Whizzer HE01 is a hybrid single 4th gen ‘Bright Series’ 10.2mm dynamic driver featuring their patented HDSS technology. It is priced at $79.
Disclaimer: The Whizzer HE01 sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion in this review. We thank Whizzer for this opportunity.
To learn more about Whizzer products we have previously reviewed on Headfonics you can click here.
Note, this review follows our new scoring guidelines for 2021 which you can read up on here.
Whizzer HE01 is the company’s latest single dynamic driver featuring a 10.2mm 4th gen dual-cavity dynamic driver with their patented HDSS technology. The HE01 is part of the “Kylin” series earphones by Whizzer, which shows off its retro trendy design.
Currently priced at $79, it is an entry-level offering competing in the competitive sub-$100 market targeting new and old audiophiles alike.
Tech Highlights
The Whizzer Kylin HE01 is a universal IEM composed of a single dynamic driver with their self-designed High-Definition Sound Standard (HDSS) technology. The dual-cavity dynamic driver is a 10.2mm in-house Whizzer 4th gen BRIGHT series with a composite diaphragm capable of producing a natural low-frequency response.
A patented High-Definition Sound Standard (HDSS) acoustic filtering system is incorporated with the dynamic driver to increase its overall clarity and transparency.
Together with the Whizzer’s dynamic driver composite diaphragm and HDSS acoustic filtering, the Kylin HE01 is tuned to achieve a warm, smooth, and well-balanced sound signature.
Design
The Whizzer Kylin HE01 has a similar form factor as the Whizzer Kylin HE03, but with one significant difference –a stunning transparent shell.
The shell is made out of a transparent resin material, with the plate having a rose gold copper-colored metal frame. One can easily see the beautiful matching colored 10.2mm BRIGHT dynamic driver placed inside the shell.
It literally looks like a piece of jewelry for your ears. The faceplate has a two-toned theme: a pearl-like silver glossy finish with a magnifying effect giving the matching rose gold copper-colored Whizzer logo in the center have a 3D effect.
Comfort & Isolation
One thing I really liked about these monitors is how comfortable and excellent the fit is. It was easy to pop these monitors in and out of the ears and get a perfect seal without worrying about it falling out.
Aside from its comfortable shape, the Kylin HE01 is also incredibly light, with the weight almost not felt even in long periods.
The stock ear tips also offer good comfort and isolation. It provides decent isolation such that outside background noises are not heard while still being aware of the surroundings. Phone calls can still pass through with the monitors on, which is useful for emergencies.
Tips
The package provides 2 sets of 3 sized (S, M, L) tips, the Reference Tips, and Vocal Tips. Visually, both tips look very similar, with the core having a different color. Vocal tips with the white core while Reference tips with the transparent core.
Both tips are made of liquid silicone with an average hardness of 20HSD, producing a soft and soundproof texture. I noticed the Vocal tip to have a smaller stem diameter, making it a bit difficult to put on and off the nozzle.
One key difference is also the silicone thickness, with the Reference Tips having a thicker material. Having the name of “Vocal tips”, it was expected that the thinner silicone would result in a better vocal response. However, there was no notable sound difference between the 2 tips.
Nevertheless, including 2 types of tips is still a generous offering for an entry-level monitor.
Stock Cable
Right out the box, the Kylin HE01 comes with a 5N OFC (oxygen-free copper wire), which is usually an upgrade cable for an entry-level monitor. The cable comes in a rose gold color wrapped in a transparent white coating which completely matches the overall aesthetics of the shell.
The shells are terminated with a standard 0.78mm 2 pin interface compatible with lots of aftermarket cables. Looking at the straight 3.5mm plug closely, Whizzer added a unique touch with its functional and aesthetically pleasing ribbed edge. The added texturized grip makes it easy to plug it in and out.
The memory wire is flexible enough such that the wire is comfortably running behind the ears. The cable is light and tangle-free and easy to put in and out of the carry case. There was no observed unusual microphonics when walking.
Packaging & Accessories
The outside packaging is a plain matte black box covered with minimal glossy text. Opening the magnetic flap of the black hard box, an enveloped guarantee card and manuals can be found on the flap slide while the contrasting monitors lay on the main compartment.
Pulling the cloth tab, beneath the first layer is where the black metal hard case, stock cables, 2 kinds of stock tips, located.
Sound Impressions
Bass
The Kylin HE01 has an adequate amount of lows so you can feel its presence but it’s not too overpowering. Rather, it has a tight and low punch, with a fast attack and decay for a dynamic driver.
Low rumbles in each thump are heard, especially with bass synthesizers. Sub-bass and mid-bass are lifted, with good texture and decent definition but without compromising the upper frequencies from excessive bloom.
This is evident with fast bass-heavy tracks, wherein the sub-bass notes are distinct and distinguishable. Overall, the HE01 has a good amount of bass control.
Mids
The clarity and transparency of the midrange are intriguingly impressive, perhaps due to the HDSS acoustic filtering. Vocals are strikingly clear and natural despite having an impactful bass region.
Although, it was noticeable that there is an imbalance in the lower and upper midrange – with the upper midrange having a brighter tilt.
In the lower midrange, male vocals and instruments do have a leaner presentation. In particular, male vocals sound laid back, sounding dull and thin. Despite the lack of body, instruments do sound natural and not washed out.
What’s interesting is how well these monitors make female vocals shine. It is full-bodied and well textured. Listening to female vocals during longer periods sounds so sweet and enticing, quite addicting even.
Treble
Treble is well-balanced, not too bright nor too dark, complementary to the midrange tuning of the Kylin HE01s.
Similar to the midrange region, treble is crisp with a great amount of transparency. The highs have the right amount of airiness without sounding superficial. Treble extends well with these monitors, capable of hearing extended frequencies.
However, its tuning is thin and hollow-bodied. Cymbals are lacking the splashy quality, where extended shimmer is unfortunately missed. Busy tracks highlight the Kylin HE01’s weakness, as cymbal sounds get lost and buried over the lower frequencies.
Staging
Staging on the Kylin HE01 is average, rightly in its price range. It has adequate depth and width, enough to display different instruments and vocals.
Imaging is accurate, although it could be improved. Layering is a bit compressed on certain tracks, with the vocals sounding cramped at times. However, the sound is still projected in a multi-dimensional space, enough to feel that instruments and vocals spread apart.
Synergy
Efficiency
With an impedance of 18Ω and 112dB sensitivity, the Kylin HE01 is not difficult to drive. Both the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iBasso DX150 with AMP6 can power it with less than 50% of volume levels.
A good quality source like a DAP, such as the iBasso DX150 with AMP6, does have a notable improvement on both soundstage and imaging, although your mileage might vary depending on your source.
Pairings
Since the Kylin HE01 is easy enough to drive, getting a good pairing isn’t at all tricky. Pairing it with any source, even with a smartphone, will produce a decent performance.
Pairing the Kylin HE01 on the iBasso DX150, known to have a warm tonality with energetic upper mids, was perfect for my taste. It was neither dark nor too bright, impressively clean sounding with an adequate bass response with splendid upper midrange presentation.
However, to further improve the listening experience, choosing a DAP with the right personal tuning preference would be ideal.
For people who want more sparkle on the upper end of the frequency, it would be best to pair the Kylin HE01 with a DAP that has a boosted and airy high and upper-mid frequency. DAPs such as the Hiby R5 Saber or a more textured and dense treble found in Cowon Plenue D3.
Select Comparisons
Blon BL-A8 Prometheus
$84.99
Technical
The BLON BL-A8 Prometheus has a 10mm single 10mm dynamic driver featuring Blon’s in-house lightweight diaphragm. Kylin HE01 has a similar configuration with its 10.2mm single dynamic driver configuration but with an added HDSS acoustic filter.
Design
The Blon BL-A8 Prometheus and Whizzer Kylin HE01 look gorgeous, with the Prometheus’ hollow silver metal polished shell and the Kylin HE01’s two-tone rose-gold and silver accent on a transparent resin shell.
However, upon seeing both IEMs up close, It is noticeable that the Prometheus has a more refined design and feel compared to the Kylin HE01. Perhaps because of its out-of-this-world-designed 3D printed shell that is stunningly unique.
Both IEMs have an ear-hook design with a 2-pin 0.78 termination. Stock cables on the two monitors both feel premium, with the Prometheus having a high purity oxygen-free SPC and the Kylin HE01 having more strands with a 5N oxygen-free copper cable. A 3.5mm plug with a straight jack terminates both cables.
Performance
Deeper and meatier lows are observed with the Prometheus compared to the Kylin HE01s. Although both monitors manage to control the lows well, fast bass tracks were projected flawlessly, making notes distinct and distinguishable from each other.
The Kylin HE01 had a noticeably transparent midrange where the Prometheus sound slightly stale and dull when comparing it with the Kylin HE01 side by side. Male and female vocals felt livelier in the Kylin HE01, which is more favorable for people who enjoy richer vocals.
Even though both monitors do not have a treble uptick, it is noticeable that the Prometheus has airier and crisper highs. Cymbals are splashier with a bit of extended shimmer compared to the hollow presentation on the Kylin HE01s.
Staging and imaging are also wider and more accurate on the Prometheus. Instrumental separation is a bit farther apart on tracks that felt cramped with the Kylin HE01. Instruments and vocals, especially on busy tracks, also felt more 3-dimensional on the Prometheus, compared to the Kylin HE01s.
Moondrop Aria
$79
Technical
The Moondrop Aria features a 10mm LCP diaphragm and CCAW voice coil dynamic driver. Whizzer Kylin HE01 has the same single dynamic configuration with its 10.2mm in-house Whizzer 4th gen BRIGHT series with composite diaphragm and an HDSS acoustic filter.
Design
Both monitors are designed to stand out, with the Aria claiming a matte black chocolate truffle look while the Whizzer Kylin HE01 goes for a two-tone rose-gold and silver jewelry-like design.
Whilst elegant looking, these IEMs vary greatly in their build material. The Moondrop Aria is made of a metal shell while the Whizzer Kylin HE01 is made of a transparent resin shell. Despite the difference, both feel very solid and durable.
Both IEMs have an ear-hook design with a 2-pin 0.78 termination. The cable on the Aria is a bit harder to manage as it is a black braided woven fabric compared to the Kylin HE01’s laminated cables. The 5N oxygen-free copper cable on the Kylin HE01 also feels more premium than Aria.
Both cables are terminated with a 3.5mm plug, with the Kylin HE01 having a straight jack while the Aria with an L-jack.
Performance
The lows on the Aria and Kylin HE01 are clean and deep. Both have a nice fast attack, although the Kylin HE01 did have a shorter decay compared to the Aria on certain tracks. Truth be told, it’s tough comparing the two since they are tuned very similarly.
The midrange is much more forward on the Kylin HE01. Although the Kylin HE01 did have a lean lower midrange, the Aria still felt more recessed and duller compared to the Kylin HE01. Female vocals are full-bodied and well-textured in the Kylin HE01, compared to the Arias.
The Aria did have more forward treble, with the Kylin HE01 sounding thin and hollow compared to the Aria. Cymbals and guitar strums sounded airier and punchier, even though Kylin HE01 did have decent performance in these regions. One thing for sure is that the treble tuning of the Aria does have a more upward trend compared to the Kylin HE01.
Sound stage and imaging are a clear advantage of the Aria over the Kylin HE01, although the Kylin HE01 did perform well for its price range.
It’s just that the Aria has a noticeably larger headspace width and depth and far more accurate imaging. Vocal layering had more gaps between each other, making the sound imaging sound more precise on the Aria.
BQEYZ Summer
$129
Technical
The BQEYZ Summer is a tribrid driver universal IEM featuring a 13mm dynamic driver, a single BA, and a single piezoelectric driver. A single driver configuration with a 10.2mm in-house Whizzer 4th gen BRIGHT series with composite diaphragm and HDSS acoustic filter is found on the Whizzer Kylin HE01.
Design
The BQEYZ Summer stays true to its model name, having a fresh blue summer feel translucent shell while the Kylin HE01 has a piece of jewelry feel with its two-tone silver and rose gold faceplate with its transparent shell.
Both IEMs have an ear-hook design with a 2-pin 0.78 termination. The cable on the Summer is an 18-core copper silver-plated cable (SPC), clearly an upgrade from Kylin HE01’s 5N oxygen-free copper cable.
Summer also offers a flexible choice of plugs as it comes in 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm while the Kylin HE01 is terminated with a 3.5mm straight jack.
Performance
Bass is deeper and tighter in the Summer compared to the Kylin HE01, despite the Kylin HE01 having decent lows by itself. Both have thick and clean sub-bass, yet not bloated. However, the Kylin HE01 does have a faster attack and decay on certain tracks. The Summer felt sluggish on bass busy tracks which highlighted Kylin HE01’s fast response.
The midrange performance of both monitors is surprisingly similar. Both male and female vocals are clear, transparent, and natural-sounding. However, Summer had a better-balanced midrange, with the lower midrange sounding full-bodied compared to the hollow presentation on the Kylin HE01.
Treble on the Summer is more forward than the Kylin HE01. Highs are more pronounced and controlled with the Summer, as transition to higher frequencies sounded smoother and refined. Kylin HE01 also lacked the airy texture and extended shimmer that is heard in the Summer.
Compared to the Summer, Kylin HE01 sounded cramped and tight, although forgivable due to its $50 price difference. Summer has an overall better instrument separation and multi-directional sound projection.
Our Verdict
This is my first experience with Whizzer and I have to say that the Kylin HE01 piqued my interest in the company’s future offerings of both single DD universal in-ear monitors and hybrid configurations.
Despite the budget build of the HE01, it’s indeed a good-looking IEM. The combination of silver and rose gold accents literally made it look like a piece of jewelry made for the ears.
But what is impressive with the Kylin HE01 is the level of transparency in the midrange and treble region, despite having a decent amount of bass. Most IEMs in this price range either have good bass or good mids, sacrificing one from the other.
Priced at $79, this is perfect for people looking for a fun IEM with good bass and exceptional clarity.
Whizzer HE01 Technical Specifications
- Driver Config 2mm Whizzer 4th Gen BRIGHT series custom dynamic driver
- Socket 78mm 2 pin
- Cable 5N OFC
- Frequency Response 20Hz-40000Hz
- Sensitivity 112dB/mW
- Maximum SPL 107dB/mW
- Distortion 3% 101dB(20upa)
- Impedance 18Ω
