The NF Audio NA2+ 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 NF Audio NA2+ is $169 and you can order it from the official NF Audio AliExpress store or HiFiGo.
NF Audio
NF Audio is an earphone manufacturer located in China, operating under the Shenzhen Ningfan Acoustics brand, which was established in 2014. The company specializes in creating and supplying high-quality universal and custom in-ear monitors, with distinctive driver configurations that include dynamic and balanced armature drivers, among others. With their focus on delivering premium quality in-ear monitors at accessible prices, they have gained significant expertise in this field. Sounds familiar ? Let’s see they have to offer.
NF Audio NA2+
The NF Audio NA2+ is a budget-friendly earphone equipped with a single dynamic driver, priced at $169. It features a newly engineered MC2L-10M dual-cavity dynamic driver unit, offering an extensive frequency response range of 9Hz to 40kHz, which ensures a lively and pleasurable sound experience. The NF NA2+ serves as an enhanced iteration of its predecessor, the NF NA2.
Build quality and wearing comfort
The ear-shells of the NA2+ are crafted through a high-precision CNC machining process utilizing aerospace-grade aluminum alloy. They feature an elegant matte black finish, complemented by a stylish NF logo engraved on the faceplate. The construction and finish exhibit exceptional quality, making the earphones appear more luxurious and premium than one might anticipate given the price point.
The ear shells are designed to be compact and lightweight, incorporating a semi-custom anatomical shape that minimizes bulkiness. Users will find the wearing experience highly satisfying, as the fit is both comfortable and secure, providing effective passive noise isolation. However, due to the shallow contour of the ear shells, some individuals may require larger ear tips than those included to ensure a better fit.
Stock Cable
The NA2+ features a cable constructed from 5N oxygen-free, silver-plated copper, utilizing a 4-strand Litz design. This 2-pin detachable cable has reversed connectors to enhance durability. Its soft, lightweight, and slim profile makes it suitable for portable applications, while it minimizes microphonic noise; however, it is prone to tangling. The cable is single-ended and comes with a high-quality aluminum plug, but a balanced option is not available. Additionally, the pre-shaped ear-hooks are somewhat rigid and do not flex easily.
Accessories
The earphones come packaged with a compact, rounded carrying case that offers limited space for storing both the earphones and a portable USB DAC. Additionally, the package features balanced ear tips in three sizes, atmosphere ear tips in four sizes, and a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter. All accessories, along with the earphones, are neatly arranged in an appealing box.
Listening impressions
The NF Audio NA2+ features an impedance of 32Ω and a sensitivity rating of 107dB/mW, making it easy to drive with quality portable devices such as the FiiO KA17 or the iBasso DC07PRO.
Finally, we have an earphone that features a balanced, reference-level tuning characterized by a neutral bass response, clear mids, and bright treble, providing good tonal accuracy across the entire frequency spectrum. Many earphones in this category typically adhere to V-shaped or Harman target tunings, which may appeal to the masses but fall short for critical listening purposes. Fortunately, the NF NA2+ is designed with tonal precision, catering to purists who appreciate a neutral-bright sound profile.
The low-end response is sufficiently linear, avoiding the pronounced mid-bass found in other target curves. The NA2+ effectively reproduces sub-bass frequencies without any unnecessary enhancement. Its low-end is tonally accurate and well-defined, offering excellent clarity and layering, making it particularly suitable for classical music and genres featuring acoustic bass instruments.
The driver operates with speed and control, delivering a punchy and impactful bass that feels realistic across various music styles, though it may not satisfy those seeking an intense bass experience. While the textures may not be particularly rich or visceral, they also do not come across as thin or dry. The NA2+ prioritizes the clarity and layering of the bass line over a heavy, warm sound.
More listening impressions
The mid-range exhibits exceptional clarity and transparency, free from any discernible bass interference that might compromise its overall definition. The sound presentation is both musical and captivating, characterized by a well-balanced tuning that results in a natural and lifelike timbre. The audio is rich and vibrant, offering substantial textural weight and impressive tonal accuracy. Vocals and instruments merge seamlessly, each receiving equal prominence within the mix. While the upper mid-range is slightly emphasized, it remains comfortably within limits, avoiding any fatigue or harshness, and transitions smoothly into the treble.
The treble presents a prominent and vibrant sound profile, characterized by abundant energy and impressive clarity. It is generally perceived as neither overly sharp nor fatiguing, exhibiting satisfying transparency and definition. While it maintains control and tonal accuracy, there is a tendency for it to sound somewhat metallic and artificial. The resolution and detail retrieval capabilities are up to the task and the textures tend to be leaner and drier compared to the lower frequencies, which slightly affects the overall sound coherence.
The soundstage is well-proportioned, offering good width but somewhat limited depth. The overall impression is that of an open-sounding earphone that avoids congestion, delivering music with satisfying imaging and positioning across the horizontal plane.
Vs the FiiO FD15
The market is highly competitive, with numerous high-quality single dynamic driver earphones available at this price range. The FiiO FD15, priced at $149, stands out as it is $20 cheaper and includes a premium modular cable, interchangeable sound tubes, and a wider selection of ear-tips. However, the ear-shells of the FD15 are not as lightweight as those of the NA2+, making the latter slightly more comfortable for extended wear.
Both models adopt a neutral-balanced approach to low-end tuning, yet the FD15 excels with superior sub-bass extension and a more technically proficient driver. The FD15 also features a more pronounced mid-range, while its treble is less prominent, resulting in a mid-centric sound that lacks the extension and energy found in the NA2+.
In the end
The NF Audio NA2+ stands out in a crowded earphone market with its unique neutral-bright tuning and impressive low-end balance. In an industry saturated with similar sound profiles, it is refreshing to find alternatives that cater to diverse preferences, much like those who enjoy their coffee black. This earphone is crafted with care, offering a lightweight and comfortable design, making it an excellent choice for critical and attentive listeners or those who prefer a sound signature that deviates from the overly commercialized options prevalent today.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Neutral-bright tuning without sharpness
+ Great tonal accuracy on the low-end
+ Fast and controlled bass with excellent definition
+ Suitable for critical and reference listening
+ Good mid-range coherency
+ Spacious and uncongested soundstage
+ Lightweight and comfortable design
+ Excellent build quality
+ Soft and lightweight cable
- The textures are lean without weight
- The treble is somewhat metallic and artificial
- The soundstage lacks depth
- The fit is a little shallow
- No option to order with a balanced cable
- The cable is prone to tangling
- Small carrying case without much inner space
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