The sub 200 USD price point is one of the most competitive areas in the IEM market. Thanks to advancements in driver technologies, brands have been putting out hybrid and multi-driver options that present lots of innovations.
However, some companies still believe that you don’t have to rely on crazy ideas to get people’s attention. One such company is Audiosense, who are well known in the audio community for making one of the best IEMs in the sub 400 USD price range, the Audiosense T800.
And now, they are looking to add more models in their lineup that are more competitively priced. In today’s review, we will be checking out their sub 200 USD dual BA offering, the DT 200. Will it be able to capture the same magic of its higher-end siblings? Keep on scrolling to find out.
Disclaimer
The review unit was provided by Audiosense. We would like to thank them for their support and for making this review possible. However, this does not influence our review in any way. Everything written here is my honest opinion.
Contents
Packaging and Accessories
Unboxing Experience
The DT200 comes in a very interesting packaging. The outer box is well done with its clean design and premium feel. There are no excessive brandings on the front or back of the outer box. Instead, you only get a quick glance at the shells as well as some technical specifications.
But the presentation becomes more interesting once we access the inner box. Instead of getting treated with the usual foam holding the shells and ear tips, we are instead greeted with a hard case that contains the IEMs and the accessories.
This was a bit of a departure from our usual IEM unboxings but I am quite happy with the experience. Audiosense has managed to fit in something as large as the hard case without making the box too big. I have to give props to Audiosense for that.
Accessories
Ear Tips
In terms of the accessories, the DT200 comes with nearly everything that you would need. The DT200 comes with three pairs of silicone ear tips (one pair for each size) and three pairs of foam ear tips. Audiosense was kind enough to provide me with their GT40S silicone ear tips, which I opted to use instead of the stock ear tips.
There are no issues with the stock ear tips. I just preferred the feel, quality, and aesthetics of these over the stock ear tips.
Hard Case
My favorite accessory is none other than the Pelican style hard carrying case. It is included with the higher-end models such as the T800 so it isn’t the first time that we are seeing this from Audiosense. However, it is always a great addition since we typically get generic-looking cases from most brands.
The Pelican 1010 has been my default choice when it comes to hard cases. So naturally, having a similar one already included out of the box is quite reassuring since I can take these IEMs anywhere without worrying about them.
The feel and build quality of the case is on point. It is longer than the Pelican 1010, which means it can accommodate more than one IEM. It also means that you can store more accessories, such as spare cables or ear tips.
However, it is narrower than the Pelican 1010, so small DAPs and DAC/Amps such as the Astell & Kern SR15 or iFi Nano BL will no longer fit. If you are interested in Audiosense’s hard case, you can purchase it from Audiosense’s Aliexpress Store.
MMCX Remover and Extra Nozzle Filters
The DT200 also comes with some additional accessories that aren’t normally included in most IEMs. It comes with three extra nozzle filters and an MMCX remover.
You don’t normally need to replace the nozzle filters that often. But when that time comes, it is good to know that you have some extra pairs that are immediately accessible. And of course, the MMCX remover is a great addition because MMCX cables are often hard to remove.
Overall, in terms of the accessories, the DT200 is already off to a great start. However, we will still have to see how well it fares in terms of its build quality and sound quality.
Design and Build Quality
Shells
The DT200 features 3D printed shells that aim to offer a similar experience to Custom IEMs. I am a big fan of this design since it almost always offers a better fit than typical shell designs. Most of these 3D printed designs are quite reliable and display minimal imperfections.
In terms of its aesthetics, the DT200’s shells have a clear design that lets you see through the internals. The shells also feature an attractive looking faceplate similar to the ones found on the higher-end models such as the T800.
Overall, there are no noticeable imperfections inside and outside the shells. I do not see any kind of scenario where these would fall apart. That is great news since these can be used for professional uses. We’ll talk more about that in the sound quality portion of the review.
But despite my mostly positive feedback, I did have some minor complaints on the shells. One of them is the plastic nozzles. I would have preferred if they are part of the main body or if they are made of metal. While they do feel sturdy enough, I would have liked to see more reinforcement just to make sure that they won’t accidentally snap while changing ear tips.
Another issue I have is with the MMCX connectors. The shells were already spinning right out of the box. This is a common issue with MMCX connectors, however, they are typically tight at first and are similar to 2-pin connectors. This can be annoying especially when you are trying to put on the IEMs. But overall, I am quite happy with how durable and how great looking the shells are.
Stock Cable
The DT200 comes with a nice looking stock cable. It is a lot better than the ones that usually come in this price range. However, I have seen some better-looking cables with more premium materials. It is quite a shame since the cable doesn’t quite live up to the premium quality of the shells.
The Y-splitter is the only part of the cable that is made of metal. The other components such as the MMCX and 3.5mm housing are made of plastic. I would have preferred if they were made of metal, but they seem to be sturdy enough.
As for the cable, it is quite flexible and is easy to handle. It never got tangled or messy and was always ready to use whenever I needed it.
Fit and Comfort
Part of the appeal of the 3D Printed Shells is the semi-custom design that provides superior comfort to usual universal IEM designs. I have tried several IEMs with this kind of shell design such as the BGVP VG4 and QDC Neptune and I have always been happy with the result. The same is true for the DT200.
The 3D Printed shells do their job quite well. I was able to use the DT200 for long listening sessions without encountering any fatigue. They also had great stability on my ears without being too difficult to remove.
The DT200’s shells were a bit smaller than the likes of the VG4. As a result, the fit was not as snug. However, this wasn’t an issue as I was still easily able to get a good seal.
Sound Quality
Presentation
The DT200 utilizes two Knowles balanced armature drivers. One driver is for the lows and the mids while the other is for the highs. It may seem odd for a sub 200 USD IEM to only have two drivers, especially when the rest of the competition usually has at least three drivers.
But at this point, we know that driver count does not fully determine the sound quality. It depends on how well these drivers are utilized. And Audiosense proves that they only need two drivers to deliver a fantastic sounding and versatile IEM.
The DT200 has a flat sound signature with a natural and realistic sound reproduction. This is quite refreshing since most IEMs in the sub 200 USD price point don’t usually go for this kind of sound signature.
Some might find this flat signature to be boring. That is quite understandable since the bass on this IEM is quite subdued and the highs are always kept in check. It can feel as if Audiosense is playing it a bit too safe.
However, because of the technicalities of the DT200, Audiosense was able to execute this kind of signature. There are no harsh peaks in the upper mids and treble making this IEM easy to listen to for long listening sessions. The bass is also adequate which gives the DT200 a full sound.
This kind of flat sound signature also enables the DT200 to be more than just a pair for music listening. It also works well with professional applications such as stage monitoring for live performances.
Lows
The DT200 has a great low-end reproduction despite being handled by only one of the two BA drivers. It can still pack a punch and can surprisingly dig deep. Of course, it won’t be on the same level as dynamic drivers.
Lows lack the kick and impact, especially on energetic tracks. However, it always manages to properly convey the amount of bass needed on the track.
Bass notes are clean and clear. Each note can be heard clearly even on a busy mix. And there is no bleed into the mids which greatly helps with midrange clarity. Overall, it is just at the right level and gives enough room to highlight the mids and the highs.
Mids
The mids on the DT200 are overall well done. Despite being neutral, I am very satisfied with the experience that I get. Vocals and instruments such as guitars are full-bodied and are positioned very well in the mix. They are neither too loud nor too buried behind the other frequencies.
The upper mids are more emphasized, which usually makes female vocals stand out. However, male vocals are still presented quite well and are still a treat to listen to. My comments here are mostly positive except for one minor issue I have.
This issue isn’t’ a deal-breaker but is something that I immediately noticed especially when compared to my other IEMs. Vocals were a tad bit warmer than what I am used to. It lacks the sparkle and brightness that I have grown accustomed to with my other BA IEMs.
This is most evident with female vocals. While they still sound nice thanks to the DT200’s technicalities, I would have preferred more brightness to help it cut through the mix. But of course, this is all a matter of personal preference since I would not call the mids unnatural or inaccurate.
Highs
The treble region is handled very well by the DT200 and is one of my favorite aspects. Usually, I prefer an extended treble region as I am not bothered by peaks. That is not what the DT200 has.
Instead, it delivers a very controlled treble that has enough quantity to balance out the lows. However, despite its safe approach, I never found the highs to be lacking. The DT200 manages to deliver a complete and satisfying experience on the highs without the fatiguing experience that comes with it.
Cymbals sound crips and realistic. And just like the lows, they perfectly round out the sound giving a complete listening experience that is neither too dark nor too bright.
Imaging and Soundstage
The DT200 has an above average soundstage. However, it does not try to exaggerate it. Instead, it always makes sure that there is ample space for each instrument while still maintaining the realism of the sound.
The imaging is also spot on with the DT200. Each instrument was quite easy to pinpoint.
Comparisons
BQEYZ Spring 2
Despite not being an all BA setup, I decided to pit the DT200 against one of the best sub 200 USD IEMs that we have reviewed, the BQEYZ Spring 2. It is immediately apparent how different each IEM’s approach is.
The Spring 2 has a more colored sound with more emphasis on the mids and the treble. This was, of course, thanks to its triple driver design with an electrostatic driver handling the highs. The DT 200, as mentioned earlier, has a more flat sound signature with no specific frequency being highlighted.
But despite only utilizing two balanced armature drivers, the DT200 was able to keep up with the Spring 2. In fact, it has a slight edge in terms of the bass response. Despite using a dynamic driver, the Spring 2 has opted to put the bass on the backseat.
It can be felt but it is quite restrained to give more room to the mids and highs. The DT200 is the opposite as it tries to maximize the BA driver for bass as much as possible. The result is a deeper sounding bass that fills the low end more evenly.
If you want a bright sounding IEM that has excellent controls on the upper mids and highs, then the Spring 2 is a great choice. However, if you prefer a more accurate and non-fatiguing listening experience, then the DT200 is a better fit.
You can learn more about the BQEYZ Spring 2 in our full review.
BGVP VG4
I wanted to test how well the DT200 fares against more expensive models so I decided to compare it against the BGVP VG4, which we have also reviewed. The BGVP VG4 is currently the entry-level model in BGVP’s VG series. It has a quad driver design with three dip switches that can alter the sound signature.
I used the VG4’s stock signature (0 0 0 dip switch configuration) to get the most neutral sound out of it. But of course, it will still have some slight coloration since it is not meant to be as flat sounding as the Audiosense DT200.
Despite using BA’s for the bass frequencies, the VG4 still manages to have a more punchy and impactful bass. Each note is also clearer and more defined. The DT200, on the other hand, is more subtle and is not as punchy as the VG4.
The mids are also smoother and brighter on the VG4. The same goes for the highs. However, the DT200 was still able to keep up in terms of the detail retrieval. It falls short when it comes to the mids and highs but that is to be expected given the difference in price and driver configuration.
But overall, the DT200 was still able to bring a satisfying experience and was surprisingly able to keep up with the VG4. You can learn more about the BGVP VG4 in our full review.
Pairing
ddHifi TC35B
The Audiosense DT200 isn’t too source reliant and manages to sound good with almost any source. For my entry-level source, I have decided to pair the DT200 with the ddHiFi TC35B. This DAC/Amp is known to be fairly neutral with a bit of emphasis on the low end.
It did not color the sound too much but did help with making the bass a bit punchier. The highs started to roll off with the TC35B but it did not affect the DT200 since its highs are not too peaky.
Overall, the DT200 works well with this pairing since it does not require too much power, and the overall sound is not altered too much. I highly recommend this setup if you do not own a DAP or DAC/Amp.
You can read more about the TC35B in our full review.
Astell & Kern AK70 Mk2
The DT200 sees a good amount of improvement when paired with a midrange DAP such as the Astell & Kern AK70 MK2. The AK70 MK2’s slight coloration is a perfect match for the DT200. It manages to make the DT200 sound more interesting without taking away its accuracy.
The mids and highs are improved on this kind of setup. It is a subtle improvement but it helps with making vocals more present. But of course, most of the characteristics of the IEM are kept intact.
iFi Nano iDSD Black Label
Of course, pairing the DT200 with a DAC/Amp such as the iFi Nano iDSD Black Label will help bring out its full potential. Just like with the other two sources, the natural sound and flat signature of the DT200 are kept intact. However, the detail retrieval is slightly better with the iFi Nano BL.
The sound is also cleaner, especially when utilizing the iFi Nano BL’s IEMatch output. And out of the three sources, this setup possibly reproduced the most accurate sound for the DT200. It just proves how well the Dt200 scales and adapts to better sources.
Verdict
Overall, I am very happy with how competitive the DT200 is in its price range. Despite only utilizing two drivers, it was able to give a satisfying listening experience. It will surely not be for everyone.
Consumers coming from lower-priced IEMs may be more accustomed to V-shaped, mid-forward, and other types of signatures. Fans of vocal-based music may also be a bit thrown off with the way the DT200 handles vocals.
But for those looking for a flat sounding IEM that can be used for professional applications and an IEM that has great detail retrieval, then the Audiosense DT200 is a great choice. And when you add the fact that It has a solid build quality with 3D Printed Shells and high-quality accessories, you get a solid package.
The Audiosense DT200 can be purchased at Audiosense’s Official AliExpress Store as well as on HiFiGo.
Specifications
- Impedance: 14ohms
- Sensitivity: 99dB/mW
- Frequency response: 20Hz-22kHz
- Plug Type: L Bending Monitor
- Plugs: 3.5mm connector
- Pin Type: Copper MMCX Connections
- Cord Length: 50“ /125cm
- Cable type: Detachable cable- 8 Strands 19core OFC copper cable
- Driver Type/Count: 2 precision BA drivers
- Driver Configuration: 1 high BA, 1 middle and low BA
- Sound Isolation (up to): 30 dB
Albums Used For Testing
- Milet – Eyes
- Babymetal – Legend Metal Galaxy
- Babymetal – Metal Galaxy
- Mamamoo – Reality in Black
- Nobuo Uematsu – Distant Worlds: Music From Final Fantasy
- Pentatonix – Pentatonix Volume 2
- Yorushika – Plagiarism
- Moe Shop – Moe Moe
Stephen is a musician, cinematographer, and headphone enthusiast who is passionate about reviewing audio equipment. He has been playing guitar for at least a decade, which introduced him to professional recording equipment such as headphones and in-ear monitors. With the help of reviews and online content, he was able to learn the ins and outs of the hobby. His goal is to give back to the community by providing quality content to help others enjoy the beautiful (and expensive) world of audio.
Favorite Headphones: Sennheiser HD660s