TECHNICAL SKILLS and SOURCE MATCHING
Starting with the soundstage here; it’s impressively wide but not too tall. Noble K10 is taller for instance but Oriolus is wider. It’s not super wide like JH Layla but it’s still impressive, especially when you think about the dynamic and intimate sound. 3D effect is there and because of the accented bass presentation the sound usually feels alive. The separation of the instruments is great and the elements of the sound have correct positions.
Oriolus V2 is not the resolution king and that’s because of the treble. But you can reckon on it about the resolution as it won’t let you down. Because the other two ranges have a great resolution overall. The situation with trebles is actually a plus if you like the laid back signature like me, but it’s a minus for the people who have an opposite taste. I should make clear that I’m comparing it with the best here, so don’t think it lacks the resolution on trebles. It’s very very good regardless.
The awesomeness of Oriolus is it’s strong technical points, together with the easygoing and emotional sound reproduction. Best of both worlds here. I just simply can’t find a noticeable flaw about it to bring up. And remember, I usually look for the flaws instead of strong points. The texture and layering is wonderful also. It does nothing wrong or artificial. It’s just a spectacular monitor in every aspect.
Regarding sources; a flatter source can be a better choice if you’re sensitive to that type of dynamic driver bass. Especially with Paw Gold it wasn’t the most ideal setup. But with something like an A&K DAP or Sony ZX2 it’s well balanced with a hint of strength and rumble. I suppose it would also be great with Hifiman HM901S and Questyle QP1R, for the fact that they’re reference type of DAP’s.
It’s easy to drive the Oriolus. So you shouldn’t worry about it too much.
SMALL COMPARISONS
vs K10: K10 is also very strong technically and like the Oriolus V2 it’s a musical IEM. The difference is at the bass department, as K10 gives more midbass. K10’s bass is a little bit flatter as well, which can be better for some. Resolution of K10 is a bit ahead but it sounds closer and narrower. It’s a bit taller though. Also the seperation on K10 is sharp like an edge of a knife, but I think the positioning of Oriolus V2 is better.
vs Angie: Another warm and musical IEM, which lacks that kind of technically strong points when compared. It’s also darker in comparison but soundstage is taller on Angie. Treble is similar to Oriolus with Oriolus being a bit better in terms of resolution. General resolution is better on it as well.
vs S-EM9: The French wonder is faster, has better treble quality (probably the best in the market) but the mids and the bass on Oriolus are simply better in terms of musicality and emotion. Soundstage is similar.
vs FitEar TG334: Oriolus V2 is the only IEM to me that can come close to TG334 in terms of mid presentation, but TG334 is still the absolute best to me. Other than that I think FitEar is behind in every aspect except the soundstage width. That is quite similar.
If you wish, you can ask about more comparisons in the comments section.
SUMMARY
Oriolus V2 is simply a masterpiece. From the perfect bass to lively mids and kind trebles, it’s a joy to listen to, every single time. Even if you’re a treble-head, you wouldn’t deny the success of this wonderful IEM. It’s technically very strong and sits at around the top with the best, and it undoubtedly gives a musical perfection. If you’re after this kind of reproduction, just go for it. It’s also a great all-rounder thanks to the amazing cohesiveness, so you can listen almost everything with it.
Only 4 IEM’s caused me to “wow” in my audiophile journey over the years. Those are K10, Layla, S-EM9 and ultimately Oriolus V2. So that gives you an idea doesn’t it?
Self evidently; It’s one of the best.
EDIT: Oriolus informed us they now have an English store front!! Buy them here: en.oriolus.jp
CL
thanks for that thorough review, i too enjoyed the Oriolus 2, but i did prefer the TG334 thou it could well be my mind playing tricks as the fitear felt better physically in my ears. if you get the opportunity, take a listen to the fostex fitear UIEM collab… they are almost like brothers from different mothers.
Berkhan
Thanks for the comment.
It is unlikely for me to try that because FitEar products are hard to get. But we’ll see 🙂
CL
it’s actually branded as fostex so it’s more widely avaliable than other fitears 🙂
http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/products/TE100.shtml
Berkhan
From that webpage: “THIS PRODUCT IS SOLD ONLY IN SELECTED COUNTRIES. NOT SOLD IN EUROPE.”
So I don’t know… 🙂
Do you have any idea how we can get in touch?
CL
oops… via most shops in the Jaben network perhaps? or via Nathan? 😉
Lieven
I do, but use the form to get in touch : http://www.headfonia.com/contact-us/
Surya Pratama Wijaya
Hi Berkhan,
Your article on the oriolus was spot on. A very special iem indeed. I too have auditioned the oriolus and agree with you about the shallow insertion. You mentioned that the oriolus is available in a custom. I wanted to ask you how i could go about ordering a custom version. All the retailers online only seem to sell the universal version.
Thank you
Best Regards,
Surya
Berkhan
Thanks for the comment Surya.
Well I don’t know how to get the CIEM version, I guess you should contact directly with them. Maybe they make CIEM’s only for Japan I’m not sure. Try to contact Oriolus Japan.
Nick
If you haven’t had a chance yet, I hope you can try Campfire Audio Vega and Andromeda. I would love to know your comparison between the Oriolus MKII and those two.
Berkhan
Yeah if I ever listen to those I could also add them to my IEM list on Head-Fi.
CL
Nick, they complement each other quite well, i listened to all 3 and ended up getting the Andro which is a better fit to the music i listen to. Oriolus is more a “big speakers” like listening experience, it is less in your face than either of the CAs, whereas CAs are more in your face (in the best sense of the term), O2 is more relaxing (but not boring). O2 has more in common with another favourite of mine, the fitear parterre but O2 has much better technicalities, from tonality and resolution.
Serge
Would it be appropriate to compare Oriolus with ASTELL&KERN AKT8IE MKII, which is $200 less and got here, on Headfonia, some good recommendations? Thanks!
CL
Serge, very different sound signatures. T8IE is a lot drier and less laid back. Both are good at what they do, T8IE is more fun vibrant exciting compared to the more laid back, rich Oriolus, imho. T8IE is super comfortable though
AUDIOPHILIA
Can i get a more detailed review between the oriolus v2 and the fitear tg334 in terms of sound?Thanks!!
Berkhan
I think Oriolus is the better IEM overall, especially at the bass department. But as CL said, it’s super comfy and has a good sound as well. If you seek for just the sound quality alone, Oriolus is the better choice IMO.
PH
Great review, I also really like my Oriolus. Couple of questions. How much impact does the the new cable have? I have the older cable with my MKII and was wondering what I would notice with an upgrade (or more like what did you notice)? Genres that I listen to most are edm/trance and I am skeptical if I would notice much difference for that added cost. I am more of an music enthusiast than a true audiophile and unfortunately majority of my music is compressed and i have always been semi critical of cable upgrades. Lastly do you have some recommendations on the foam tips? Mine fit fine, but become slightly uncomfortable after about an hr of continous use. Thanks.
Berkhan
PH I’m sorry for this late response. With the cable you will hear a bigger bass with a better resolution and intimacy across mids. For foam tips I don’t have a specific choice but grey foams that supplied within the box are pretty nice to me.
gunwale
i got a thor silver ii for my oriolus and it sounded much better in every spectrum.
i tried pw no5 and it sounded quite closed to the stock cable.
Berkhan
Never tried it with a Thor Silver unfortunately.
Much thanks for sharing your experience.
Thurein
Hi Berkhan,
First of all thanks for your review. It is spot on for me in my audition with my WM1Z. I have 2 questions if you could kindly answer. Thanks..
Firstly, may i know what is the different between MK II and V2?
Is the different only the PW No.5 cable only?
Secondly, what is the best after market cable do you think for jazz, country, pop and string instrumental song for Oriolus iem.
Thanks.
Thurein
Berkhan
Hi Thurein
Thanks for your comment.
MKII and V2 is the same thing. Some say MKII and some say V2, it’s exactly the same IEM.
I use Effect Audio Ares II 4.4mm Balanced with my Oriolus. DAP is Sony WM1A. Of course there are lots of options but Ares II worked out very well for me so I can recommend that one.
Thurein
Hi Berkhan,
Thanks for the reply.
Phew… I thought I just bought old version of Oriolus. ????
Ares I noticed is using litz copper.
My WM1Z being more of full bodied and warm signature, should I go for the more of silver and copper base mixture like lionheart or Leonidas?
As do not want to be overly bass impact and full sounding.
Thanks.
Thurein
Berkhan
Ares II is not a typical copper cable. It still has the openness and treble extension. But yes, if you have the 1Z then it would be better to get a silver or silver plated copper cable. You’ll have a more balanced signature overall.
Thurein
Hi Berkhan,
Thanks for the reply, I will try those cables and decide on one. Now enjoying with stock cable n 1Z.
????
Thanks
Thurein
Thurein
Hi Berkhan,
Finally settled on the upgrade cable for me Oriolus MK II with Eos cable from music sanctuary Singapore.
They told me this cable was a collaboration between them and effect audio. The main cable is also what you mentioned Ares II.
True enough from what you said this cable although is copper base, it never overwhelm bass department with my 1Z and Oriolus. Improved mid-range lushness, extend treble quite a bit and Low end feel more tighter with good presence.
Now I am really enjoying a good quality after market, thanks to you.
????Thumbs up.????
Berkhan
You’re welcome 🙂
Harlan
Hi Berkhan,
Your review just convinced me to buy the Oriolus MK2:).
Unfortunately being the chinese version the PW Audio no5 cable will not be included.
I’m looking for an aftermarket cable for the Oriolus MK2 which I can find in Europe and I understand that you prefer the Effect Audio Ares II with them? How is the pair up Ares II – Oriolus compared with the PW Audio no5 – Oriolus? Thanks
Berkhan
Hi,
I like it with Ares II. PW No.5 is warmer and darker than that, and I think silver plated or silver cables doesn’t play well with it.
Copper helps to reflect its own warm character in my opinion. Both Ares II and No. 5 are pretty good. If you like to have a little more open signature you can go with Ares II.
Harlan
Thanks Berkhan. I think I’ll order the Ares II 🙂 Merry Christmas!
S.Yu
Hi Berkhan,
I had a week with the O2 paired with a L&P L3Pro and I’d say I mostly agree with your review, I also tried a generic cable about $100 (mainly for the 2.5mm balanced plug) and immediately noticed too that the mids don’t work, not on L3Pro’s 2.5mm nor on its 3.5mm with an adaptor, the original cable is a very good match.
Another thing I’d like to add is that with its relaxed presentation and wide soundstage, it’s not a really good match with the more exciting genres of music, it presents almost everything effortlessly and listening to those it felt hard to get engaged with the music.
By the way, I’m looking into a second-hand AKR03 right now, but I’m struggling to find reviews, it seems to be of much better value than the Layla for starters. I believe you guys on Headfonia didn’t write about it either (though many other JH models have been covered) but do you by chance know why its rarely covered?
Berkhan
Hi,
Yes, it’s not hyper engaging with the tunes that requires that much energy.
By AKR03 I think you mean the Roxanne? I remember some reviews of Roxanne on Head Fi, it was a really popular item when it was released. You sure you can’t find reviews about it?
JH is Linus’ responsibility. They’ve chosen to send him Layla, their flagship but not the Roxanne. I’ve listened to it before by the way, and found Angie to suit my tastes better.
I don’t know the communication between Linus and JH, but a Roxanne review is unlikely if you ask me.
rob
I just picked up the “Reborn” version of this IEM and i can say that in 30 minutes of 90’s Drum and Bass, this article is still 100% on point – and describes why i like it so much. I will say this though, i noticed when i bought my Campfire Lyra that after some hours listening the bass will mellow a bit. Either the drivers eases up or my ears get used to it – but either way the bass usually feels less overpowering. I’m sure that will be the case here as well.
Berkhan
Enjoy, it’s still one of the best IEMs.
Jonathan
Hey there, so apparently I have the opportunity to purchase these as a CIEM for ~$1,000. Would you say that this IEM is still worth it at this price point?
Berkhan
Yes it does. There are many options for 1000 $ though. It all depends on your taste.
Jonathan
Well, from how you describe it, it sounds like the oriolus is the kind of sound signature I’m looking for. I’m looking for something that somewhat sounds like an IEM version of the HE-500. What are some other good options at the 1000 range that you could solidly recommend?
Berkhan
I would say;
P-EAR-S SH-3
M-Fidelity SA-50
Warbler Prelude
JH Angie
InEarz Nirvana
Lime Ears Model X
Lime Ears Aether
Cosmic Ears CE6
Ultimate Ears Pro Reference Remastered
Steve
Hi, can you make a recommendation in 2022? I am also wanting both musicality and resolution but more so musicality. I have n5005 but it sounds a bit sharp at the high end to me. I think I prefer the xelento for its lower end but the resolution is definitely better on the n5005. Something with both musicality, some resolution, and a wider sound stage is what I am looking for. Close to $500 but less than $1000 for sure would be great.