Just like Sony's MH1C, Xiaomi Pistons recently made a lot of noise in China and the head-fi world because of its amazing sounding in ear monitors at a very affordable price! Today we'll take a look to the version 2 and the better its better sounding and built iteration. Locally, this is not yet available so we are very lucky to have the chance to listen to it for 2 weeks! :) This is set to be priced at 1000 - 1,300 pesos which is very low considering the sound it will deliver. Update, Lazada priced Pistons 2.0 at PHP 699.00!
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| Meet Pistons 2.0! |
Specs
- Weight: 12g
- Impedance: 12Ω-16Ω (depending on the version, 2.0 vs 2.1)
- Cable length: 1.2m
- Sensitivity: 93db
- Plug Type: 3.5mm gold-plate
- Rated Power: 5-20mW
- Frequency Range: 20-20000Hz
Accessories
Unfortunately we didn't have the chance to see its packaging and accessories, but based on the photos all over the internet. It is a beautifully packaged in ear monitors with the right amount of eartips to fit your ears. (4 pairs of eartips, 1 x Small, 1 x Medium, 1 x Large and 1 x Bi-flange.)
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| Gold plated 3.5mm plug for the win! |
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| One of the best built microphones I've seen aside from RHA MA600i |
Build quality is more than decent, it carries a well machined bronze colored aluminum body that is durable enough for daily abuse. Pistons 2.0 carries one of the best cloth braided cables I've seen in a while and I'm confident enough that this the cloth wont be ripped
Comfort / Isolation / Style
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| The beauty of pistons! |
Overall, Pistons 2.0 is a comfortable set. If you have small ears there might be some issues as its body is a little bit large. It's cables is a little bit short for my taste because I like wearing IEMS over-ear, this won't be an issue for those who prefer conventional or straight up wearing style. With the right tips this could be very comfortable and feels like you're wearing nothing at all. It's body is also surprisingly light compared to the dunu steel models.
Isolation-wise - they're pretty average, not an isolation monster like VSonic VC02 or LG Quadbeat 2, but this one have that good enough isolation to most people. It's also a little bit safer to wear in the streets compared to the above mentioned models.
Style-wise, Pistons 2.0 is a head turner! It presents a beautifully crafted aluminum that's really eye catchy because it looks like you're wearing bullets in your ears! LOL! :)
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| Pistons with Sony Hybrids tips = <3 |
Xiaomi Pistons 2.0 is a bass cannon that have that really good extension in the sub bass category. However, it still maintains that good balance and good highs though its lows is a little bit boomy on my part. Its bass tighter sounding that Sony MH1C and have more details in the highs and have separation compared to the much pricier RHA MA600i. It packs a V-Shape sound signature which tends to be very good to rock and bassy tracks.
Tip selection is a crucial part of achieving the best sound quality of this IEM I used the large sony hybrids to get the proper seal and sound I like. As a highs lover I find the highs of Xiaomi Pistons 2.0 ranks among the smoothest / loveliest among the budget sets and is comparable to the highs and sparkle of VSonic VC02 and LG Quadbeat 2! Pistons 2.0 have that wide presentation which is really good to distinguish where the instruments are placed!
The microphone quality is also really good, the voice are really clear and there is very little noise during calls. In general, the mic quality is almost as good as QB2!
Overall, Xiaomi Pistons 2.0 ranks among the top from best budget in ear monitors alongside with Sony MH1C, Steelseries Flux and LG Quadbeat 2! Some are also saying that Pistons 2.0 sounds a lot better when paired with MI3! So MI3 users better grab this one now!
Verdict
At this price point, Xiaomi Pistons 2.0 is a no brainier. It has that perfect combination of bass, highs and details! Without a doubt Xiaomi Pistons 2.0 is the cheapest in ear monitor with this kind of sound quality. Quadbeat 2 is still ahead by a tad or 2 but Pistons 2.0 is cheaper by 800 pesos when you get it separately. Honestly, Xiaomi keeps on innovating the term BANG for the BUCK!
