EST50.
The ISN Audio H50 features a hybrid design and is equipped with five drivers, including a 10mm dynamic driver with composite diaphragm for the low frequencies, 2BA drivers for the midrange, and 2BA drivers for the high frequencies. Additionally, all four BA drivers are specifically tailored for ISN Audio. These drivers are seamlessly integrated using a 3 channel, 3-way crossover to ensure optimal performance.
Appearance and fit
The ISN Audio H50 features handcrafted resin ear-shells and a stainless steel nozzle. These ear-shells are designed based on a vast database of different human ear shapes, offering a semi-custom fit. Despite being slightly bulky, they are lightweight and provide a comfortable, strain-free experience. The nozzle may be short, but it still allows for a good fit without the need for double flange ear-tips. These earphones stay in place and provide above-average passive noise attenuation. Like other ISN Audio earphones, the H50 is exceptionally comfortable.
Stock cable
ISN Audio is renowned for providing top-notch cables, such as in the H50 model featuring a 1.2m long cable made from 8 strands of single crystal, silver-plated copper with MMCX connectors. Customers have the option to choose between a 3.5mm, 2.5mm, or 4.4mm plug at no extra charge. This well-crafted cable is lightweight, flexible, tangle-resistant, and offers minimal microphonic noise. However, in this price range, many competitors offer modular cables that enhance the overall product value.
Accessories
The bundle comes with a premium carrying case featuring a magnetic closure, three sets of silicone ear-tips in small, medium, and large sizes, a shirt clip, and a cleaning brush.
Power requirements
With a rated impedance of 25Ω and 108dB of sensitivity, the ISN Audio H50 is effortless to drive and does not necessitate extra amplification. Nevertheless, it demonstrates improved performance when used with superior equipment, like the FiiO M11S and iBasso DX180 that i have mostly used but I have also tested it with the Penon Tail.
Listening impressions
The ISN H50 has a unique sound profile featuring impressive low-end depth, emphasized mid-bass, outstanding mid-range clarity, and a refined, highly detailed yet smooth treble. Its tuning is engaging, musical, and pleasurable, deviating from the norm and complementing a wide range of musical genres.
The bass offers substantial weight and power, along with impressive speed and clarity. However, it falls a little short in terms of layering and definition. While generally tight and controlled, it can occasionally sound hollow and lose pace during busier bass lines. Nevertheless, these nuances are unlikely to be noticed by most listeners unless they are in a critical listening mindset. The ISN H50 delivers dynamic and impactful sound when called for, with a full-bodied and visceral texture that lacks any dryness. The sub-bass is not excessively boosted, yet still provides an enjoyable experience with electronic beats. The mid-bass is prominent and harmonious, but may be slightly off-key for classical music, particularly in reproducing certain instruments with precise tonal accuracy. Nonetheless, the ISN H50 remains inclusive of classical music, as the mid-bass is not overly colored and does not bleed into the mid-range.
More listening impressions
The midrange is exceptionally well-balanced, clear, and detailed, with just a minimal emphasis on the upper midrange. What’s truly remarkable is the natural and realistic timbre, complete with vibrant harmonies and rich textures. Whether it’s instruments or voices, low or high-pitched, they are all reproduced with equal authenticity and a great deal of realism. The overall presentation is effortless, with music flowing like spring water, and there’s a noticeable absence of any harshness or imbalanced sound. The definition, layering, and clarity are all top-notch, making the ISN Audio H50 far more refined than one would expect for its category. The transition to the treble is seamless, creating a cohesive sound from bottom to top without any noticeable frequency gaps.
The treble may not be as extended or vibrant, but it offers a smooth and forgiving sound with good resolution and transparency. The ISN H50 is lively and energetic, avoiding any dark or veiled tones, although it could use a touch more bite and vividness. The tuning is conservative and refined, steering clear of any harshness or brightness. The ISN Audio H50 is an excellent option for long listening sessions, as it is easy on the ears but also maintains fidelity that pairs nicely with high-end audio sources.
And more
The detail retrieval is exceptionally satisfying but also steering clear of an analytical and sterile presentation. What I particularly appreciate about the ISN Audio H50 treble is the weighty and full textures, coupled with a natural and relaxed decay that prevents the higher frequencies from sounding thin, dry, or overly clinical. The timbre is also impressively realistic and organic, with minimal balanced armature influence, although occasionally a subtle metallic sheen can be detected.
The soundstage is predominantly wide and spacious, with minimal artificial expansion. The scene is located at the front of the listener’s head and offers satisfying, though not top-tier, imaging and separation. The positioning may lack sharpness and precision, but there is ample air around the performers and a wealth of ambient information circulating to create an immersive listening experience without any sense of congestion.
Vs the ISN Neo 5 ($290)
The ISN Neo 5 offers an alternative for those who prefer to stick with the ISN brand and experience a different tuning. It has a similar price to the H50 and shares the same driver configuration, but is slightly more compact and comfortable. However, the difference in comfort alone may not be significant enough to warrant purchasing the Neo 5. Both models are equally well-crafted and aesthetically pleasing, and they come with the same accessories.
The ISN Neo 5 and H50 differ significantly in their tuning. The Neo 5 features a distinct tonal profile with a pronounced sub-bass boost, reduced mid-bass presence, highlighted upper mid-range, and slightly more lively treble. It delivers a more dynamic and impactful sound, with less compressed bass that tends to dominate the frequency spectrum. In contrast, the ISN H50 offers a more natural and realistic mid-range, showcasing organic timbre and harmonious tones compared to the cleaner yet somewhat artificial Neo 5. The Neo 5 excels in sparkle and energy on the treble, providing a sharper and more vibrant sound with improved clarity and definition. On the other hand, the ISN H50 is characterized by its smoother and forgiving sound signature, maintaining resolution and transparency while not reaching the technical prowess of the Neo 5.
In the end
The ISN H50 offers a delightful listening experience with a good balance of tones and neutrality, making it compatible with various music genres. Its distinctive tuning sets it apart from the typical earphones in the market, which often follow a similar sound profile.
The ISN H50 is designed for individuals who appreciate musicality, lifelike timbre, and satisfying tonal accuracy, while also desiring a hint of refined bass emphasis. It offers impressive technical capabilities within its category, and also features a lightweight, comfortable design that is both well-crafted and reasonably priced.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Unique yet delightful tuning
+ Plenty of bass
+ Natural mids and smooth treble
+ Colorful harmonies and natural timbre
+ Good technicalities for the category
+ Not lacking in resolution and refinement
+ Beautiful looking and well made
+ Relatively compact and lightweight
+ Comfortable and secure fit
+ High quality cable
+ Plenty of accessories
- Too much mid-bass
- Bass could do better in layering and definition
- Horizontal soundstage
- Not the most energetic treble
- Not class leading imaging
- Competition comes with modular cables
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