This is my first experience with the ikko brand, but I’ve heard great things, especially in terms of how good some of their budget-friendly IEMs sound for the price. So, I’ve decided to check out the $50 Lumina OH300, to see what it could offer in terms of performance and sound signature. Does the Lumina OH300 perform beyond its price point?
What’s in the Box?
- IKKO Lumina OH300
- Copper Cable
- 6 pairs of silicone ear tips (S, M, L)
- User Guide
Look and Feel
Even upon first taking the IEMs out of the box, the Lumina stands out within its price category. While the general shell material and design may not feel ultra high-end, the front plate that certainly catches the eye. Made from photochromic glass, it serves the purpose of shielding the internal circuitry from UV rays. After all, we sure don’t want sunburnt drivers. But more importantly, this unique feature unveils the inner workings of the Lumina, making it fun to just look at. In terms of comfort, you should expect a problem free experience with the Lumina. The IEMs easily rested in my ear and gave me minimal fatigue.
Design
Embedded within the Lumina lies a 10mm liquid crystal dynamic driver, regulated by Ikko’s proprietary tuning board. At an impedance of 32 Ohms, the Lumina is quite easy to drive. But if you want to max out your resolution and headroom, a small DAC/Amp dongle should optimize your set-up. For this review, I paired the Lumina with the Dragonfly Cobalt.
Sound Impressions
Soundstage
For the price, the OH300 delivers an impressively spacious and multidimensional soundscape. There isn’t one angle missing in the soundstage. You’ll sense plenty of height, and decent level of depth and a vast stereo field. And the imaging feels entirely accurate and nuanced, making for an immersive listen. In addition, the generous distance between instruments, results in clean separation and tidy layering, ensuring that no element is lost in the mix. So, I have no complaints here.
Low-End
The bass is skillfully balanced. The lowest frequencies are impactful and juicy, while the upper bass feels more moderate. As a result, the separation between the bass frequencies and mid-range frequencies is clean and well delineated. At the same time, the sub-bass frequencies really rumble to the point where you feel the back of your head vibrating. So, for sure, if you’re a hip-hop fan, you can expect a massive low-end. As powerful as the bass is, it feels a touch sluggish at times, lacking that speed and tightness that brings liveliness to pop tracks. But for the price, the delivery is impressive.
Mids
The low-mids are a little recessed, allowing the bass and high frequencies to create a dynamic contrast, which brings liveliness and color to the mix. Still, those who prefer a very full-bodied and lush midrange, may be left hungry for more meatier feel. That being said, the little boost the upper-mids makes for impactful snare hits and glowing vocals. And while there is a touch of pleasing saturation or richness in the tone, instruments still sound natural and life-like. The separation and layering is quite good as well, offering a clean and tidy profile that reveals a comprehensive mix.
Highs
Although the highest peaks are super smooth and easy on the ears, there’s a little boost in the lower treble that really makes female vocals shine, creating an intimate connection with the listener. Percussion in this range snaps hard too, delivering a funky and impactful drum line. Given that the highs are slightly rounded at the highest treble, you won’t hear as much sparkle as you would on a brighter IEM. But I think the OH300 has hit a pleasing balance between being revealing, yet still forgiving. In terms of resolution, the OH300 might not be as transparent in the treble as higher-end IEMs, but for the price, the clarity is still impressive.
Summary
There’s no question that the Lumina OH300 exceeds expectations in terms of performance for the price. The rich bass, dynamic midrange and smooth highs make for a satiating sound signature, while the resolution and separation approximates an audiophile worthy listening experience. Don’t expect the transparency and speed of higher-priced IEMs, but do expect a solid IEM that is perfect for an entry-level audiophile or for one on a tight budget.
You can buy the ikko Lumina OH300 at Audio 46.
