oopusX OP.24 Review

 

Introduction:

The oopusX OP.24 is a newly released hybrid in-ear monitor (IEM) that enters the market as an entry-level option with its innovative 2DD+4BA configuration, featuring two dynamic drivers and four balanced armature drivers. Designed to cater to both new audiophiles and casual listeners, the OP.24 includes a unique tunable design with a physical tuning dial, offering adjustable sound profiles to suit different preferences. Priced as an accessible choice, it aims to deliver a balanced and detailed audio experience across various genres.

This review examines the OP.24’s design, comfort, build quality, and sound performance, assessing its value within the entry-level segment

 

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank Shenzhen Audio and oopusX for providing the OP.24 Hybrid IEM for review purposes. I am not affiliated with Shenzhen Audio and oopusX beyond this review and these words reflect my true and unaltered opinions about the product.

 

Price & Availability:

The oopusX OP.24 is available for $49.99 USD. More information’s can be found under the link below;

• oopusX OP.24 2DD+4BA Hybrid IEM

  

Package & Accessories:

The oopusX OP.24 comes in a straightforward box featuring the oopusX logo, with foam inserts to protect the contents during shipping. The design is simple and functional, aligning with its entry-level price point. The box’s clean look with minimal embellishment keeps it practical without feeling overly elaborate.

Included in the box:

• oopusX OP.24 IEMs (1 pair)
• Earphone cable (1)
• Eartips (6 pairs)
• User manual (1)
• Brand card (1)

The six pairs of eartips allow for fit and isolation customization, a thoughtful addition for the price. The high-purity silver-plated oxygen-free copper cable with a 0.78mm 2-pin connector performs reliably. The absence of a carrying case is understandable given the cost, with the box serving as a basic storage solution.

           

Design & Build Quality:

The oopusX OP.24 employs a functional design constructed from quality materials, encasing its hybrid driver configuration with two dynamic drivers and four balanced armatures within a lightweight, ergonomically contoured shells.

The build quality is consistent with its entry-level positioning, featuring smooth surfaces and minimal visible imperfections. The resin material feels durable for daily use, though it may show minor wear over time under rough handling. The overall weight, approximately 5.2g per side, contributes to a comfortable fit without adding unnecessary bulk.

The faceplates are a notable aspect of the design, presenting a modern aesthetic inspired by mecha influences. Closer inspection reveals a matte finish with a slightly textured surface, incorporating subtle metallic highlights that catch the light from different angles.

The oopusX logo is discreetly etched in the center, maintaining symmetry without dominating the look. The Tunable Acoustics Physical Tuning Dial is embedded on the faceplate, providing a tactile mechanism to switch between two sound modes. This placement allows for easy access, though it requires deliberate movement to avoid unintended adjustments during wear. The dial’s construction appears sturdy, with a slight resistance that suggests reliability, though prolonged use may reveal its longevity.

The matte finish helps reduce fingerprint marks but can attract fine dust, and hand-crafted variations such as slight color differences or minor surface irregularities are evident, which is typical for this price range.

The exploded view highlights a well-organized internal layout, with the hybrid drivers positioned in separate acoustic chambers, supported by damping materials and a structured air vent system to optimize sound and minimize pressure buildup.

The inner surface is designed with a focus on comfort and acoustic efficiency. The area around the sound nozzle is smooth and slightly concave, fitting snugly against the ear canal.

The sound nozzle itself has a polished finish and includes a fine mesh filter to prevent debris entry, ensuring consistent audio output. Its moderate length and diameter are compatible with various tip sizes from the included set, and a small lip around the nozzle’s base provides a secure attachment point, reducing the risk of detachment during use.

The top surface features the connector interface with 0.78mm 2-Pin-S connectors integrated with the shell, which has outlets that sticks out from the IEM shell, which is not my favorite design choice for a 2-Pin connector interface.

Overall, the OP.24’s design strikes a reasonable balance between aesthetic appeal and practical functionality, while leaving room for minor compromises typical of this segment.

 

The Cable:

The included high-purity, silver-plated oxygen-free copper cable has 0.78mm 2-Pin-S connectors. The cable’s plug features a sleeve that covers the IEM outlet. Its lightweight, flexible design resists tangling, though the thin profile may feel less premium.

Pre-formed ear hooks and a metal chin slider ensure a secure fit, making it a good value for its price point.

It features a 3.5mm Single-Ended headphone jack, with no 4.4mm Balanced plug option or modular adaptor design.

 

Fit, Comfort & Isolation:

The oopusX OP.24 features an ergonomic shell shape that fits quite naturally in the ear. Its lightweight build, at about 5.2g per side, allows for extended listening sessions without discomfort and fits most ear sizes well.

The six included pairs of eartips allow for customization, with silicone options boosting isolation and foam tips offering a more balanced sound. The IEM provides a relative effective passive noise isolation for its class, making it suitable for quiet environments such as offices or trains. Minor pressure might occur with some tips, but adjusting the fit resolves this, which is in line with its entry-level expectations.

 

Technical Specifications: 

• Model                         : OP.24
• Driver Technology   : 2 Dynamic Drivers + 4 Balanced Armatures
• Diaphragm                : Silicone Composite Carbon Fiber Dome
• Freq. Response        : 10~40kHz
• Sensitivity                 : 127dB/Vrms
• Impedance                 : 15Ω (Mode 1), 27Ω (Mode 2)
• THD                            : <1%
• Connector Type        : 0.78mm 2-Pin-S
• Cable Material           : Oxygen-free silver-plated cable

 

Drivability & Pairing:

The oopusX OP.24 has a sensitivity of 127 dB/Vrms and an impedance of 15Ω to 27Ω, depending on the mode. This makes it quite easy to drive, and it performs well with smartphones or basic dongles.

Pairing it with a Digital Audio Player (DAP) like the FiiO M21 or HiBy R3Pro II reveals more detail and dynamics, although it remains functional with entry-level sources. The tunable design adds to its versatility, making it a practical choice for its price.

 

Albums & tracks used for this review:

• Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Apple Music Lossless)
• Adele – My Little Love (Apple Music Lossless)
• 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” (Apple Music Lossless)
• Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Apple Music Lossless)
• 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 (Apple Music Lossless)
• 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” (Apple Music Lossless)
• Pink Floyd – Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Apple Music Lossless)
• 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)

 

Equipment’s used for this review:

• IEM’s                          : oopusX OP.24, TRN ST5
• DAP&DAC’s              : FiiO M21, HiBy R3Pro II, ddHiFi TC44Pro E3
• Burn-in Period          : approx. 50 – 55 hours
• Ear Tips                     : Stock Silicone Tips
• Cable                          : Stock 2-Pin-S Cable

 

The Sound:

Sound Introduction:

The oopusX OP.24 presents a balanced sound profile for an entry-level IEM, with its tunable dial adding a layer of adaptability. The 2DD+4BA hybrid setup delivers a cohesive output that suits a range of music styles, from pop to progressive rock. The soundstage feels reasonably open, with imaging that places elements clearly, a strong point for the price. After testing it extensively, the sound feels engaging and functional, offering good value for those entering the audiophile world. The tuning emphasizes a familiar, listener-friendly character with a smooth yet detailed presentation across frequencies.

 

Bass:

The OP.24’s bass, driven by its 10mm and 8mm dynamic drivers, delivers a robust and versatile low-end experience suited to its entry-level price. In Mode 1, the bass has a noticeable boost in the mid-bass region, creating a warm and full foundation with a deep, resonant rumble, providing a solid backbone to Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” The sub-bass extends notably, adding depth and presence to Lorde’s “Royals,” with a decay that lingers pleasantly without muddiness. The control is commendable, maintaining clarity even as the volume increases.

Switching to Mode 2, the bass is slightly more linear, offering enhanced speed and precision that excels in the intricate, rapid passages of GoGo Penguin’s “Raven.” The punch in Daft Punk’s “Doin’ it Right” feels crisp, with improved separation between notes and a quicker decay that prevents overhang. The bass avoids overpowering the mix, ensuring a balanced presentation across genres like pop and electronic. While it doesn’t match the sheer depth or resolution of higher-end models, its combination of control, speed, and texture exceeds expectations for the price. At lower volumes, the impact remains intact, showcasing good dynamic range and a natural flow. For an entry-level IEM, the OP.24’s bass stands out with its adaptability and refinement, appealing to listeners seeking a well-rounded low-end experience.

 

Midrange:

The oopusX OP.24’s midrange, powered by two balanced armature drivers, offers a fairly clean and natural sound that performs admirably for its price point. In Mode 1, the midrange presents a slightly more recessed profile, though it retains warmth, enriching the intimate vocals of Adele’s “My Little Love” with a smooth, full-bodied texture. The lower midrange is slightly elevated, which adds depth to male vocals in songs like Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight.” The separation between instruments is adequate, with a moderate resolution that highlights vocal nuances without strain.

Switching to Mode 2, the midrange is more prominent, with a slight rise in the upper midrange. This enhances the clarity and detail in Diana Krall’s “So Wonderful,” creating a slightly brighter and more forward tone. David Bowie’s “Heroes” gains better instrument separation and a more defined vocal presence, though the resolution remains typical for this class. The midrange maintains a balanced profile, avoiding excessive warmth or thinness, and suits a variety of genres including pop, rock, and acoustic. Upper mids are articulate without veering into harshness, allowing female vocals to stand out, while lower mids provide a stable foundation for male voices. The decay is natural, and the control ensures a cohesive soundstage, though it lacks the micro-detail retrieval of premium IEMs. Its focus on musicality and listener comfort makes it ideal for extended listening, and at this price, the OP.24’s midrange delivers a strong and versatile performance.

 

Treble:

The OP.24’s treble, handled by its balanced armature drivers, delivers a crisp and airy presentation that aligns well with its price point. In Mode 1, represented by the smoother white line, the treble is more controlled and linear, with a gentle decay that adds subtle sparkle to guitar passages such as in Dream Theater’s “Fall into the Light.” This mode favors a relaxed and non-fatiguing listening experience, especially over extended sessions.

Switching to Mode 2, the treble becomes noticeably brighter and more forward, with pronounced peaks in the lower treble region. This enhances perceived detail and precision in cymbal strikes and upper harmonics, evident in Radiohead’s “Pyramid Song.” However, the sharper roll-off in the upper treble area slightly limits air and extension compared to Mode 1. While the boosted upper frequencies add excitement and clarity, they may introduce listening fatigue for treble-sensitive users during longer sessions.

Overall, the treble is lively yet well-managed, revealing macro-details and shimmer with commendable clarity. Though it does not match the ultimate refinement of pricier models, its tonal balance avoids excessive harshness. High-frequency separation is realeive good for its class, making the OP.24 well-suited for progressive rock and intricate arrangements. For an entry-level IEM, it offers a thoughtful blend of detail, control, and comfort that exceeds typical expectations at this price.

 

Soundstage & Imaging:

The OP.24 offers a pretty wide soundstage for its class, creating a spacious feel that enhances enjoyment. Imaging is accurate, placing instruments and vocals with clarity. It lacks the vertical height of premium IEMs, but the width and layering are impressive for the price, suiting a variety of music and gaming applications. The tuning dial subtly refines the experience, with Mode 2 offering a slightly tighter focus and enhanced clarity due to the more prominent treble. This makes the OP.24 a solid choice for immersive listening at its cost.

 

 

Comparisons:

oopusX OP.24 versus TRN ST5:

The OP.24’s bass, with its 10mm and 8mm dynamic drivers, provides a controlled and versatile low end. The TRN ST5, equipped with a 10mm beryllium-coated dynamic driver, delivers a punchy and rich bass with a warm character, excelling in bass-heavy genres with good texture and depth. Both IEMs offer strong low-end performance, with the OP.24 providing a slightly more refined control and adaptability across its tunable modes, while the ST5 maintains a consistent and engaging bass presence.

The OP.24’s midrange is clean and adaptable, benefiting from its two balanced armature drivers and tuning options. The TRN ST5, featuring two 50060 midrange balanced armature drivers, presents a forward and detailed midrange with a natural tonality, making it a compelling choice for vocal tracks. Both IEMs handle mids effectively, with the OP.24 offering a touch more flexibility to tailor the sound, while the ST5 delivers a solid and coherent midrange performance.

The OP.24’s treble, driven by its remaining balanced armature drivers, brings a crisp and airy quality with adjustable detail. The TRN ST5, utilizing two 30095 tweeter balanced armature drivers, provides a smooth yet resolving treble with good extension, though it may occasionally exhibit a slight metallic edge. Both perform well, with the OP.24 offering a bit more control and versatility, while the ST5 maintains a reliable and enjoyable high-frequency response.

The OP.24’s soundstage is wide with precise imaging, enhanced by its tuning dial for a tailored experience. The TRN ST5 offers a well-proportioned soundstage with decent imaging and separation, making it a dependable option for its price. Both IEMs provide a satisfying spatial presentation, each bringing its own strengths to the table.

 

 

Conclusion:

The oopusX OP.24, as an entry-level IEM, offers a balanced sound profile with tunable options through its 2DD+4BA hybrid design. It performs well across genres, supported by a modern faceplate design and ergonomic build that ensure comfort. The included cable and eartips provide decent versatility, though the lack of a carrying case is a minor drawback at this price. The packaging is simple yet functional, fitting its cost without excessive flair. Priced for accessibility, the OP.24 delivers performance that exceeds expectations, offering customization and sound quality that make it a strong value proposition for new listeners. Its tunable nature and solid construction suggest it punches above its weight, making it a worthwhile consideration for those starting their audio journey.

 

Pros & Cons: 

• + Balanced, tunable sound profile for its price.
• + Modern faceplate design with practical detailing.
• + Lightweight and comfortable for long use.
• + Innovative Tunable Acoustics Physical Tuning Dial.
• + Easy to drive with basic devices.

• – No carrying case included.
• – Thin cable may lack durability for some users.

 

Thank you for the Read!