When it comes to IEM, perfect balance in terms of sound reproduction, comfort, and reliability is essential for music enthusiasts as well as regular listeners. This is a competitive market hence the Sound Rhyme DTE500 seeks to compete especially with its hybrid IEM technology. Claiming to deliver clear sound, natural bass, and an expansive, immersive audio field, this stylish headset is drawing a lot of attention. In this comprehensive review, you will get to know all the vital information regarding the design, construction, sound quality, and price-to-performance ratio of the Sound Rhyme DTE500.
Pros
Cons
Sound Rhyme DTE500
Sound Rhyme is an audio company originating from Xiamen, China, that initially started as an OEM maker in 2017 and became the founder of Sound Rhyme in 2019.
Unlike a lot of chili companies that go unnoticed, SR already has a dedicated audience, thanks to their budget-friendly hybrid 1DD+4BA SR5, it looks like all their products get some sort of positive reception.
In my case, it is the SR8 that draws significant interest in this company. The SR8 is still extremely competitive one year after this model was introduced in the market.
Based on graph balance, the one I chose to consider for review is the DTE500 because I love tribrid when combined with EST, and on the graph; it promises loads of bassy sweetness.
Sound Rhyme DTE500 in-ear monitor comes equipped with 1 Dynamic Driver, 2 Balanced Armature Drivers, and 2 Electro-static Drivers providing a detailed and immersive sound quality. Enjoy every beat of your favorite tunes in the highest quality with DTE500.
Design and Packaging
Sound Rhyme DTE500 are purely candies for the eyes and every time I share pictures of those, I get public remarks like ‘Wow, what is that?’
As for the packaging, it is again satisfactory with more than sufficient goods for their protection. The product is presented in a well-designed black box that gives an impression of quality and sophistication. It came not with one, but with 2 high-quality cases that complemented the product, the first one in a metal case and the second one in a more elegant leather case with enough space.
What’s in the Box?
The box contains the IEMs, some pairs of silicone and foam ear tips, a detachable cable, and a sturdy carrying case.
Therefore, we get 2 pairs of memory foam tips and 3 pairs of wide-bore silicone ear tips. Strangely, however, there are no short wide bore ear tips, which I believe to be more suitable for an IEM with a large nozzle.
Having spare ear tips allows the user to get the perfect fit for their ears, which is critical to achieving the highest level of isolation and comfort.
Build Quality
DVE500 has a stunning structure and eye-catching appearance that creates a sensation of premium quality. The housing features a luxurious and lightweight design that is made from a combination of high-quality resin and metal. The detachable cable is surrounded with braided fibers, which not only adds extra protection to the cords but also minimizes the chances of twisting. Overall build quality of DTE500 makes it a durable product, efficient for regular use while retaining its aesthetic appeal.
In conclusion, high build quality and, for me personally, the advantage of high isolation overcomes the negative aspects of intermittent driver flex.
Sound Impressions
Electrostatic Driver Transformer- Wide Rhyme
The Sound Rhyme DTE500 in-ear monitor uses an EIVEC Wide-Rhyme Electrostatic Driver Transformer that is small in size and ensures easy incorporation into earphones with complicated driver structures. It has high voltage efficiency that permits the electrostatic driver to sweep up to frequencies as high as 100kHz and produces ultra-high-frequency sound. The strong internal processing assists in the accurate reproduction of sounds, thus helping in sound production. When coupled with other drivers, it contributes to a smooth and natural pitch in the low, middle, and high ends, and makes for a well-formed and pleasant audio experience.
Dynamic Driver- Presence Rhyme
Low-Frequency Dynamic Driver uses three-layer composite film and N50 NdFeb magnet which provides smooth, Natural, and relaxed bass. This strong construction on DTE500 is inspiring, with a sturdy and powerful presence rhyme. It offers a satisfying audio experience without resisting the other frequencies. The low-end frequencies present a perfect fit for a variety of music genres.
Balanced Armature Driver – Warm Rhym
Sound Rhyme DTE500 comes with a Balanced Armature Driver integrating the top-quality Sonion 2300 and Knowles ES30095 for the powerful midrange. This combination makes the midrange frequencies effective and tight at the same time, giving the sound a warm and vibrant impact.
High Frequency/Ultra-High Frequency Balanced Armature driver includes a high-end Sonion electrostatic driver that improves the smoothness, brightness, and richness of sounds. This advanced technology ensures high frequencies with clarity and detail, making even the delicate notes of the music easily distinguishable. This brings about a high frequency performance which enhances the feel and quality of the sound output thus suitable for audio phonic and music lovers.
Moreover, the midrange is where this DTE500 scores like never before. The vocals/instruments are presented with natural, warm rhyme with clarity.
DLP 3D printing Technology- Improved noise isolation
The Sound Rhyme DTE500 IEM features high-precision DLP-3D printing technology to ensure a separate channel structure. It makes it possible for low-frequency, medium-frequency, high-frequency, and ultra-high-frequency sound outputs to be separated and channeled separately, thus improving sound separation and imaging. The up-to-date DLP-3D printing technology enhances the printing accuracy, speed, and consistency of the curing light, making the internal structure better. This level of detail and precision improves the overall sound quality and results in a more profound listening experience.
Enhanced connectivity
DTE500 IEMs comprise high-performance single copper plated thick silver cable that comes with 48 cores 6 strand design with a 0.06×7 0.1×1 coaxial twisted Litz structure for efficient signal transmission and signal clarity. The cable is coated with a transparent, eco-friendly TPU material to highlight its superior design and construction. A unique 3-in-1 modular cable is also integrated which allows for easy plug-and-play conduction with clear functionality and compatibility for 4.4mm balanced, 2.5mm balanced, and 3.5mm Stereo cables. This makes it compatible with different stage equipment and high-grade audio players for improved sound and quality performances.
CIEM, or Custom In-Ear Monitor
The Sound Rhyme DTE500 has a powerful yet biologically adaptive RESIN SHELL which is made of skin-friendly resin. High and precise surface turnover and high-speed carving technology guarantee detailed structure and polished surface. These IEMs employ 3D high-precision printing and large data of human ears to ensure fit and efficient noise isolation.
Specifications of DTE500
| 0.78 mm 2-pin | 5 ring static unit |
| Response Frequency | 22kHz |
| Weight | 5.4 g |
| Sound Insulation | 30 dB |
| Cable length | 125cm |
| Connector | In-ear type |
| DC Impedance | 170 |
| Wearing Method | 5-ring static unit |
Comparisons
VS KINERA URD (2DD+1BA+2EST)
The Urd has a Rounded shape means fewer mids and little punch.
I found the bass to be thinner and more resonant and it is not as warm as the DTE500. The mids on the Urd are slightly thinner and much brighter. They seem more transparent and open but are more withdrawn and less natural than the DTE500.
In general, the treble on the Urd is thinner and lighter compared to the DTE500. The DTE500 has more brilliance in it to make it sparkle.
The soundstage is wider on the DTE500 but feels taller and deeper on the Urd.
Imaging also is not particularly superb on either of them, but the Urd appears to be less sharp and clear. I think the DTE500 has clearer mids and deeper bass. All in all, if you have no problem with its bass warmth, the DTE500 has better sound quality and is more technical. Now, I can say that it has a more balanced sound, warmer mids, natural, and deeper bass as compared to the sounds of the Urd.
VS LETSHUOER EJ07M (1DD + 2BA + 4EST)
The EJ07M is more neutral, significantly brighter, and has a more open and spacious feel.
Visually, the EJ07M produces a clear sound that is rich in tonality and clarity.
The bass on the EJ07M is less chunky and more mature, but it can seriously rumble. It has a less opaque and brighter bass compared to the DTE500, which has slower and darker bass. The mids, in EJ07M are sharp and clear, but the vocals lack fullness and come out slightly artificial. The mids are less emphasized, and I feel that they are a bit compressed as compared to the DTE500.
The treble is better defined and sharper on the EJ07M, providing more accurate and sound detail. It has more air, and the percussion is very clear. The DTE500 also warms up the sound which thickens high-pitched tones and lessens the sharpness of them slightly. The soundstage is wider on the DTE500 but deeper and cleaner on the EJ07M. Imaging is better on the EJ07M.
In conclusion, although the EJ07M has more technical benefits, the DTE500 provides a more pleasant performance. In combination, they are quite harmonious and have several points that make them almost perfect for each other. The EJ07M is the technical monster and the DTE 500 is the musical delight.
