TINHIFI T4 Plus Review – Groundhog Day
The TINHIFI T4 Plus is the umpteenth repeat/variation of their famous 2018 T2, with identical frequency responses to their current C2, C3, and T2 DLC models…but the best sound quality of the lot. Since it also features essentially the same shells as the $49 T2 DLC, I wonder wonder why TINHIFI keeps beating the same dead horse.
PROS
- Agreeable mainstream sound
- Good accessories
CONS
- Offers nothing new
- Too similar to T2 DLC
- Overpriced
In this Article
The TINHIFI T4 Plus was provided unsolicited by the manufacturer – and I thank them for that. You can get it from TINHIFI.com.
Introduction
TINHIFI have become famous in 2018 with the (Tinaudio) T2, a $50 neutrally tuned iem – which was unique at the time. The company has pursued the T2’s visual concept in all variations in many follow-up models, most recently in their T2 DLC.
What has changed lately is TINHIFI’s tuning: they have been playing safe by applying the same Harman tonality to all their recent models (see below). This avoids unpleasant surprises such as shoutiness and therefore lack of cohesion, but it also means that, if you know one of them, you know them all.
The T2 Plus is the priciest and best accessorized of the latest “Harman” models. It is indeed safe on all fronts, from the ergonomics to the sound.
Specifications TINHIFI T4 Plus
Drivers: 10mm magnetic CNT Impedance: 32 Ω ± 15% Sensitivity: 106 dB/mW ± 1 dB @ 1 kHz 0.179V Frequency Range: 10-20,000 Hz Cable/Connector: 4 strands 270C silver-copper mixed wire PVC/gold-plated 0.78mm 2pin Tested at: $119 Product Page/Purchase Link: TINHIFI.com |
Physical Things and Usability
The package includes the earpieces, a cable, three sets of eartips in a soft-plastic box, a snazzy storage container and the paperwork. The shells are a modification of the T2’s, which have been re-cycled in different models. They work well ergonomically, and are comfortable. None of the stock eartips were big enough for my ear canals so that I relied on the SpinFit CP145s.
Tonality and Technicalities
| Equipment used: MacBook Air | Earstudio HUD 100 (low gain) with SpinFit CP145. |
The TINHIFI T4 Plus has the same tuning as the C2, C3, and T2 DLC, so you essentially can just read up from these how the T4 Plus should sound. Considering that, on top of that, the T4 Plus has essentially the same shells, and that this earpiece concept has also been used in various other TINHIFI models since their famous 2018 T2 model, the company may be beating a dead horse.
In short, the T2 Plus delivers a safe V-shaped mainstream sound with a warm, thumpy bass, a lean, recessed midrange, and some…treble. As we have heard it so often before, not only in the aforementioned TINHIFI models.
There is an average bass extension, and average bass rumble, making for a warm average bass with bass lines that could be a bit tighter and less thick. The vocals are lean and recessed, slightly bright, clean, and reasonably articulate and natural. They could be richer and more forward.
Treble sounds a bit artificial. Cymbals come across as splashy and tizzy. And I thought my hearing is losing upper frequencies. Obviously not.
Staging is of average width and not very deep. Spatial cues is ok. Timbre is a bit on the metallic side. Separation and layering are average for a $60 iem. Stop, this one is $119. And I have no idea why it is $70 more than their even safer sounding T2 DLC (the T4 Plus’ better accessories alone don’t justify it).
Neither the T2 DLC or the T4 Plus are particularly inspiring for the trained ear. The difference between the two is that the T2 DLC is outright boring sounding and the T4 Plus is ok but unexciting and overpriced.
What’s the difference between the two? I A/B-ed with a splitter. The easier-to-drive T2 DLC sounds a bit splashier, the T4 Plus is a tad more refined and composed. That’s it.
Concluding Remarks
The T4 Plus is principally an appealing and pleasing sounding iem – and the best of the loooong series with the “T2 shells”. Nobody will find it offensive or bad, everybody will somewhat enjoy using it. But for the more experienced listener/hobbyist, the T4 Plus may be repetitive in both design and well-known sonic signature. If the T2 (and their follow-ups) had never existed, I’d be less harsh on the T4 Plus.
| UPDATE 2023-03-16 I have been using the T4 Plus with the Sony NW-A55 Walkman a lot since publishing this review…and the listening experience has been very enjoyable. The T4 Plus are TINHIFI’s best sounding model of the T2, T3, and T4 series, but they should be sold at a lower price – and they come late in the game..after all these very similar models. |
TINHIFI should stop copying themselves and stop milking their clientele as their recent $49 T2 DLC offers the same frequency response and almost the same shells as the T4 Plus…and the shells are also shared with the T2, T2 EVO, T4…and and and…did I forget a model?
In summary, the T4 Plus could be considered a good $60 mainstream iem (with some accessories added), unfortunately at twice the price. And if you own any of the iems mentioned in this article, you don’t need the T4 Plus.
Stop resting on your laurels and move on, TINHIFI! You have all the tools…
Until next time…keep on listening!
