Synergy
Efficiency
The Lowmaster is a highly efficient IEM rated at 16Ω and does not need to be pushed with a high-current amplification setup.
They make an excellent choice for portable use for that reason, and devices that can produce power above 50mW will produce high output levels.
Their tonality is not peculiar, nor do they have a preferable type of amplification either. Add to that the 106 dB/mW efficiency rating, which makes the Lowmaster suitable for a variety of devices.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t use devices that produce massive amounts of power since they verifiably can handle it.
Pairings
One of my favorite accompanying devices with the Lowmaster was my FiiO M11 Pro. This combo produced a highly dynamic sonic signature that was also bright and punchy.
If you want a warmer presentation, the iFi audio xDSD Gryphon with the XBass feature engaged did the trick. But you can also use Shanling H2, which I find to be naturally warm, especially the H2.
Another warm alternative was the Ibasso DC06, but the DC06’s signature veered to be more neutral, with just a hint of warmth.
Neutral-sounding devices like the SMSL D10 or the ONIX Alpha XI1 produced great results.
However, I would have to give a thumbs-up to the XI1 in this case for producing the most neutral combo with the Lowmaster and simultaneously producing a sonic signature with increased body and detail production.
Select Comparisons
FiiO FD15
Technical
Surprisingly, the FiiO FD15 produces a natural tonality because it uses a larger-than-average driver, and one would assume that they would be bass monsters or have a V-shaped curve. When in fact, they’re quite balanced sounding.
The driver is a 13.8mm custom dynamic driver that uses a combination of Aluminum and Magnesium in a magnalium alloy mix on the cone. The driver uses a W-shaped DLC basket and a large 8.6mm voice coil.
FiiO uses venting often on their IEMs, and the FD15 follows suit but places the venting in stealthy locations, comparatively to their FD5 and FD7 IEMs.
Design
The FD15 adapted an all-metal constructed shell composed of the body, the vented backplate, and the interchangeable output nozzles that act as filters to supply the user with a couple of sonic signatures in one IEM right out of the box.
FiiO didn’t play around when it comes to tip inclusion, although I find them to be less tip-sensitive compared to the Lowmaster, which forces you to dig into your stash of tips.
The FD15 is, hands down, the best-accessorized set here because it also comes with a cable that comes with two interchangeable connectors, a 4.4mm and a 3.5mm. It also comes with what I humorously call an eyebrow brush.
I dislike the hard Pelican case because of the lack of padding inside. I prefer the ORIVETI case in this instance.
FiiO even throws in an MMCX tool, which I found to be invaluable when dealing with those types of connectors. This tool avoids damaging the small rings on the MMCX connectors, which are key in obtaining a good connection.
Performance
The one characteristic I liked about the FiiO FD15 was the midrange tonality and vocal clarity.
It’s more pronounced, with more body, and has increased presence, but the opposite can be said about the high frequencies, which tend to take a darker approach on the FD15.
The addition of the BA high-frequency driver on the Lowmaster gives it the edge in high-frequency extension, but the bass is best reproduced on the FD15, although both sets produce neutral bass in stock form.
The FD15 can handle more boosting with a minimal amount of cone breakup and distortion.
There are no drawbacks on either set when it comes to power handling because both sets are similar when it comes to efficiency, and neither scales up when you use higher power output gear.
ORIVETI OD200
Technical
The OD200 is another budget set from ORIVETI that, similar to the FD15, uses a single dynamic driver for the entire frequency spectrum, albeit a smaller driver.
ORIVETI uses a 9.8mm Beryllium-coated single dynamic driver inside the OD200 and a two-nozzle set that alters the overall tonality of the IEM.
ORIVETI supplies the end user with a silver nozzle that increases the high frequencies and a black one that veers to the dark side, sonically speaking.
I prefer the dark filters because of their relaxed tonality, and I feel that the silver filters can go overboard on certain tracks within certain high frequencies.
Design
The OD200 comes with three sets of interchangeable connectors, two interchangeable output nozzles, and a large assortment of ear tips that come inside the box, along with a decent carrying case, making this set a well-dressed IEM.
Speaking of well-dressed, the shells take on an army green tint but are a large shell for being a single dynamic driver model, and I wished that they could have been designed to be smaller. The Lowmaster preferably manages to cram three drivers within a smaller shell.
They contrast each other in the sense that the OD200 sports an all-metal Anodized construction. Some prefer resin. Both IEMs fit my ears well, but the OD200 is not as tip-sensitive.
Performance
The OD200 has the most relaxed tuning of the IEMs within this comparison, and that is attributed to the politeness of their high frequencies. They tend to sound veiled next to the bleqk Lowmaster even though they sit at a higher price bracket.
Again, we have a single dynamic IEM here that excels in vocal clarity and midrange production. The bass region might play out as being tighter on the OH200, but the Lowmaster is not far behind.
They both produce a natural sonic signature that’s best for people who are looking for an easygoing IEM that will not promote listening fatigue. However, the Lowmaster gives you more excitement, sonically speaking.
My Verdict
If you’re on a tight budget and you’re looking for an IEM that won’t break the bank but will deliver the goods when it comes to full spectrum audio and detail production, the ORIVETI bleqk Lowmaster will fulfill that order well.
The only controversial point I have is that they’re very sensitive when it comes to tip selection, but that will eventually work out well if you’re willing to take the time to do the work.
Heck, it can turn out to be a fun experience for some, particularly first-timers and those who are just starting in this hobby.
Picking up a set of the ORIVETI bleqk Lowmaster hybrid IEM would be money well-spent for first-time upgraders because they offer a surprisingly high level of sonic enjoyment for their asking price.
ORIVETI bleqk Lowmaster Specifications
- Drivers: 2BA + 1DD
- Impedance: 16Ω
- Frequency response: 5 to 20,000Hz
- Sensitivity: 106+ -3dB/ mW, 1000Hz
- Distortion: 0.08%
- Connector: 0.78mm 2-pin
- Plug: Gold-plated 3.5mm stereo TRS plug
