CVJ Konoka
- Driver configuration: 1DD+1BA+1VD
- Impedance: 28Ω
- Sensitivity: 112dB (1kHz)
- Frequency Range: 10-40kHz
In the Box:
- CVJ Konoka
- Detachable QDC 0.75mm cable (3.5mm Single-Ended)
- 3 Pairs of white silicon eartips S/M/L
- User manual
Why Did
I Buy Them?
I was
intrigued by the “vibration driver.” Spoiler: disappointing. Additionally, the
brand claimed it could deliver different sound modes depending on the activated
switches, all tailored for multimedia formats like music, movies, and gaming.
Packaging,
Build, and Design
The
packaging is noteworthy, arriving in a rectangular box that opens upward.
Inside, you’ll find the IEMs along with the cable and S/M/L eartips. While they
could have cut costs on accessories, I appreciate the effort to provide an
unboxing experience that exceeds expectations for its price range.
The design
is attractive, showcasing all the drivers through the transparent housing. The
plastic is lightweight yet feels good in hand. The cable is the standard
KZ-style, and the eartips are average but comfortable enough.
Comfort
These
aren’t the most comfortable IEMs I’ve used. The shape is a bit odd, and the
nozzle is relatively short, causing discomfort after extended use.
Switches
The IEMs
have two switches on each side: one activates the BA, and the other activates
the VD. The DD driver remains always active, resulting in four possible
configurations:
- 00 =
DD only
- 10 =
DD + BA
- 01 =
DD + VD
- 11 =
DD + BA + VD
Sound
The
following impressions were made using all stock accessories. If you’re curious
about my testing setup, you can check it out HERE.
The sound
signature feels neutral with slight warmth. The bass isn’t overemphasized but
has enough body to support instruments and vocals, which are well-placed.
Treble remains natural, though not particularly clean. Activating the switches
alters the signature: the BA (10) introduces brightness and detail, while the
VD (01) creates a muddier signature. Technically, it performs averagely in the
00 configuration but can feel congested at times.
Enabling
the BA enhances detail and resolution but introduces sibilance and an
aggressive tone. The VD didn’t seem to vibrate at my normal listening levels;
however, at extremely high volumes, placing them on a table with the VD switch
activated did reveal some vibration. Activating the BA increases volume, while
the VD reduces it, making amplification requirements dependent on the switch
configuration.
Let’s Test Some Tracks
The
songs I choose might vary, but this section helps you compare your impressions
with mine. This way, you can decide how much trust to place in my review,
especially if you own any of the IEMs I’ve previously reviewed.
- After The Storm – Kali Uchis:
00 is the best configuration; 10 retrieves more detail but feels less cohesive and more prone to sibilance while slightly reducing bass impact. With 01, the bass becomes muddy and boomy, resembling a damaged speaker, resulting in a duller overall sound. The 11 setting is better than 01, thanks to improved contrast between bass and treble, but it’s still not ideal for this track. - Fragile – Laufey:
00 delivers a very enjoyable experience, with everything feeling in place. The female vocals have the right emphasis, remaining clear and lush with enough warmth. The bass is present but doesn’t muddy the track. With 10, it’s similarly enjoyable but slightly less so for me, as sibilance becomes more noticeable and the vocals lose a bit of warmth. The guitar, however, sounds crisper. 01 feels muddy, with diffuse bass. With 11, clarity improves over 01, and while the bass remains diffuse, the overall experience with the treble becomes more enjoyable. - Galactic Funk (Live at ABC Hall
1980) – Casiopea:
With 00, instruments feel balanced, though the sound can become congested during complex sections. Still, it’s enjoyable. With 10, the sound becomes more aggressive, with cymbal splashes and detail standing out more. With 01, the sound is muddy, but surprisingly, I didn’t entirely dislike it. There’s a natural expansiveness that complements the live recording context. In the 11 setting, the sound is cleaner than in 01, and I found it interesting and enjoyable in its own way.
Measurements
1. Frequency Response
This graph helps visualize the sound curve and gives a basic idea of the IEM's sound signature. It also helps spot issues like channel imbalance or damaged drivers, which might affect certain frequency ranges. In this case, the graph shows the different combinations you can make, with a total of four.
Conclusions
The CVJ
Konoka is an intriguing model. While the vibration driver was a major letdown,
it could still be useful for multimedia content. The switches significantly
alter the sound signature, adding versatility to suit personal tastes or needs.
For music, the 00 configuration is the best, though I believe 10 (BA activated)
offers the most detailed and technical sound. With the right eartips, you can
adapt the treble and bass to your preferences, achieving excellent sound
quality for its price range.
However,
keep in mind that the design can be uncomfortable—not just because of its shape
but also due to its relatively large size. Despite these drawbacks, the CVJ
Konoka is a solid option in the $20 USD range, and I recommend it!
If you're curious about where they rank on my rating list, you can check it out HERE
I hope you found this review helpful. Thanks a lot for reading this far! If you have any questions or want to share your thoughts, feel free to drop a comment below. Cheers!
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