In-Ear Fidelity

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Geek Wold GK10: Unboxing

Table of Contents

Introduction

Geek Wold. That brand gives me the shudders.

If you’re not familiar with the brand Geek Wold or perhaps misread the “Wold” as “World” as I (rightfully) did at the very beginning, there’s not a lot of backstory to go over. Basically they were the creators of the once-hyped GK3, an IEM so terrible that it is one of the very few to be awarded the lofty rank of “E” on my extensive ranking list.

And for further clarification, “E” is not easy to get. Only 3% of the IEMs I’ve tried are awarded an E or lower, so believe me when I say: the GK3 is irredeemable.

So when the legendary creators of the GK3 came knocking on the IEM market’s door once again, saying that I was skeptical was definitely underselling the feelings that I had when hearing the news. To my surprise, the GK10 quickly gained a following right after its release, almost to a cult-like status. People clamouring on and on about how it’s the next big thing, toppling giants hundreds of dollars more expensive, and making other grand claims that seem… too good to be true.

Now that the GK10 is finally in my hands, IEF can finally answer everyone’s burning question: how good is the GK10 actually?

Product page: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B099K92JQP/ (HiFiGo store)

MSRP: $50

Driver configuration: 2Piezo + 1BA + 2DD hybrid

This GK10 was kindly provided by HiFiGo.

Non-audio opinions

My unboxing posts are pretty much the only times I’ll ever talk about build quality, accessories and the like. I’m not really the person to ask about these things as I don’t really care about them that much.

Accessories: 

  • (P)leather pouch
  • Tips

Cable: 4-wire configuration in a double-twist configuration. A little stiff and scratchy-feeling, but not too bad.

Connection: semi-recessed 2-pin.

Build: fairly standard if a little cheap-feeling, especially around the seams and connectors. The 2-pin sockets did not inspire a lot of confidence as I pushed the cables in.

Fit: pseudo-custom, but also not really. The strong memory effect of the cable hook causes a lot of fit issues for my large ears, though simply not hooking the cable over my ears did the trick for fit and proper seal. Would need a different cable to wear these properly.

Isolation: average to below average. Not for outdoor use.

Initial impressions

  • It’s not terrible
    • Clarification: It’s not the GK3.
  • Very bloated bass response, needs less mid-bass and bleed for my own personal enjoyment.
    • Bass extension is not great either. Doesn’t resolve the lowest octaves well, if at all.
  • Midrange tonality is fine though overshadowed by the aforementioned bass response. Again, it’s not the GK3.
  • Credit where credit is due: the piezo tweeter implementation is one of the better ones I’ve heard. It’s sparkly without being painful to listen to, unlike IEMs like the NiceHCK NX7 series that would kill one’s ears at specific harmonics.
  • Not the worst you can do for $50 but also not really competitive either, even in its own price bracket.

The GK10 has been burnt in for 50 hours prior to these initial impressions. Not that it matters.

Measurements

All data has been uploaded to the Graph Comparison Tool.

Support me on Patreon to get access to tentative ranks, the exclusive “Clubhouse” Discord server and/or access to the Premium Graph Comparison Tool! My usual thanks to all my current supporters and shoutouts to my big money boys:

“McMadface”
Timmy
Denis
Alexander
Jonathan

25 thoughts on “Geek Wold GK10: Unboxing”

  2. So I’d like to ask, if you have to take an IEM and use it forever (Let’s pretend it’ll never stop working), at a price of around 50$, what is your pick?

    Reply

      1. QC is a gamble on the VK4. I lost.

        I got QKZ VK4 from the official Ali store that had nonexistent bass, a total screamer. No reply from QKZ even after complaint to Ali. You’re taking your chances….

        Reply

      2. QC is a crapshoot for these IEMs. I lost.

        The QKZ VK4 I got from the official QKZ store on AliExpress was garbage–screaming treble, no bass.

        No refund, not even a reply from QKZ when I complained. Take your chances.

        Reply

    4. Hzsound Heart Mirror. About $35 on sale so get an aftermarket cable with whatever you have left. Bass is not amazing (still tight) but the midrange and treble are tuned well with decent amount of details that puts it higher than its price.

      Reply

  3. I reckon this is a C tier at best. Precogvision has noted some unit variance on the GK10. I think these would be pretty decent if it wasn’t for the bloated bass.

    Not bad when your first IEM got the coveted E ranking.

    Reply

  4. I believe some people are not that picky in an audiophile world and thats why gk10 is hyped-up. That might sound wierd, but where Crin gives C or D for tone or technicalities, people would call it colored or not focused on the micro/macrocontrast. With this mindset the difference between C+ and A+ is almost negligable and sometimes some people will take C+ over A+ because of this (look at all gk10 beats mest type of comments). This is I belive why we will continue to have “next big things” and “flagships for a very specific audience” until the end of time

    Reply

    1. It’s the same with headphones, honestly. See the ZMF (not verite), MrSpeakers, or Meze Empyrean which all have completely average technicalities that punch wayyyy below their price point.

      At the end of the day, most people just can’t tell the difference between technicalities like a quick attack and decay and just rely on what their ears are already used to from previous audio equipment, most probably speakers, to make their opinions.

      Reply

    2. Not really. I’m picky as hell, and do value GK10 close to blessing2 class, A-grade. The bloated bass crin mentioned could be the reason of vent hole being covered from inside by glue, which is what happened to precogvision’s review unit. He later revised assessment after he pinched a hole.

      Also Crin does not believe in burn-in, but for GK10, bass drivers do need couple of hours of initial run, it sounds very muddy right out of the box.

      If the impression is coming from out of the box, I wouls agree it is a C-grade.

      Reply

      1. Agree. Americanspirit is right. 100h burn-in changes the tonalità and the bass pretty much in my GK10.
        I love tribrids and have tho ‘higher’ ones I like. GK10 is a $49 miracle

        Reply

      2. Double-checked the vents and no, nothing is obstructed. My graphs are fairly close to the manufacturer’s too, not that you should trust anything from the manufacturer anyways.

        I’ve measured the GK10 out of the box and after 50 hours of burn-in. No changes were observed.

        Reply

        1. Thanks, I looked over that 50 hour part on original notes. If vent holes are not the issue, then it’s pretty much as-is. Hope you see changes with 100 hours though, I agree the tuning of stock tip got some mid-bass bleed, recommended to pair with SpinFit CP360.

          Reply

          1. Dunno why lots of people (you included) believe in burn-in. I mean, there are scientific tests which have proven it to be untrue (FR graphs, recordings, blind testing etc.), but none (at least to this date) have been done in order to prove that it exists.

            Burn-in is not a driver thing, it is your ears, gradually adjusting to the earphone’s sound signature.

            This claim is also scientifically proven, as your senses all adjust to the environment; your eyes can faintly see stuff in pitch dark after staying a while in an unlit room, your nose can “eliminate” unpleasant smells after staying in that environment for a certain time, you don’t think some food are spicy after eating large amounts of it…

            Burn-in exists, but it only applies to your own ears, and your mind, not the acoustic drivers. Therefore this FR graph won’t change, no matter how long you “burn it in”. Rather, you may have gained a new perception of neutrality: bass-bloat IEF-Neutral, after listening to this pretty-average-50-buck IEM for a prolonged period. Like what you like, there’s nobody saying you can’t, but don’t say Crin’s review(or anybody else’s) is not reliable because he doesn’t believe in driver burn-in, and don’t instruct others to “burn-in 100 hours” because you think its somewhat helpful. Stop masquerading this ear illusion and go read the actual science behind audio.

      3. Lmao “burn-in”. Next you’ll tell us we need to use these ultra premium silver $1000 cables to get the “true sound” out of these $50 iems. GTFO here you clown. Go back to head-fi to discuss your cables and burn ins and other such nonsense with broken ears hearing nothing.

        Reply

        1. Show some respect, looking down people does not help your life getting better in any aspect of your life.

          Reply

          1. What kind of cringe people are commenting here? Then why companies like Moondrop NiceHCK and many others recommend burn in and includes the information manual along with their IEMs? And should I trust my ears or your illogical, unrespectful comments saying no respect etc. How many scientific reviews did you guys read? What is your profession? And what makes you easily say that there’s no such thing as burn-in? Moondrop Aria for example had such muddy bass struggling to rumble and give emphasis after nearly 80 hours of usage, it’s changed quite dramatically as they suggested in their manuals as well. Probably you simply judge every headphones you buy OOTB and share your wrong opinions with others.

        3. What an ugly post. Posts like this from both sides will quickly kill any discussion. Is it too much to ask you to to speak your mind in a civilized manner?

          Reply

  5. Hi Crin, awesome unboxing as always! Just wondering whether you will take at look at the Ety EVO any time soon?

    Reply

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