TRIPOWIN x 0dibi VIVACE
The Tripowin x 0dibi Vivace marks Tripowin’s return to the IEM scene after a long focus on cables and other audio accessories. Their last notable release in the IEM arena, was i think the Piccolo, it was a solid budget pick, but it’s been a couple of years since we’ve seen anything new. Now, in collaboration with South Korean reviewer and influencer 0dibi, Tripowin is back with the Vivace.
The Vivace doesn’t go for overwhelming gimmicks or trendy design elements. Instead, it brings a focused, neutral-balanced tuning that should appeal to those who appreciate a more accurate sound signature but still want a touch of liveliness. In fact, the Vivace feels and sounds like a sibling to the Kiwi Ears KE4 for me they sound and share very similar tuning but with its own distinct personality that’s both engaging and upfront.
Whats in the box: quick unbox video.
Build and Design
Low-End: Tight and Controlled
The Vivace’s bass is all about precision and control rather than overwhelming power. Sub-bass is present but kept in check, providing enough depth without stealing the show. It’s a bass response that complements the rest of the frequency range, adding weight and clarity without overshadowing the midrange or treble.
If you’re someone who prefers a heavy, boomy bass, the Vivace might feel a bit restrained. But for listeners who value clarity and accuracy, the Vivace’s low end hits just the right balance. Genres like jazz, classical, and acoustic music benefit from this tuning, as the bass remains tight, allowing other elements in the mix to shine through.
Mids: Clear, Upfront, and Engaging
The midrange on the Vivace is one of its strongest points. Vocals and instruments are given a forward placement, bringing them closer to the listener and making for an intimate and engaging experience. This characteristic is especially enjoyable for vocal-driven genres like pop, rock, and acoustic, where the presence and clarity of the mids make the performance feel vibrant and lifelike.
The Vivace’s mids feel immediate and alive. Male and female vocals retain their natural timbre, with a richness that’s neither too thick nor too thin. The upper mids carry a touch of energy, providing detail and sparkle without edging into harshness. It’s a sound that brings out the details without pushing them too far forward, offering an ideal balance for a variety of listening tastes.
Treble: Airy and Smoothly Extended
Treble on the Vivace is another highlight. It’s extended and airy, delivering a sense of openness and detail without becoming overly bright or fatiguing. The treble adds a bit of sparkle to the mix, allowing cymbals, strings, and higher-frequency elements to have their moment without dominating the soundstage.
For listeners who are sensitive to high frequencies, the Vivace’s treble is well-tuned. It manages to provide detail and airiness without risking sibilance, even on brighter tracks. This smooth, controlled treble works well with genres like classical, jazz, and acoustic, where clarity in the upper registers is crucial to the listening experience.
Soundstage & Imaging: Intimate with Precise Imaging
The Vivace doesn’t aim for a wide, spacious soundstage but instead keeps things intimate and precise. It’s a focused presentation, bringing the listener closer to the performance rather than giving a distant, grandiose effect. This is a soundstage that suits its upfront tuning—while it might not stretch as far as some IEMs, it feels intentional and fitting.
Where the Vivace really shines is in its imaging. Instrument separation is impressive, with each element clearly defined in its space. This attention to placement and clarity makes the Vivace a strong choice for complex recordings, where layered details add to the experience. While it may not transport you into a vast concert hall, it provides a well-organized, articulate stage that keeps you engaged.
Alright, I know it's a bit unconventional to compare two IEMs with such different setups—a single DD versus a hybrid quad-driver—and a pretty big price gap, with the KE4 costing around $200 more than the Vivace at $30. But to me, sound is what matters, not the price tag, brand, or even the driver count.
Both the Kiwi Ears KE4 and the Tripowin Vivace share a similar neutral-balanced tuning, making them feel like distant relatives in the audio world. But while they're tuned alike, each offers its own take on the sound.
The KE4 leans towards a smoother, more relaxed sound with a hint of boosted sub-bass that adds warmth without overwhelming. Its presentation feels more laid-back and spacious, making it perfect for easygoing, immersive listening.
On the other hand, the Vivace takes a more energetic and upfront approach. With tighter bass and forward mids, it offers a lively, engaging sound that's right in your face without losing balance. For those who love a dynamic and direct listening experience, the Vivace delivers surprising value, especially given its price. It holds its own with similar quality but brings a bit more personality and presence, proving that great sound doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
Out of the box, the Vivace’s design is simple yet effective. The shell has a smooth, ergonomic shape that fits comfortably in the ear, designed to provide a good seal without adding too much weight. While it might not be the most striking in appearance, its comfort and fit are reliable, even for extended listening sessions. The build quality feels durable and perfect for daily use, with a minimalistic aesthetic that keeps things simple and elegant.
For a company known for making high-quality upgrade cables, the included cable on the Vivace feels surprisingly un-Tripowin-like. There’s no branding on it, and while it does look pretty nice, it’s a bit on the stiff side—think barbed wire vibes! The texture is rubbery but thankfully not sticky, which makes it less of a hassle to handle, though it does remind me a bit of the cable on the Tangzu Xuan Nv. It’s functional, but it doesn’t quite live up to Tripowin’s usual standard of cable quality.
For a company known for making high-quality upgrade cables, the included cable on the Vivace feels surprisingly un-Tripowin-like. There’s no branding on it, and while it does look pretty nice, it’s a bit on the stiff side—think barbed wire vibes! The texture is rubbery but thankfully not sticky, which makes it less of a hassle to handle, though it does remind me a bit of the cable on the Tangzu Xuan Nv. It’s functional, but it doesn’t quite live up to Tripowin’s usual standard of cable quality.
Sound Profile Overview
The Vivace’s tuning falls into the neutral-balanced category but it brings a few unique twists to the table. Its bass is tight and controlled, offering a sense of precision that complements the mids and highs. Compared to the Kiwi Ears KE4, which features a boosted, more relaxed sub-bass, the Vivace has a more linear low-end response that emphasizes control over sheer impact. Additionally, the Vivace’s mids are slightly forward and immediate, creating a sound that’s more upfront and engaging than the slightly distant feel of the KE4.
The Vivace’s tuning falls into the neutral-balanced category but it brings a few unique twists to the table. Its bass is tight and controlled, offering a sense of precision that complements the mids and highs. Compared to the Kiwi Ears KE4, which features a boosted, more relaxed sub-bass, the Vivace has a more linear low-end response that emphasizes control over sheer impact. Additionally, the Vivace’s mids are slightly forward and immediate, creating a sound that’s more upfront and engaging than the slightly distant feel of the KE4.
The Vivace’s bass is all about precision and control rather than overwhelming power. Sub-bass is present but kept in check, providing enough depth without stealing the show. It’s a bass response that complements the rest of the frequency range, adding weight and clarity without overshadowing the midrange or treble.
If you’re someone who prefers a heavy, boomy bass, the Vivace might feel a bit restrained. But for listeners who value clarity and accuracy, the Vivace’s low end hits just the right balance. Genres like jazz, classical, and acoustic music benefit from this tuning, as the bass remains tight, allowing other elements in the mix to shine through.
Mids: Clear, Upfront, and Engaging
The midrange on the Vivace is one of its strongest points. Vocals and instruments are given a forward placement, bringing them closer to the listener and making for an intimate and engaging experience. This characteristic is especially enjoyable for vocal-driven genres like pop, rock, and acoustic, where the presence and clarity of the mids make the performance feel vibrant and lifelike.
The Vivace’s mids feel immediate and alive. Male and female vocals retain their natural timbre, with a richness that’s neither too thick nor too thin. The upper mids carry a touch of energy, providing detail and sparkle without edging into harshness. It’s a sound that brings out the details without pushing them too far forward, offering an ideal balance for a variety of listening tastes.
Treble: Airy and Smoothly Extended
Treble on the Vivace is another highlight. It’s extended and airy, delivering a sense of openness and detail without becoming overly bright or fatiguing. The treble adds a bit of sparkle to the mix, allowing cymbals, strings, and higher-frequency elements to have their moment without dominating the soundstage.
For listeners who are sensitive to high frequencies, the Vivace’s treble is well-tuned. It manages to provide detail and airiness without risking sibilance, even on brighter tracks. This smooth, controlled treble works well with genres like classical, jazz, and acoustic, where clarity in the upper registers is crucial to the listening experience.
Soundstage & Imaging: Intimate with Precise Imaging
The Vivace doesn’t aim for a wide, spacious soundstage but instead keeps things intimate and precise. It’s a focused presentation, bringing the listener closer to the performance rather than giving a distant, grandiose effect. This is a soundstage that suits its upfront tuning—while it might not stretch as far as some IEMs, it feels intentional and fitting.
Where the Vivace really shines is in its imaging. Instrument separation is impressive, with each element clearly defined in its space. This attention to placement and clarity makes the Vivace a strong choice for complex recordings, where layered details add to the experience. While it may not transport you into a vast concert hall, it provides a well-organized, articulate stage that keeps you engaged.
Alright, I know it's a bit unconventional to compare two IEMs with such different setups—a single DD versus a hybrid quad-driver—and a pretty big price gap, with the KE4 costing around $200 more than the Vivace at $30. But to me, sound is what matters, not the price tag, brand, or even the driver count.
Both the Kiwi Ears KE4 and the Tripowin Vivace share a similar neutral-balanced tuning, making them feel like distant relatives in the audio world. But while they're tuned alike, each offers its own take on the sound.
The KE4 leans towards a smoother, more relaxed sound with a hint of boosted sub-bass that adds warmth without overwhelming. Its presentation feels more laid-back and spacious, making it perfect for easygoing, immersive listening.
On the other hand, the Vivace takes a more energetic and upfront approach. With tighter bass and forward mids, it offers a lively, engaging sound that's right in your face without losing balance. For those who love a dynamic and direct listening experience, the Vivace delivers surprising value, especially given its price. It holds its own with similar quality but brings a bit more personality and presence, proving that great sound doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
Conclusion: An Accessible, Lively Performer
The Tripowin x 0dibi Vivace is a fantastic example of how to deliver quality, balanced sound on a budget. Its precise bass, engaging mids, and airy treble combine to create an IEM that’s versatile, dynamic, and enjoyable for a wide range of genres. While it shares some tuning characteristics with higher-priced models like the KE4, the Vivace carves out its own niche with a more upfront, lively sound signature.
For those who appreciate detail and energy without venturing into overly bright or boomy territory, the Vivace is a great option. Its build quality, sound tuning, and comfortable fit make it an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a budget-friendly IEM that punches well above its weight. In a market filled with choices, the Vivace’s combination of affordability, precision, and liveliness sets it apart, making it a solid pick for both new listeners and seasoned audiophiles alike.
Linsoul Link: https://www.linsoul.com/products/tripowin-x-0dibi-vivace
The Tripowin x 0dibi Vivace is a fantastic example of how to deliver quality, balanced sound on a budget. Its precise bass, engaging mids, and airy treble combine to create an IEM that’s versatile, dynamic, and enjoyable for a wide range of genres. While it shares some tuning characteristics with higher-priced models like the KE4, the Vivace carves out its own niche with a more upfront, lively sound signature.
For those who appreciate detail and energy without venturing into overly bright or boomy territory, the Vivace is a great option. Its build quality, sound tuning, and comfortable fit make it an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a budget-friendly IEM that punches well above its weight. In a market filled with choices, the Vivace’s combination of affordability, precision, and liveliness sets it apart, making it a solid pick for both new listeners and seasoned audiophiles alike.
Linsoul Link: https://www.linsoul.com/products/tripowin-x-0dibi-vivace
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