The SoundMagic E90C review sample 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 is €117 and you can buy them from the official SoundMagic AliExpress store.
SoundMagic
SoundMagic, a renowned producer of affordable earphones and headphones, boasts a collection of award-winning products. Established in 2005 by acoustic design engineer Tony Xu, SoundMAGIC excels in crafting top-notch headphones and earphones through the utilization of cutting-edge technology and premium materials.
SoundMagic E90C
The SoundMagic E90C is the latest addition to the renowned “E” series of earphones, which serves as the flagship line. This in-ear monitor boasts an impressive 8mm coaxial dynamic and armature dual driver configuration. What sets it apart is the incorporation of a distinctive metal film, developed in-house, that is utilized within the metal shell and between the upper and lower voice coils. This innovative design ensures that every frequency is reproduced with equal clarity, vitality, and an expansive range.
Build quality and fit
The ear shells are crafted using a blend of plastic and metal, resulting in a compact and lightweight design. They are ergonomically shaped, providing exceptional comfort when worn. However, due to the shorter length of the sound nozzle, the fit may be shallower compared to standard ear shells. To address this, the package includes double flange ear tips that offer a deeper and more secure fit. Additionally, the foam ear tips are specifically designed to provide the utmost comfort and a snug fit.
Cable
The SoundMagic E90C features a unique detachable cable design, offering users the convenience of switching between two high-quality cables. These cables, made of single-crystal and copper-plated silver, are meticulously constructed with a twisted shielded wire design to minimize transmission loss and eliminate any potential electromagnetic interference.
One of the cables is equipped with a microphone and a 3.5mm plug, while the other cable lacks a microphone and instead features a 2.5mm balanced plug. It’s worth noting that the MMCX connectors used in the E90C are not the standard ones found in other devices. SoundMagic has developed their own thinner diameter MMCX connectors, making them non-interchangeable with other MMCX cables.
The cable build quality of the SoundMagic E90C is commendable, with a soft and flexible texture that minimizes microphonic noise. However, it is prone to tangling, which can be a minor inconvenience.
To ensure a secure and comfortable fit, the ear hooks of the SoundMagic E90C are crafted using a special technology that shapes the TPE material into an arc. This design allows the ear hooks to closely conform to the ear, providing enhanced stability during wear.
Accessories
The accessories bundle is incredibly extensive, comprising of three sets of silicone ear tips, three sets of memory foam ear tips, and one set of double flange ear tips. Additionally, it includes two cables, a computer adapter, and all of these items are meticulously packed in a durable, high-quality hard carrying case.
Sound impressions
After leaving the SoundMagic E90C to play music continuously for approximately 80 hours, I proceeded to conduct listening sessions utilizing different USB DAC dongles such as the SoundMAGIC A30, FiiO KA2, and Hidizs AP80 Pro-x. With a rated impedance of 29Ω and a sensitivity of 100dB, the E90C is effortlessly driven, allowing you to conveniently use them directly with your phone.
The sound signature varies depending on the ear-tips used. When using the double flange ear-tips, the tuning is well-balanced with a good extension in the low-end, a slight warmth in the mid-bass, and evenly presented mids and sharp treble.
Speaking specifically about the treble, it is airy, clean, and extended, although it lacks refinement. There is a touch of roughness and a metallic grain to its texture.
The SoundMagic E90C earphones are sparkling and agile, providing detailed and luminous sound. They have a touch of brightness but manage to remain smooth and enjoyable without any excessive harshness or long-term fatigue.
The texture of the sound is lean and not very full-bodied, unless you switch to the foam ear-tips. The foam ear-tips add more weight to the sound, making the bass sound fuller and more extended without compromising technicalities or the overall frequency response.
Out of the three types of ear-tips, the foam ear-tips offer the most balanced sound signature and frequency consistency.
The mid-range has a focus on the upper-mids, but it doesn’t introduce excessive sibilance or projection to female vocals. It is more resolving and refined than the treble, with better texture quality, finer articulation, increased liquidity, and plenty of harmonic overtones.
The bass is evenly tuned without emphasizing the sub-bass or causing mid-bass bloat. It doesn’t bleed into the mids and is well-defined and tight, with good layering. The texture is somewhat dry, lacking in liquidity and visceral impact, but the presentation is impactful with a convincing dynamic contrast.
Overall, the SoundMagic E90C earphones have an open sound with good width, avoiding congestion and providing accurate positioning.
In the end
The SoundMagic E90C earphone offers a well-balanced and clear sound, with a slight emphasis on the upper-mid and treble frequencies. It delivers an enjoyable and musical sound profile, enhanced by a touch of sparkle and sharpness. However, there is room for improvement in terms of texture quality and overall refinement. These earphones are not only easy to drive and lightweight, but also provide a comfortable fit, making them perfect for all-day use without compromising on sound quality.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2022.
+ Good sound quality + Open sounding and spacious + Ultra comfortable and lightweight + Comes with two detachable cables + Accessories
- Lacking in refinement and resolution - Mildly bright - Sound is tip dependant - MMCX connectors are not the standard ones
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