Synergy
Efficiency
Safely below the high gain shift of the Chord Mojo 2 for comfortable listening levels, the dynamic drivers of the Leaf D01 sprang to life without asking for too much out of the 600mW output power of the amp. This is considering that the Leaf D01 is not as inefficient as planar magnetic IEMs but still punches at 32Ω and 110dB sensitivity.
Even with more thrust coming from a bigger but still pocketable device like the EarMen Angel, I didn’t notice any noise. And the Angel also had an easy time powering the Leaf D01 with the volume control sitting comfortably within less than 25% of the range.
Pairings
If the yellow ear tip isn’t offering enough bass flavor, then the Mojo 2 presenting a more organic sound may be the pairing you want. The Angel could be appreciated on more immense music since its tighter quality shows the subtler hills and valleys.
The Mojo 2 gives male vocals a thicker presence wherein it conversely tames the female shout more. With the bolder energy the Angel is stirring, treble-sensitive users may again find better synergy with the Chord device.
It is still a tossup in my opinion since the Angel is capable of letting through a bit more resolution out of the Leaf D01. Chimes are splashier on the Mojo 2 and yet the Angel is the one providing a deeper insight into the subtler regions which helps widen the room area.
Select Comparisons
Raptgo Hook-X
$239
Technical
Making a huge splash for Raptgo’s identity when it released is the Hook-X which unlike the lone LCP dynamic diaphragm used on the Leaf D01 has a dual-driver hybrid setup inside. It uses a 14.2mm planar magnetic driver, and the Hook-X also refines its treble response by including a custom 18-layer PZT driver.
This brought Hook-X to enthusiasts’ attention as the first IEM to combine the two techs in a single housing. The effort allowed it to perform between a slightly bigger frequency range of 20Hz-40kHz.
What is common is that Raptgo decided to use an open-back design again for the Leaf D01 even if it is not as open as the Hook-X. At least in both IEMs, the unwanted ear pressure usually associated with completely closed monitors is addressed.
Design
Raptgo has had a colorful background with its lineup of IEMs in the past. As if taking a step back and revising their signature, the Leaf D01 is a plain jane in comparison and missing the visual impact of the Hook-X upon first impressions.
But considering that what uplifts the Hook-X is the flare of its spearmint outline and the matte to-the-touch punched face, the Leaf D01 does show desirability if you instead like the mechanical leaf design. And this is only possible for the Leaf D01 since it doesn’t need the whole surface area to be filled with openings.
The Hook-X is a lot bigger when held in the hand and it shows when worn in the ear. It does have a snugger fit though in comparison to the slenderer chassis of the Leaf D01 that doesn’t stay as secure.
Performance
It is easier to differentiate the Hook-X and Leaf D01 from each other even though they are both creations of Raptgo. Some similarities in timbre do show at times but beginning with the warmer bass region of the Hook-X to its darker vocal space, the Leaf D01 can be better seen as a colleague than a twin.
The Hook-X has a rounder attack for kick drums but the depth of each note does linger a lot longer appearing roomier as a result. The Leaf D01, on the other hand, doesn’t have the mass of the Hook-X so neighboring sound tends to peak through easier like a quiet snare drum hidden behind a beat.
This doesn’t mean the recessed nature of the Hook-X falls short with detail but when comparing weak parts of a mix it does have a harder time revealing the full picture. Instead, the Hook-X performs well if a girthier and gentler vocal presence is preferred.
Guitar twang with a steelier timbre on the Leaf D01 but it is noticeably harsher with the treble response. Here, the Hook-X supplements the playing of a violin with a bigger size for a more filling and less forceful sensation.
Due to the finer objects of the Leaf D01, images seem to sound farther than they seem. For me though, the more natural placement and body of the Hook-X complemented with better dynamics and a taller stage is better.
TinHiFi P1 Max
$169
Technical
Having a substantial 14.2mm planar magnetic driver inside, the P1 Max can dig deeper into the sub-bass with a measured 10Hz extension though it cuts off earlier in the treble region at only 20kHz.
The 2-micron thin aluminum diaphragm is designed to lessen the overall weight of the enclosure. This is taking into account that part of the assembly is the double-sided array of N52 magnets.
With a shut faceplate, the P1 Max doesn’t have the same breathable property as the Leaf D01. The P1 Max handles ear pressure in a more standard manner by including very small vent holes instead of leaving a punched hole in the face.
Design
The P1 Max is now made in a lightweight resin instead of 304 stainless steel like the one on the P1. This puts it in an entirely different category from the all-aluminum chassis of the Leaf D01.
Continuing with differences, the Leaf D01 follows the shape of a leaf and is the main theme overall while the P1 Max has a more generic and rounder outline with a curious motif of a panda in the box but has a chicken fence printed on the face plate.
I like though that even if the P1 Max is made in resin, the quality is great, and can avoid looking dirty on daily use. It also looks like a singular assembly, unlike the obvious two-piece attachment on the Leaf D01.
Performance
Thumps on the P1 Max wallops with more juice and dynamics even as it appears suppler than the Leaf D01. As expected, the Leaf D01 in being stricter to its timbre has a drier quality to kick drums whereas the P1 Max adds a springier dispersion that casts wider.
Not sterile on its own, the Leaf D01 tends to sound weak when compared to the sweeter tone of singers on the P1 Max. It continues with the less organic guitar strings on the Leaf D01 with its reverb and ring lacking in weight.
The thinner timbre of the Leaf D01 works in its favor in revealing the details of a vibrato. I enjoy the forward presence of breathiness on the Leaf D01 if only lacking a bit in refinement as the more fluid P1 Max.
Violins have more weight on the P1 Max while more presence is felt on the other. So, if the Leaf D01 puts you in the moment and makes you listen, the P1 Max will leave you more comfortably.
Another area of difference is that the P1 Max has farther front imaging and an easier time sending objects outside of the driver zone. Objects though have more heft so layering and placement at times are not as precise.
Thieaudio Elixir
$209
Technical
Ending with a single dynamic driver IEM similar to the Leaf D01, the Elixir is not a slouch as well in pushing for innovation. The higher price tag is thanks to the new transducer of Thieaudio which has an extremely dense membrane made with interlocked layers of carbon nanotube sheets coated in beryllium.
The LCP diaphragm of the Leaf D01 hasn’t been provided with specific data about its target but Thieaudio on the other hand made sure the Elixir isn’t taken for granted. According to the company, the driver of the Elixir has been tuned carefully to not rely on simulated detail in the treble region for a neutral and lush sound.
Design
You don’t have to choose any color for both IEMs but you’ll surely get heads turning more if you decide to get the Elixir. With a more mature delivery, the Elixir is provided with a piece of genuine burl wood for its pace plate in contrast to the machined leaf outline on the Leaf D01.
And since the Elixir is using real wood, the actual swirl or flow on the face will be unique for every batch. An anodized golden bezel is then what keeps the wood secure and fitted to the rest of the body.
I must admit though that while this makes the Elixir a good choice for those looking to be different, the clean lines and modern design of the Leaf D01 might appeal more to the younger audience.
Performance
Exhibiting skill in being more even tonally, the Elixir has a more behaved yet flavorful take on the sound. Equal relevance is given to each part of the frequency range where the leaf is a bit outpacing itself in the treble area.
Sub-bass on the Elixir has a more reserved authority than on the Leaf D01. It does extend well but the drier-sounding beats on the Leaf D01 will be more attention-grabbing whereas the Elixir answers with a more developed delineation.
The presence of male vocals is nice but where the Elixir shines is in shoutier female regions where it delivers better-negotiated energy at par with what I expect. It is surely a better pair for those with a lot of female vocals in their repertoire since it also adds a silky flavor.
Brass instruments are big and dynamic without the same attacking quality observed on the Leaf D01. Chimes aren’t as piercing while at the same time are also weightier and let the upper-frequency extension scatter freely.
Our Verdict
It may not be as special as the Hook-X, but the RAPTGO Leaf D01, by aiming for a simpler driver assembly, was already able to provide a thrilling performance at half the price.
Continue to warm up the tonal balance, either by pairing with the right equipment or using EQ, and you can expect to be rewarded with clarity and notable instrument separation.
Treble-sensitive individuals may still have a better time looking elsewhere if we’re only talking about the leanings of this in-ear.
But on the bright side, Raptgo’s semi-open design isn’t just for show as I do also notice that staging and image placement are quite naturally placed in addition to helping with reducing ear pressure buildup.
Raptgo Leaf D01 Technical Specifications
- Driver: New generation LCP dynamic driver
- Sensitivity: 110dB SPL/mW
- Frequency Range: 20Hz-35kHz
- Impedance: 32W
- Interface: 0.78mm 2Pin
- Plug: 3.5mm
- Cable length: 1.2m
- Type: In-Ear Earphones
