Linsoul RAPTGO Hook-X 14.2mm Open Planar Diaphragm Driver + PZT Driver HiFi in-Ear Earphone with Detachable 0.78 2pin OCC Cable for Musician Audiophile

Product Information

Compared with the original Hook-x (i own both) the upper bass boost probably generated through the bone conductor is much recessed in the HBB tuning. I love the HBB tuning in the higher regions. Cymbals sounds crisp like in a live session. This is my first IEM with such a good representation. As the original version this IEM is engaging and fun to listen. I think the price is very competitive and can compete without problems with my high priced IEMS such as Sennheiser IE600 or Campfire Solaris. The IE600 has a similar tuning to the HBB Hook X. Raptgois a Chinese earphone company that is mostly known for its best-selling Hook X hybrid IEM, but they have other IEMs with different drivers configuration which include single DD, hybrid DD+BA, and Multi-BAs.

The Raptgo Hook-X has an unashamedly fun tuning. But thanks to its technical prowess, it has good resolution, a good soundstage, clarity and dynamics. It’s an IEM where the music comes first, in the form of its tonality and musical presentation. Yes, its possible to mix fun with mature musicality, and this alternative to bassy V shape is certainly more needed than ever.RAPTGO HOOK-X leak slightly more than average earbuds, but less than you might think. Unless you’re in a quiet library with people in the vicinity, you shouldn’t bother anyone with your music.

However, that piezo, while responsible for good resolution, is also the reason why I can’t recommend these IEMs to everyone. But let’s dive into more details. Bass: Boosted but very well controlled Raptgo is a Chinese earphone company that is mostly known for its best-selling Hook X hybrid IEM, but they have other IEMs with different drivers configuration which include single DD, hybrid DD+BA, and Multi-BAs. Drivability​The Hook is said to be rated at 15 ohms and a sensitivity of 105db. This is another case (like with other planars) where I can drive the Hook to reasonably good volume levels with lower powered dongle dacs. In this case the Zooaux Dongle Dac. However, it is plainly obvious how much more open and expressive the Hook becomes with more power.

The treble is also open, sparkly and detailed, with a natural texture, and outstanding resolution. HOOK-X is not a very grainy or harsh sounding IEM, but they’re natural, they’ll justice music for what it is, and sharp music will be presented as a sharp and aggressive experience, while Jazz and classical will have the energy it should have. The simple, ergonomic design truly helps ensure long-lasting comfort. There are no weird, unnecessary curves to better contour to the human ear like with CCA LYRA since not all ears are the same. However, you can also see potential weak points like the 2-pin connectors, which might bend if you put too much strain on the cable. All in all, I enjoy the Hook X HBB both tonally and technically, it's more energic and more balanced in its muscular dynamic. The bass hit harder and add more fun to an engaging mature enough sound signature. Winter is cleaner, crisper, and leaner sounding and will please those seeking near analytical neutrality.

However, while they sound enchanting, they can also throw you off with their treble. More on that later.

So let’s see in this review what they are worth to my very ears and if they will be a keeper or just another chifi IEM to forget about. CONSTRUCTION&ACCESSORIES

Comfort is probably going to be a divisive feature, as the large size of the shells will probably be a problem to some. I personally found comfort to be acceptable, though after wearing the HOOK-X for a while I do feel a bit of strain on my pinnae. Everyone’s experience is going to be different though, so it’s hard to give a general opinion on this. Want more like this.. perhaps it is the vented nature of the chassis which reduces listening fatigue Another thing that helps is the over-the-ear cable design. The latter helps distribute the weight of the metal earbuds throughout your ear lobe. The RAPTGO HOOK-X use the classic in-ear monitor type of design, with a triangular shape and an angled nozzle. They’re quite large, but mostly in terms of depth, so they should fit comfortably in most people’s ears (more on that later). The design itself is nothing special as the faceplates are pieces of metal with holes in them, which is hardly distinctive. The only concession to aesthetics is that the edges of the rims around the faceplates are bright green.The TONALITY of the Hook X HBB can be summarized as a balanced W shape with a lively and weighty dynamic. It's this kind of IEM that magnifies the best part of bass, mids, and highs and can offer a versatile performance that is never boring, unlike safer tuning that over-tamed energy of our beloved music. Of course the included cable is OCC silver-plated with coaxial shielding offering dynamic results, questioning ever rolling cables. Amazingly the cable and IEM are color matched stifling OCD desires you may have. RAPTGO HOOK-X can stay comfortable for hours on end due to their ergonomic shape and over-the-ear cables that distribute the weight over the entire ear. But the tips could be more “grippy” to receive a full score. The Hook-X is the first attempt at a hybrid in-ear monitor design utilizing the planar magnetic driver in combination with a piezoelectric (PZT) driver. These two driver types are among the most sensational driver technologies in the audio industry and have never been utilized together in an IEM format. We took on this momentous concept, and through careful engineering and testing, have successfully created an IEM that encompasses the powerful characteristics of these drivers fashioned with tonal perfection. Unlike other IEM novelties that simply cram in hyped drivers, we are proud to achieve a product that is tuned to balance and allows the listener to both appreciate the acoustic superiority of these drivers as well as enjoy the music through their harmonious tonality. In terms of handling, the cable performs well. It’s fairly supple and has minimal microphonics. One of its most outstanding features though is its modular termination system. With this, you can easily switch between the 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations (all included in the box). Sound