TinHiFi P2 Plus Review

February 23, 2022 4:45 pm

It’s been a while since I reviewed the T5 from TinHiFi, and since then I’ve been anticipating the next time I’d be able to check out more from their library. That day has finally come, as I’ve gotten the chance to check out one of their flagship models, the P2 Plus. This is a rare planar IEM that seems to require some time more than just your phone to get a good sound out of. For $620 are the P2 Plus and IEM worth investing in?

What You Get

Interchangeable Japan Mogami 2381 coaxial cable
- 2.5mm
- 3.5mm
- 4.4mm
Hand-stitched leather earphone bag
1 pair of genuine spinfit cp1000
3 pairs of rubber tips
3 pairs of foam tips
Tweezers
Cleaning tool

Look and Feel

Before going further into talking about the overall build of the P2 Plus, I should mention that I’m reviewing the commemorative edition of this model. Seemingly, the only thing that changes is the outer shell is coated in lush gold. This makes the P2 Plus resemble a fine piece of jewelry rather than a market IEM, but I know a few different models that sport this type of design anyway. Suffice it to say that the P2 Plus is a stylish piece, with an unconventional body to further its uniqueness. The P2 Plus isn’t shaped like many other IEMs out there, making its fit either a hit or miss depending on the listener. For my ears, the P2 Plus seemed to fit okay, with an average level of comfort and security to not distract me from the music. However, I can see others having trouble getting these to stick, as they don’t exactly feel natural.

Design

The P2 Plus is built using what TinHiFi describes as a revolutionary 12mm planar driver configuration with a flat diaphragm. It’s able to support a wide frequency response of 7Hz-40kHz, and an impedance of 32 Ohms, Even though its resistance is standard for most IEMs, it’s wise to use an outboard amp of some kind to give it the extra push it needs. An amp dongle should do the trick.

Soundstage

It is definitely worth noting that the experience of the P2 Plus varies depending on if you’re using an amplifier. As it is, the P2 Plus is one of those rare IEMs that benefits greatly from a dedicated DAC/amp, so much so that I would confidently say you’re missing out on what these IEMs have to offer if you don’t. When I made the switch to the iFi Go Blu from my standard 3.5mm PC headphone jack, that soundstage was the first thing to jump out at me. It felt like the image expanded immensely, showcasing its abilities with unrivaled width for its price.

The positioning of sound elements gives the P2 Plus a spacious display of panning movements, with an added layer of airiness to make the soundstage appear like it’s giving instruments and effects the proper room they need. This is all done within a traditional, linear stereo image too. The wrap-around isn’t as noticeable here compared to other IEMs, but it is still dynamically sound in its depth. Its headspace gives off an outward bubble of imaging, with certain musical elements appearing like they’re being performed in front of you. It doesn’t even stop there, as the realism of the tracks feels like they are properly putting you in the space of the studio, due to the P2 Plus’s excellent separation and transparency.

Low End

No matter what you test the P2 Plus on, the bass response remains mostly the same. The most you’ll get out of it is the impact of the mid-bass, as it possesses the richest details out of the entire frequency response. It punches in a way that can really grip you, especially with drum kicks and bass guitars. They’re as clear as day in most cases, and if you’re okay with missing out on some sub-bass texture, then the lows here shouldn’t bother you too much. In some instances with heavy electronic tracks, I felt there was some integral frequency content missing. Like some of the fidelity was scooped out. However, this didn’t harm the timbre in any way, it just presented it as leaner and more realistic. That being said, I can understand wanting a bit more pep in its step, but the bass still works incredibly well for what it has.

Mids

I love a rich and meaty midrange, and the P2 Plus provides it in droves. The drive of the mid-bass makes its way well into the low-mids, offering a fine extension of captivating details. In terms of fidelity, the midrange is laid out flat on the table, allowing you to revel in its power and intricacies. They attack quickly, giving transients a gratifying bite. It helps with the grand tone that P2 Plus is trying to set, and it does it all with a clean timbre and a spacious array of resonance. I particularly took to the crisp emphasis the upper-mids get, as they perfectly present vocals and pianos in a fulfilling reproduction of their details in a life-like manner.

Highs

To me, the high-end is where the texture of the P2 Plus feels the most realized. The midrange is wonderfully rich, but the treble completes it in a big way. Frequencies ring out with a fine layer of shine that won’t venture anywhere near harsh territory. Its timbre receives a crisp sparkle that permeates every inch of the tracks you put through it, highlighting its blissful coloration. It doesn’t even display many piercing frequencies as roughly as other treble-centric IEMs do. There’s not much else to really say that would further describe my enjoyment of this treble, it is simply astounding.

Summary

If you’ve heard some of the hype about the P2 Plus, it is not for nothing. These IEMs provided me with a rich listening experience that I couldn’t get enough of. Although its bass may leave some disappointed, the lush details of the treble and midrange left me with a smile on my face. The soundstage also brings you a sufficient amount of width and depth to keep you constantly engaged, and as long as you drive the P2 Plus with the right peripherals, it will keep delivering.