Tin HiFi P1 Plus Review

When I finally got to check out the P2 Plus from Tin HiFi, after hearing all the hype around it, I was immensely satisfied with my experience with it. That IEM has a younger brother that is more economical called the P1 Plus, and I’ve recently gotten the chance to listen to it as well. It costs $169 and it is also a planar earphone, which are becoming more affordable by the day.

What You Get

• P1 Plus IEMs
• Carrying case
• MMCX 3.5mm cable
• 2 pairs of foam tips
• 6 pairs of silicone tips

Look and Feel

If the P2 Plus takes a golden finish, then it makes sense for the P1 Plus to have a silver one. Their housings aren’t very similar though, as the P1 Plus gives you a smaller shell that is more simplified than its more luxurious counterpart. It’s a nice single solid piece made of stainless steel that has some well-balanced weight to it and in the ear, it provides good comfort. It offers some ample support from the nozzle, and the body of the earpieces feels natural as they sit in your concha.

Design

The P1 Plus uses a 10mm planar driver with an ultra-nanometer diaphragm that aims to deliver a faster transient response. It comes with a stock cable that is made from oxygen-free copper and 200d kevlar, with four strands of woven PVC.

• Impedance: 32 Ω ± 15%
• Sensitivity: 108±3dB @1K Hz V0.179V
• Frequency range: 20 Hz–20kHz

Soundstage

Even with a more linear extension, the P1 Plus always feels like it is taking full advantage of the stereo field. While its width is pretty standard for what we usually see in this price range, spatial imaging is going to be the characteristic that seems to go above and beyond. The way in which different sound elements appear in the mix separates itself from a lot of IEMs in this region. It displays its variables with incredible precision and transparency, aiming its sonic origins to crystal clear positions that are easy to localize within the soundstage. The extra height the P1 Plus gives adds to the IEM’s overall dimension as well, bringing a more immersive environment to its sound field. Its layering abilities stack the instruments, effects, and vocals in a way that makes each aspect of its sound identifiable, with separation playing a key factor in its execution.

Low End

Planar bass response can go a few different ways, and for the P1 Plus it seems to go in the more reserved direction. That doesn’t mean that the timbre can pump in some effective mid-bass slam, but the rest of its frequency content leans toward a softer side. It will always present itself as clean, but the tonality never rumbles or booms. Instead, its profile takes a more accurate and controlled approach to the bass, which can definitely satisfy certain genres like Jazz or Classical, but when you’re looking for something more theatrical, the P1 Plus doesn’t show itself as that type of IEM.

Mids

In the mids, you feel like you’re getting a whole meal with the P1 Plus. It’s full and natural, with a meaty tone that presents a more aggressive timbre that asserts itself at the front of the mix. Instruments and vocals are brought out and communicated with a great sense of body that makes everything sound bigger. The upper mids are crisp and gain some heat that sparks the beginning of a peakier tone in the highs.

Highs

The treble has a great character to it that gives the sound signature a real shine. This can make some frequency bands ring out and cause some harsher resonances. I never thought they became too harsh as to deter me from listening, but the feeling might be different for others who are more sensitive to that type of timbre. Otherwise, the highs give off this awesome energy that is both clear and detailed.

Summary

I found the P1 Plus to be very rich and enjoyable in its sound signature, even with the bass and highs not being the best for everyone. They serve a good purpose though, one that gives the P1 Plus a unique sound profile that is specifically midrange centric. The imaging is also top-notch for the price, offering an immense space for all of the elements to play in. With a great look, solid fit, and a reasonable price, there’s a lot to love about the P1 Plus, provided you can get past some of its harsher elements.

Tin HiFi P1 Plus is available at Audio46.