Cu Wyn: $160
From the website:
Little Dot is giving the new definition for low bass IEMs, for those who enjoy pop, EDM, metal, rock n’ roll, and ACG, this is our gift for you!
Wyn represents Little Dot’s understanding in music, and we refuse to hind behind “classic.” That is the reason why we develop Wyn, in order to satisfy those EDM and pop lovers. Of course, while the development, we made sure Wyn would provide you an excellent listening experience overall, so you are not going to be unsatisfied with Wyn’s mid and high.
Wyn (ƿ) represents reward, it also means joy or bliss, and that is what we would like our customers to feel while you are using Wyn, we want to share our joy with you!
Specs:
Tech Spec:
Earpiece Design: In-ear
Driver Type: 5-layers 8mm dynamic, armature
Impedance: 16 +/- 2.4 ohm
Frequency: 20 Hz to 20kHz
Sensitivity: 109 +/- 3db
In The Box:
IEM
4x silicon tips, 3x foam tips
Shirt clip
Plastic round case
Pelican-like case
Two cables: one 6N OFC Copper
Gear Used/Compared:
BQEYZ Spring 2 ($160)
Oriolus Finschi ($170)
Cayin N6 mk2
Shanling M6 Pro
HiBy R3 Pro
Songlist:
Joey Alexander-Warna album and others
Mark Knopfler-Laughs And Jokes And Drinks And Smokes
Santana w/ Mana- Corazon Espinado
twenty one pilots album, Trench
Tedeschi Trucks Band
Big Head Todd & The Monsters-Beautiful World
Mark Knopfler-Down The Road Wherever
Unboxing:
The Little Dot IEM’s come in a very tasteful slender slick-black package, which clamshell opens from the right. Laden with the logo, and name on the front, there is a fairy not unlike Tinkerbell “anointing” the IEM name. I like it so far.
Opening the box reveals semi-soft foam holding both the round plastic case, and the pelican-like case on the right. The choice of two cases is nice but opting for the larger Pelican-like case won out for me every time. The left side shows the specs as well as an exploded view of the IEM itself, highlighting each model inside. Again, tastefully simple and elegant. This is most definitely a situation that I appreciate where less is more and done well. Having similar case-ology as the Kis & Cu Cen, Little Dot does save on cost, but not at the expense of it being nicely done. This is a well-apportioned set up and includes a good amount of kit for the price. Especially when you realize the Cu Wyn is “cheapest” of the three.
Fit/Finish/Build:
A black all acrylic (resin) shell is made of one piece with a nozzle that is inserted into a well fit shell. A walnut wood faceplate shorn with the Little Dot fairy and Cu Wyn name adorns the back. I do wish the vent hole was not so large. To me it takes away from what is a very nice looking back plate. Finish and build quality are excellent and the included two cables are as well.
Starting with the thin Cu Rad-like cable, I quickly changed to the 6N Oxygen-free copper cable, which I believe goes with the Cen or Kis. Not that the thin cable is bad, but the copper braided cable looks totally boss on the Wyn. With shrink-wrapped plastic sheathing from the y-splitter to the covered 2-pin connector, it exudes quality. The sound of it is quite nice as well, opening up the mids a bit to me. Also included with the models were adaptors including a 3.5 se, 2.5bal and 4.4bal. The Little dot models come with a 3.5bal, so the necessity of an adapter is warranted. I did switch temporarily to the 2.5bal jack and found it too powerful for my listening and review purposes. If this were my unit though, that or the 4.4bal would be my jack of choice. The sound emanating from it was open, airy and vibrant. Almost antithesis of the Wyn character. I mention again that the adapters are rather large and can indeed put pressure on the source jack should an unanticipated “bump” occur so be careful. This could be especially bad with the 2.5bal connector as it is the smallest. That said, I have never had problems, but there is always a first time, and it could be bad.
This is the most “traditional” of the Little Dot offerings, and as such fit nearly flush in my average sized ears. Slight microphonics came from the sheathed upper cable, but not enough to warrant a scolding. I was too busy enjoying the bass from the single DD and single BA for that. I did note a slight disconnect from the 3.5se jack on the input side of the cable. A little finagling of the cables jack fixed the issue, but one would be wise to not switch too much based upon that. Of note is that this was the only Little Dot to adapter to have that problem and switching to one of the others fixed the issue. Differences in tolerance could very well have been the issue.
I continue to be impressed with the build of the Little Dots, and this is no different.
Sound:
Meant again for pop and EDM, bass rules the roost here. I mentioned that the Rad had the deepest reaching bass of the foursome, but the Wyn wins in quantity. The sub bass rumble is quite vibrant and overpowering. The walnut faceplate plays into the vibrant bass sound, giving good reverberation, much like the choice of wood should. Dense, the walnut gives a good backbone to the bass. Since this is their bass model, it holds that would be emphasized. It is, and with a little bleed into the mids. But here that bleed aids in a warmth of sound not had in the others (or as much). Since this is the bass model, it holds that the signature would be on the warmer side. Thankfully there is not compensation up top to make up for that push down low.
While the bass is taut and rumbly it feels fairly controlled as well with little exaggeration, which can be often had as laziness of bass. This aids well in the rumbly sound and keeps it from being overly-slow as well.
While the star is the bass, the mids hold themselves admirably. In softer bass passages, the mids especially vocals and guitars are allowed to shine through but without being shouty. In electric music such as The Farewell Courtyard, this shows itself as the synthesizer plays well along with cymbal claps and the uppers of a synthesized organ. There is no mistaking that the bass is there though, and when it comes on, the mids can fall behind. Again, those who favor EDM might have found a new favorite.
As mentioned, the treble does not become grainy or overly bright to accommodate the bass. Rounded slightly at the top makes for a pleasing (to me) feature where too much would turn this into a very v-shaped mess. Polite would be used well here, and as such those cymbals mentioned in the mid-section come across as subdued. Other percussives come across as crisper but tied to the cymbals makes for a disconnect, I cannot seem to get by. This does not detract for me, as I still appreciate the tuning. Especially since I favor a good bit of rumble (but well controlled).
Soundstage/layering/instrumentation:
With similar width to the other LD’s reviewed, I was appreciative of that expansiveness as it allowed instruments to spread out, countering the forward sub-bass nicely. Added height helped separate the layers as well, but depth was about the same as the others. A nice presentation, but an oddity when compared to the other LD’s. Not in a bad way and meant to counter the bass in a positive way, just different. The three mentioned characteristics worked in concert well here, presenting a sound, which will surely make bassheads and EDM listeners smile as a result.
I will also state that this is the only LD model where fit comes into play even with my favored tip choice. I accidentally yawned during a song and lost the seal from the TinHiFi foam tips. Granted a larger size would overcome this, but I did not have that problem at all with the other three models.
Comparison:
Little Dot Cu Wyn ($170) vs BQEYZ Spring 2 ($160):
As luck would have it, Will also sent his copy of the Spring2 my way as I await mine from BQEYZ. I am a fan of the BQ3 and heard decent things about the Spring. But upon hearing the Spring2, I dug the BQ3’s back out to remember what I liked. The Spring2 are superb example at the sub$200 IEM range. Bass that is present, but not overly so, mids including vocals which are sublime in nature, and a sparkly treble make this an immediate favorite of mine. In fact, I liked it so much, that it accompanied me on my walks paired with the Hiby R3 Pro (don’t tell Will, though…). The Spring is getting some accolades for its tuning and it should. Tuning is excellent and even. Providing an open, airy signature counters the bass-laden Wyn as all but polar opposites.
It is the tuning of such IEM’s as the Spring2 that make me all but forget about the sub-$100 market and the subpar IEM’s mentioned in the Rad review (one specifically). If there is one Achilles though, it would be the brittleness of cymbal crash. Almost artificial in sound, it is a bit too bright for my tastes. But that is easily countered by a good foam tip of choice to me. This that appreciate excellent upper mids will like that push, though.
As I said, polar opposites here at the same price. Details galore, with sumptuous vocal presentation or a bass that makes almost all other blush, you will certainly have a preference here. I won’t decide for you as I really, really like both.
Little Dot Cu Wyn ($170) vs Oriolus Finschi ($170):
An all-time favorite of mine of which I have gushed profusely here, with only a downside of cable microphonics, the Finschi is still my go-to at this price. So much so, that I would love to hear the higher offerings from Oriolus. This is the IEM, which set the tone for me regarding bass quality and quantity at this price. But doing so without hindering the overall tonality including excellent vocals. Compared to the Wyn, the Finschi is a bit bass-light though. I do not consider this a bad thing, since the quality is so good.
Vocal presentation is a bit clearer as a result. Tyler’s voice emanates from deep within my cranial matter but clearly so. Melding perfectly with the highs and lows, the mids are amongst the best I have heard (personally) and a standard bearer since my first listen. Its downfall is an almost too polite signature. It must be driven to be appreciated fully. But when you do, it simply sings. That taut bass makes the lack of comparatively a moot point. Crisp details run roughshod over the Wyn, and I do believe the Wyn has met its match in my mind. Again, if you want bass quantity the Wyn wins. If you want an overall fantastic sound signature you could do much worse than the Finschi. I still hold to that point, personally.
Finale:
Based upon that last comparison you may think the Wyn is not for you. You may be right if you are in want of a better overall signature. But when you factor in the accessories included with the Wyn ranging from two very good cables, to the adapters and tip choice you can modify the signature just enough to make you almost forget its shortfalls. It is the bass star of the LD lineup, and if that is your preference, you would be wise to at least give it a try and a good listen with your favorite songs. I did enjoy it, but the Wyn is not my top choice here. That is but one mands opinion and as such take it as a recommendation to go listen anyway.
I again thank Ian and Little Dot for the review sample. I appreciate the support and the offerings of their fine wares, because they are worth a listen. Even if you go a different route, you should consider them due to the Little Dot history of quality productions. Cheers.
