Disclosure: The CVJ Aria was provided by Linsoul for this review. Please read more about our product review disclosure here.
The CVJ Aria Qimeng is a $79 USD dynamic driver IEM, sporting a 10mm nano-crystal coated single dynamic driver (DD). The word “Qimeng” means “enlightenment” (if Google Translator is to be believed), and all of the marketing around this IEM makes the case that the CVJ Aria will elevate your listening experience. Let’s find out if that’s really the case.
Key Specifications
- Type: IEM (in-ear monitor)
- Driver Type: 10mm Nano-Crystal coated Dynamic Driver (DD)
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Impedance: 28 ohms
- Sensitivity: 110 dB SPL
- Weight: 6.4 grams
- Connection: 0.78mm 2-pin connector
- Detachable Cable: Yes
In the Box and Unboxing
- CVJ Aria IEMs
- 4-core 400-strand silver-plated modular cable, 3.5mm connector pre-installed (cable length 1.25m)
- 4.4mm modular cable connector
- S, M, L set of black silicone ear tips
- S, M, L set of white silicone ear tips
- 3 interchangeable nozzles (blue nozzle is pre-installed)
- Tuning foam for nozzles
- Metal travel case
If there’s one thing I can say about the CVJ Aria it’s that the packaging itself sets you up for the listening experience. The outside of the box has a calm demeanor, with the phrase “Let the soul find peace amidst turmoil. Experience true freedom and tranquility and become an explorer of the inner world”.
Once you open the box you are greeted with a piece of art that evokes dreamlike and psychedelic imagery. Flipping it over reveals a lengthy description of the goal and mission statement of the Aria Qimeng. I’m not sure if Qimeng is officially part of the name or not, so for the rest of the review I’ll simply be calling it the CVJ Aria.
The accessories are neatly packaged inside the box, which is rather large compared to other IEM packages. The case is made of metal and is decently roomy, though there isn’t much room to put something like a dongle DAC inside after the IEMs, cable, and spare nozzles are in there.
Speaking of nozzles, three different ones are included that are supposed to change the sound tuning. Also included is tuning foam, which you will need to insert yourself, except for the blue nozzle which comes pre-attached with the foam already inserted.
The two sets of silicone nozzles each have their own case, which I actually like as it holds them securely.
The cable is one of the better cables I’ve used in a while. It’s thick but not too heavy, doesn’t tangle easily, and holds its shape without being too rigid. The end of the cable is modular and comes with a 3.5mm connector attached, and a 4.4mm connector in the box. The ability to switch between the two is a nice change to see in the IEM space, especially at this price range.
Design & Comfort
The CVJ Aria looks stunning thanks to the unique purple color of the CNC aerospace-grade aluminum shell. They feel strong and light, and more premium than the price suggests. The faceplate has an elegant design that is not too flashy. Beside the connector on each earpiece is the name “Aria” with the L or R to indicate which side they go, which I always appreciate.
The comfort is excellent, though a bit on the shallower side. Those with larger ears may need to use larger ear tips to compensate for that. Otherwise, I had no issues wearing them for long periods of time.
Sound Quality
Sources used for this review:
- HiBy R4
- Samsung Galaxy Fold 5 with Apple USB-C to 3.5mm dongle
At 28 ohms and 110 dB SPL sensitivity, the CVJ Aria is very easy to drive. Using an Apple USB-C to 3.5mm dongle I had no issues with volume or dynamics.
The CVJ Aria comes with three nozzles labeled as follows:
Blue (pre-installed) – Popular
Silver – Instrumental music
Gold – Equilibrium
I’ll mainly be looking at the sound profile of the Blue nozzle since it’s pre-installed.
Overall, it has a V-shaped profile that sounds engaging, and dare I say, fun. There is a sub-bass roll-off, but it still hits in a controlled manner. It sounds rather safe, but for me who is not a bass head, I found it enjoyable with enough impact and energy.
The midrange has good performance for both male and female vocals, though I think male vocals specifically sound excellent. This goes for both deeper-sounding male vocals, as well as higher-pitched ones. The midrange has a touch of warmth and some thickness to it. They are also clear with good detail. The instruments sound natural and separated, I feel like the single dynamic driver is really performing well here compared to other single DD IEMs.
The treble is very resolving and has good extension. I was able to hear some sibilance on certain tracks, but most of the time it’s fairly tame for a V-shaped sound signature. This is actually nice since it leads to very little listening fatigue unless you’re constantly listening to tracks such as Radiohead’s Reckoner, with constant cymbal use. My only complaint with the treble is that it doesn’t sound very exciting or engaging, it’s kind of just there.
Looking at the other two nozzles now, the Gold one has a more focused V- shape to it, with a bit more bass impact and oomph. Midrange is pulled back a bit, but female vocals sound better than male vocals (female vocals also sound better here than with the Blue nozzle). The treble also sounds slightly elevated compared to the Blue nozzle, with more energy and sparkle.
The Silver nozzle has an even tighter and more controlled bass, it’s more of a one-and-done performer here. I still found them satisfying though. The midrange has a bit more energy than the Blue nozzle. They sound smooth and very clear, but male vocals suffer a bit here whereas female vocals sound better. The treble is a bit sharper here. More impactful. This leads to listening fatigue but is also more satisfying to listen to.
Overall I prefer the Blue nozzle for most genres, but if you listen to female vocals I’d recommend the Silver nozzle for the better clarity and detail here.
The soundstage is above average for the price range, with more width than height or depth (a trend I’ve been seeing for single DD IEMs below $100). The imaging is simply excellent though. Listen to Pink Floyd’s Animals with these and you’ll understand. I also tried the CVJ Aria for gaming and the excellent imaging performance, as well as the V-shaped sound profile makes them superb gaming IEMs. Call of Duty Warzone performs well, with weapon fire and footsteps easily recognizable and the directionality easy to hear. The soundstage is also wide enough for RPGs like Cyberpunk 2077 and Skyrim to sound immersive.
Final Thoughts
At first glance, it’s easy to say that the CVJ Aria is compensating with its plethora of accessories. If it was priced any higher than $79 USD then I would agree, but at this price, it gives you excellent value, with a rather pleasing sound signature and the opportunity to tune the sound to your liking. I didn’t play with any of the tuning foam, but that provides an extra opportunity to tune the different nozzles. Due to the versatility provided by the tuning nozzles, you have an IEM that performs well for all music genres, as well as doubles as an excellent pair of gaming IEMs. I can highly recommend the CVJ Aria Qimeng.
I’m not always able to cover all the details of a product, both hardware and software, in our reviews. If you have any specific questions you’d like answered about this product please feel free to leave a comment or contact me directly.
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HiFi Oasis Verdict
HiFi Oasis Verdict-
Design & Comfort8/10 Very good
-
Sound8/10 Very good
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Features8/10 Very good
Pros
- Good bass performance
- Vocals sound excellent
- Customizable sound signature tuning via interchangeable nozzles and tuning foam
- Excellent IEM for gaming
- High quality, modular cable included
- Great value
Cons
- Treble can sound uninspiring when using the Blue nozzle
- Silver nozzle can sound fatiguing after a while
- Gold nozzle has a fairly recessed midrange, doesn't offer much of an improvement in any area over the Blue and Silver nozzles