Tigerism Octave - The Tiger strikes back

  

Perhaps more known for the single-DD wonder - MiM Dark Magician, the company in question has also launched another single-DD model which is notably cheaper (about $160) yet arguably better build quality. Introducing the Tigerism Octave, a full-metal shell IEM with, you guessed it, tiger stripe designs on the faceplates. The very next thing you'll notice is how insanely THICC the stock cable is. The finishing and overall quality on both of these frankly put many mid-tier priced IEMs to shame.

Admire the striped design -chef's kiss-

Tigerism Octave, not sure if that is the serial number

Sound quality

Lows

The lows are most certainly going to be the make or break portion of this IEM, because they are tuned to sound natural but sacrifices some detail in the process. What this means is that slower paced tracks sound great but faster tracks may not sound as clean as a multi-BA set up for example. The lows are meaty, with very good extension from subbass to midbass before a gentle glide into the midrange. Bass tuck is non-existent with this. For comparison, this feel like an upgrade from the Blon-03 which is a crowd favourite in literally every way. Bass detail is above average with the midbass layering being fairly average for IEMs at this price point. However, where it excels at is having that subbass rumble that is well-controlled yet not sounding completely lifeless.

Midrange

The midrange also leans to the organic side than a clean sound like the Blessing 3. This is probably due to the midbass glide which trades some separation for a warmer lower midrange. Male and female vocals sound full and equally presented as a result, and this is something that breaks away from the norm of a typical chi-fi sound that follows the harman target (a target which is great for other reasons). If you come from leaner IEMs like the Heart Mirror or the Moondrop Blessing 2/3, the natural midrange would be a welcome alternative. Guitars, pianos, and even drums are not competing with each other, although I would have liked a little wider staging for the instruments.

Highs

The highs are smooth and completely free of any sizzling peaks. There is some extension especially when it comes to strings, but not enough energy to experience harmonics. For an IEM that aims to cater more for music enjoyment rather than critical listening, this is a probably the best way to tune the treble region to be non fatiguing while maintaining some level of extension to prevent instruments from sounding blunted. Yes, you'll still hear your favourite artists catching their breathe in between verses. 

A quick measurement of the Octave

Technicalities

Detail wise, the Octave would fare slightly above average for IEMs in this price range, which is impressive given how natural it replays music. Instrument separation is also similar, with imaging generally being accurate and wide enough. Staging takes on a more 3-d approach that is vastly improved over the blon 03 which suffered from three blob type of soundstage.

Conclusions

Overall, the Octave achieves a good balance of tonality, backed with decent technicalities and clarity. This set is for people who want a natural replay of their libraries, and less so for people who listen to really crowded tracks that demand sets with incisive separation. Coupled with the build quality, this is why it is the clearest upgrade for people who loved the blon03, but could not replicate that sort of guilty pleasure tuning with more expensive sets.

Tone: B+

Lows: B+

Mids: A-

Highs: B

Technical: B

Clarity: B-

Imaging: B+

Note that the grade for average IEMs have been adjusted to C/C+.