Pros:
😊 Build quality, metal shells have some weight to them, but are on the smaller side of medium and fit my ears well. (Subjective)
😊 Upscale packaging with nice accessory complement.
😊 Classy looking 4.4mm, 2 pin, fabric wrapped OCC copper cable.
4.4mm to 3.5mm adapter included.
😊 Warmer, balanced sound signature.
😊 Natural tonality and timbre.
😊 Nice note weight.
😊 Warm smooth bass.
😊 Smooth mids.
😊 Bright, airy upper mids and treble.
Cons:
😔 Ear pieces are fingerprint magnets.
😔 Fabric wrap on cable prone to micro-phonics. (a consideration for those who are active while listening)
😔 Bass would benefit with a bit more definition and texture.
😔 Enough detail to warrant “reference” designation??
Equipment:
-TIMSOK TS-316 Reference IEM, aged 120+ hours.
-Astell & Kern SP2000T, OP amp mode, 4.4mm out.
-Stock 4.4mm OOC copper cable.
-Sedna Xelastec wide bore ear tips.
*I prefer TS-316 on a more resolving source device.
Sound:
-Bass is thick and warm and it carry’s that warmth across the head space.
Playing a dedicated sub bass test track, TS-316 pulls reasonably low with a nice rumble, but playing random tracks from my catalogue the bass presents somewhat one dimensional and “boomy with authoritative thump”.
It’s an enjoyable, somewhat analog sounding bass, but I feel it would benefit if it had more texture and better definition between sub and mid bass.
-Mids are warmed and smoothed by the bass, but they rise through and present with good detail and clarity. They are neither forward nor elevated to much degree. Bass fills the gaps in the mids making the stage feel more intimate than expansive.
-Highs start to roll off early, most of the top end energy is in the upper mids.
Instruments like electric guitar, flute, and violin sacrifice some of there very top end bite. A blessing perhaps for the treble sensitive, treble fans may be left wanting.
Cymbals and high hats do manage a recovery and add a dose of sparkle and air.
Head stage:
-Fills the head space, but is pretty much confined to within the head.
It’s close, intimate, and warm, but clean and clear enough to allow for decent imaging and layering.
Summary:
For me the TS-316 has a touch of old school analog nostalgia. It offers a warm, smooth, and most often relaxed, listening experience.
I do, however, question if the “Reference” designation is qualified.
I don’t find the technical prowess of the TS-316 to be at the reference level.
I find TS-316 a very enjoyable IEM for late night, or anytime chill listening.
It has a nice meaty note weight that works well with most genres that don’t demand extreme detail playback.
My library is a blend of Rock, Blues, Jazz, Pop, Rap, R&B, Electronic, Country, and Acoustic.
TS-316 worked well will all other than some Jazz and Electronic tracks that demand highly technical detail reproduction.
