TINHIFI P1 MAX II Review
TINHIFI P1 MAX II Review
Introduction:
TINHIFI (Zhongshan Dongting Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.) is a Chinese company located in Guangdong Province. They specialize in the production, design, and development of portable audio products like in-ear monitors (IEMs) and true wireless stereo (TWS) earphones.
The TINHIFI P1 MAX II is the successor to the P1 MAX (also known as MAX Gen 1). It features a large, 14.2mm diameter planar magnetic driver housed within a 3D-printed monitor shell. The P1 MAX II utilizes a 4-strand oxygen-free copper, silver-plated mixed braided cable with a standard 3.5mm headphone plug.
Disclaimer:
I’d like to thank TINHIFI for providing the P1 MAX II In-Ear Monitor for this review. I have no affiliations with TINHIFI or any other third party, and all my opinions expressed here are my own and unbiased.
Price & Availability:
The actual price of the TINHIFI P1 MAX II is $ 109,00 US$. More details can be found under the link below;
Package and Accessories:
The TINHIFI P1 MAX II arrived in a small, square-shaped box featuring the TINHIFI brand logo on the top. It was wrapped in a cardboard sleeve that displayed the Giant Panda, the mascot of the P1 Series, along with various product-related brandings.
Inside the box of the TIN HiFi P1 MAX are the following items/accessories;
- 1 x pair of TINHIFI P1 MAX II In-Ear Monitors
- 1 x Detachable Cable with 0.78mm 2-Pin Connector and 3.5mm Headphone Plug
- 3 x pairs of Red-Grey Transparent Silicone Ear Tips
- 6 x pairs of Dark-Grey Silicone Ear Tips
- 2 x pairs of Light-Grey Foam Ear Tips
- 1 x set of Print Material
Design & Build Quality:
The TINHIFI P1 MAX II is the successor of the original P1 MAX (aka Gen 1) and is also known as the “Giant Panda”. The P1 MAX II features a very lightweight (3.8 grams per side) and stylish looking monitor design that was made in collaboration with HeyGears’ high-precision 3D printing technology.
TINHiFi has designed a unique acoustic structure for the 14.2mm diameter large Planar Magnetic Driver. The Planar Magnetic Driver shows a combination of two Dual Array N52 Magnetic Steels with a 2-micron diaphragm + light aluminum diaphragm coil in the center that is similar to the P1 MAX Gen 1
The faceplates feature a swirling pattern with a black base and an iridescent finish that looks beautiful.
On the flip side, each earpiece is equipped with a subtly angled sound nozzle, topped with a silver-colored metal mesh. This thoughtful addition serves as a barrier against intrusive particles such as dust and earwax, safeguarding the P1 MAX II’s internal components.
Each earpiece is clearly marked with ‘L’ (Left) and ‘R’ (Right) indicators, alongside two vents designed to alleviate pressure.
The rear surface of the monitors sports the TINHIFI P1 MAX 2 brandings.
On the top of each monitor shell are the 0.78mm diameter 2-Pin female connectors that do offer a pretty tight and secure fit.
The P1 MAX II is accompanied by a 4-strand Oxygen-free copper cable, silver-plated and intricately braided. It’s sheathed in a relatively soft PVC insulation that remarkably minimizes microphonic interference.
The cable’s 2-PIN male connectors are encased in a sleek metal housing with a lustrous silver finish. They are also marked with ‘L’ and ‘R’ for easy identification, and feature color-coded plastic ring, red for the right side and blue for the left.
Near the left and right connectors are transparent heat shrink ear guides for extra comfort on the go.
Further, down the cable, a metal chin slider and a y-splitter maintain the aesthetic continuity with their glossy silver finish. The y-splitter proudly displays the TINHiFi brand emblem.
Completing the cable is a 3.5mm Single Ended plug, showing a straight, metallic housing with a strain relief for extra durability.
Comfort & Isolation:
The TINHIFI P1 MAX II has a monitor design that is both comfortable and lightweight with just 3.8grams per side thanks to the use of HeyGears’ high-precision 3D printing technology.
Additionally, the P1 Max II offers passive noise isolation that is effective in moderately noisy environments like subways, buses, or trains. While it might not completely block out all ambient noise, it provides a sufficient level of isolation to enhance your listening experience.
Drivability & Pairing:
Despite packing a planar magnetic driver, the TINHIFI P1 Max II is surprisingly easy to drive. With an impedance of 16Ω (±15%) and a sensitivity of around 98dB (±3dB @1kHz 0.126V), even moderately powerful sources like USB DAC/Amplifier dongles (e.g., Neutron HiFi DAC V1) can achieve satisfyingly loud volumes. However, for optimal performance, pairing the P1 Max II with a more powerful source like a DAP’s or Portable Amplifier /DAC/AMP’s (e.g., HiBy R4, FiiO M23, Questyle CMA18P) is highly recommended. This will unlock the full potential of the drivers, resulting in improved dynamics, detail retrieval, and overall sound quality.
Technical Specifications:
- Driver Type : 14.2mm Diameter Planar Magnetic Driver
- Frequency Response : 10Hz-20 KHz
- Impedance : 16Ω±15%
- Sensitivity : 98±3dB @1kHz 0.126V
- Max Distortion : 3% @1kHz 0.126V
- Rated Power : 5mW
- Max. Power : 10mW
- Interface : 0.78mm diameter 2-PIN connectors
- Headphone Plug : 3.5mm Single Ended gold plated plug carbon fiber tube
- Cable length : approx. 120cm
- Cable material : 4-strand Oxygen-free copper silver-plated mixed braided wire
- Housing material : Resin Material printed with HeyGears’ 3D printing technology
Sources:
- In-Ear Monitor’s : TINHIFI P1 MAX II
- DAP/DAC/AMP’s : HiBy R4 FiiO M23, Questyle CMA18P, Neutron HiFi DAC V1
Albums & tracks used for this review:
- Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Adele – My Little Love (Deezer HiFi)
- Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
- Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Radiohead – Live in Berlin “Album” (Deezer HiFi)
- Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Deezer HiFi)
- U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Bear McCreary’s – Valkyries (Deezer HiFi)
- Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
- Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Daft Punk – Instant Crush (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
- Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Spotify)
- Hans Zimmer – The Dark Knight OST (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Spotify)
- Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Deezer HiFi)
- Miles Davis – So What (Deezer HiFi)
- Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Metallica – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
- Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
- Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)
The Sound:
The TINHIFI P1 MAX II has a sound signature that caters to a wide range of musical preferences. Here is a closer look at its bass, midrange, treble, and soundstage to understand how these elements combine for its overall listening experience.
The TINHIFI P1 MAX II review has been written after a burn-in period of about 60 hours. I have used the stock dark grey silicone ear tips included inside the package.
Bass:
The TINHIFI P1 MAX II delivers a controlled and impactful bass. It focuses on the midbass region, providing a punchy sound that elevates genres like electronic music, rock, and metal. This is particularly evident in tracks like Lorde’s “Royals” and Massive Attack’s “Angel,” where the subbass presence adds depth without overpowering the mix.
However, the P1 MAX II avoids the excessive boominess that can plague some planar magnetic IEMs. The tight and controlled bass maintains a clear and detailed soundstage. While deep subbass might be slightly subdued, especially noticeable in genres that rely heavily on it, the overall presentation of the P1 MAX II offers a powerful foundation for various music styles. Tracks like Gogo Penguin’s “Murmuration” showcase the P1 MAX II’s ability to handle fast bass lines with precision and control.
Midrange:
The midrange of the TINHIFI P1 MAX II sounds rich, textured, and detailed. Instruments in the lower midrange, such as bass guitars, cellos, and the lower registers of pianos, are well-represented. This contributes to a sense of body and warmth in the overall sound. Vocals on the other hand like Eric Clapton in “Wonderful Tonight” or Barry White in “Just The Way You Are” are reproduced in a pretty smooth and emotional manner.
The upper midrange focuses on the detail and clarity of instruments like violins, wind instruments, and the higher registers of string instruments. The P1 MAX II excels at capturing the nuances of these instruments, such as the delicate vibrato of a violin solo or the crisp articulation of a saxophone melody. The decent emphasis on the upper midrange also contributes to the P1 MAX II’s ability to deliver clear and intelligible vocals. This is evident in Adele’s powerful delivery in “My Little Love,” where every nuance is reproduced faithfully.
Treble:
The TINHIFI P1 MAX II takes a smoother approach to the treble compared to previous models. The higher frequencies are slightly subdued, resulting in a more organic and less fatiguing sound for extended listening. While some audiophiles might miss the level of detail found in brighter treble presentations, this approach prevents harshness and allows listeners to enjoy their music for hours on end without experiencing listener fatigue.
This smooth, relaxed treble profile is a perfect match for those who find overly bright and piercing highs fatiguing, yet still delivers enough detail in tracks like Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” and Opeth’s “Windowpane” to keep the listening experience engaging.
Soundstage & Imaging:
The TINHIFI P1 MAX II offers competency in separating and placing vocals and instruments within the mix. The soundstage presents itself as generally airy and spacious, offering a moderate sense of depth and width.
Conclusion:
the TINHIFI P1 MAX II stands as a commendable successor to the P1 MAX, advancing the legacy with its 14.2mm diameter planar magnetic driver and 3D-printed monitor shell. The integration of HeyGears’ high-precision 3D printing technology has resulted in a monitor that is not only lightweight at 3.8 grams per side but also aesthetically pleasing.
The acoustic prowess of the P1 MAX II is evident in its bass performance, delivering a controlled and impactful experience that enhances a variety of genres without succumbing to boominess. Its midrange is characterized by richness and detail, offering a warm and textured sound that brings instruments and vocals to life with remarkable clarity, while the treble takes a gentler approach, ensuring a smooth and organic listening experience that avoids fatigue. Overall, the TINHIFI P1 MAX II is a solid choice for audiophiles seeking a balanced, detailed, and comfortable listening experience.
Pros & Cons:
- + Entertaining V shaped sound profile
- + Vocals and instruments in the midrange are presented with clarity and openness
- + Fast and Impactful Planar Bass
- + Treble sparkle and presence without sounding shouty/harsh
- + Excellent Fit & Comfort
- + Beautiful Faceplate Design
- – Depending on the source material, the upper midrange might sound a touch “spicy”
- – No balanced Cable Option
- – Minimalistic Packaging (No Storage Case or Carry Pouch)
Thank you for the Read!
