Tin Audio T2 Pro Review: An Odd Variation

Introduction

The T2 Pro is the self-proclaimed “improvement” to the original T2 model that brought Tin Audio into the limelight. It retails for the same price though just like its predecessor, it also goes on sale often and is usually quoted at its commonly-discounted price of US$30.

It does seem to be more a mild tweak of the T2 than an overhauled upgrade, which makes the T2 Pro less different and more similar to its brother. In fact they’re almost identical aesthetically, making it hard to differentiate between the two at first glance beyond the different plugs used in each of their provided stock cables.

My T2 Pro was provided to me by Linsoul for a full review.

The Signature

The T2 Pro has a bright leaning tonality, moreso than the T2. There is a distinct sub-bass rolloff but it doesn’t sound too bad on subjective listening, at least if you’re used to how balanced armatures portray lower frequencies. The frequency response then tilts upwards so it does sound somewhat thin at times, though there’s extra clarity and sparkle added to the mix.

The Good

The T2 Pro’s biggest strength is probably in its clarity and technicalities, at least in direct comparison with the original T2. Where the original might be a little lacklustre/average in the transients, the T2 Pro does clear it up pretty well and has slightly better initial note hits and so performs better in percussive instruments. Perceived detail also does seem to increase due to the brighter tonality, pushing forward some minute details that one would struggle a little to hear on the original such as the muting of guitar strings.

It also provides a different enough flavour compared to the original T2. Not enough to be considered an upgrade, but enough that you might want to consider it as a replacement if you find the original too laidback, fuzzy and/or lacking in treble.

The Bad

In terms of the type of niche it fulfills, the T2 Pro really doesn’t have a place in the market. There are very few people out there who would consider the T2 too dark for their tastes, an IEM which is already rather bright to begin with. In fact, for many (including myself) it strays into sibilance territory, just threading the line of being too harsh for daily listening and is further exacerbated by the relative lack of sub-bass.  

The imaging is still the same, below-average to average. Not much to say, it has the usual in-your-head effect in terms of soundstage width and not enough separation between instruments for proper positioning. As usual this is a nitpick, I hardly ever find IEMs with proper imaging ability so it’s at least within expectations.

Foamies do help in “fixing” the T2 Pro’s tonality, but it kills too much technicalities and at that point you’d be better off with a standard T2 anyways. But at any case it is still a viable option should you ever consider it, despite me usually recommending against foam tips.

Conclusion

Not too much to talk about the T2 Pro when I’ve already covered the T2. It’s brighter and less bassy, a double whammy that doesn’t appeal to many people looking for IEMs in this price bracket.

That said, if you do have that preference then at least you have the power to make that choice. The T2 Pro, while possibly sharp and sibilant for most, really isn’t the worst thing you can get for its price, in fact it’s quite the opposite; just overshadowed by its younger sibling is all.