NuForce HEM Series Balanced Armature IEMs

Discussion in 'IEMs and Portable Gear' started by velvetx, Mar 28, 2016.

Tags:
  1. velvetx

    velvetx Gear Master West/Vendor Spotlight Moderator

    Staff Member Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2015
    Likes Received:
    1,067
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Bay Area, CA
    Preface: I want to start off by thanking Nuforce for sending me the new HEM product line as I had a great time listening and getting to know the line. My experience with IEMs/Earphones has been pretty much all over the place enjoying brands such as Ultimate Ears, Shure, T-Peos, etc. My main use for IEMS is normally for traveling. I can’t tell you how much relief I get when I pop in my IEMs on an airplane with my Comply Tips and am able to immerse myself in the music rather than people talking or babies screaming. My testing methods were all done using the Lotoo Paw 5000 and Lotoo Paw Gold digital audio players.

    [​IMG]

    PLEASE NOTE: The NuForce HEM line needs time to burn in. I actually thought at first something might have been wrong with them when I first listened but after about 10-20 (estimated) hours of burn in they were good to go. As you go higher up the line to the HEM 6 and HEM 8 I found they may require more burn in time (20-40 hours estimated).

    NuForce HEM 2: The entry level HEM 2 comes with a single balanced armature driver. It’s red in color and comes with some silicone tips as well as two pairs of Comply Tips. Also comes with a stereo adapter so you could plug it into your desktop amp. Product specifications are listed below:

    • Maximum input power: 2mW
    • Impedance: 26 Ohms
    • Maximum input sound level: 113dB
    • Frequency response: 20 - 40,000 Hz
    • Sensitivity: 110dB +/-3dB
    • Ear coupling: In-ear
    • Jack plug: 3.5mm (4 pole-stereo)
    • Cable length: 4 ft (1.38 meters)
    • Number of driver(s): 2 total
    • Weight w/ cable: 0.7oz

    I would say by the HEM 2 is the bassiest of the four IEMs complementing my love for hip hop music. Listening to Dr. Dre’s “Nothin But a G Thang” I found the bass to be very impactful and the tonal balance from Snoop Dogg’s vocals were well put together. Me personally I would prefer something with a slightly wider sound stage but the way the HEM 2 sounds to me nothing is jumbled together or on top of each other. Another track I listened to was “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” by Ol’ Dirty Bastard which I would describe as not being as bass focused but more vocal centric and with the deepness of ODB’s voice it came through clearly. I listened to the HEM 2 first and felt this was a great entry level bass centric earphone that anyone could pick up and listen to. As the entry level of the line I must say that if you are looking for more a more detail focused IEM with a more neutral sound you are going to have to move up the line. However, at $199 if you enjoy your music with a little kick to it I would recommend the HEM 2. Conclusion: If you like EDM, Hip Hop, or other music genres with a lot of bass emphasis this IEM might be for you.

    [​IMG]

    NuForce HEM 4: The HEM 4 comes with dual balanced armature drivers. It’s blue in color and comes with some olive tips as well as two pairs of Comply Tips. Also comes with a stereo adapter so you could plug it into your desktop amp. Product specifications are listed below:

    • Maximum input power: 2mW
    • Impedance: 38 Ohms
    • Maximum input sound level: 124dB
    • Frequency response: 18 - 40,000 Hz
    • Sensitivity: 124dB +/-3dB
    • Ear coupling: In-ear
    • Jack plug: 3.5mm (4 pole-stereo)
    • Cable length: 4 ft (1.38 meters)
    • Number of driver(s): 4 total
    • Weight w/ cable: 0.7oz
    The HEM 4 is much more mid focused allowing vocals to really shine through. The tonal balance of the vocals is spot on. This is where you start getting the details and with a more mid centric focus I would say this is an overall more well rounded earphone when compared to the HEM 2. Songs like Paul Simon’s “Graceland” sounds stunning as you hear the timbre changes in his voice. I would say the sound stage is similar to that of the HEM 2 but with more air to allow instead of the more low end bass focus mid vocals are able to come through and shine in front while having the instruments slightly recessed but capturing the essence of each song and in their detailed beauty. Another track that absolutely shines is “Superstar” by The Carpenters. The beauty of Karen Carpenter’s voice is just amazing with the treble nice and controlled with no peakiness. The way her voice is able to go up and down and the extension of the mids going into the highs during the chorus is really something else. Conclusion: If you like rock and roll bands such as Led Zeppelin, The Doors, and other more vocal based rock music this earphone might be for you. At $299 I find this to be a sweet spot for both price and performance.

    [​IMG]

    NuForce HEM 6: The HEM 6 comes with triple balanced armature drivers. It’s black in color and comes with some olive tips as well as two pairs of Comply Tips. Also comes with a stereo adapter so you could plug it into your desktop amp. Product specifications are listed below:

    • Maximum input power: 2mW
    • Impedance: 37 Ohms
    • Maximum input sound level: 124dB
    • Frequency response: 18 - 40,000 Hz
    • Sensitivity: 113dB +/-3dB
    • Ear coupling: In-ear
    • Jack plug: 3.5mm (4 pole-stereo)
    • Cable length: 4 ft (1.38 meters)
    • Number of driver(s): 6 total
    • Weight w/ cable: 0.7oz
    The HEM 6 while also a more mid centric IEM has a more airy soundstage with a more controlled deep bass than the rest of the line making it great for classical and jazz. Listening to Yo Yo Ma playing Ennio Morricone’s “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” you can clearly hear the beauty of Ma’s cello and are very submerged in the speed of which he plays and can instantly remember the final showdown in the movie. The beautiful vocals of Diana Krall on the track “You Call It Madness” to me is just something else with the HEM 6 versus any other of the HEM line. The instruments just lull you while the vocals bring the music alive. The HEM 6 is perfect for catching the details and timbre of Krall’s voice. I think this IEM takes the mid centric vocal sound of the HEM 4 and expands it even further with the wider soundstage and adds a deeper bass extension. Please keep in mind I am talking about extension not impact as I don’t believe the HEM 6 does well with hip hop and EDM like the HEM 2 but more of a jazz sound like bass extension created by a cello. Conclusion: If you enjoy classical and jazz this earphone would be the one for you. This earphone you can have for $399 which is great for budget minded individuals who are looking for an upgrade to mid-fi that is detailed but doesn’t wish to break the wallet.

    [​IMG]

    NuForce HEM 8: The top of the line HEM 8 comes with quad balanced armature drivers. It’s black in color and comes with some olive tips as well as two pairs of Comply Tips. Also comes with a stereo adapter so you could plug it into your desktop amp. Product specifications are listed below:

    • Maximum input power: 2mW
    • Impedance: 32 Ohms
    • Maximum input sound level: 122dB
    • Frequency response: 10 - 40,000 Hz
    • Sensitivity: 124dB +/-3dB
    • Ear coupling: In-ear
    • Jack plug: 3.5mm (4 pole-stereo)
    • Cable length: 4 ft (1.38 meters)
    • Number of driver(s): 8 total
    • Weight w/ cable: 0.7oz

    The top of the line HEM 8 takes everything and basically slams it together to create a great all around earphone which allows you to listen to pretty much anything I have mentioned in my analysis of the line thus far. The bass extension of the cello in Yo Yo Ma and Diana Krall tracks is not as extended as the HEM 6 but is instead more controlled and slightly tighter. The bass doesn’t hit as hard as the HEM 2 but I would call it impactful yet tight and punchy. The sound stage also isn’t as wide as the HEM 6 but instead slightly more what I would describe as intimate. It’s really a sweet spot between the HEM 6 and the HEM 4. I would say the musicality of the HEM 8 is just a lot easier to listen to for all types of music and is a great all round sound for every genre as it does things not as dialed in as the rest of the IEMs in their sound signature but like I said seems to combine the best of all the IEMs and mesh it in together to create what I call my favorite out of the HEM series thus far. I am a fan of one size fits all and for me this is the clear winner of the bunch. At $499 for a quad driver earphone I find this to be very fair considering what competitors are charging. Conclusion: Great all round headphone regardless of genre believe if you had to pick one and only one this would be my choice as it does everything just right and isn’t as dependant on the type of music to really shine.

    Recap: The HEM line is a fine addition for those who are very budget minded but are looking for something to take them to the next step in the audio world. Maybe you are looking for something a bit more bassy but don’t want to have details sacrificed in the process and for that I would recommend the HEM 2. Maybe vocal focused genres of music is your taste and that is where the HEM 4 comes into play. Jazz and Classical nuts be happy that you have a IEM dedicated for you specifically with the HEM 6. Finally if you are like me and listen to multiple genres and need something inexpensive to take you to the next step of audio listening I would recommend the HEM 8.

    Massdrop is currenly running a Blue Box special for $169.99 which is a great price (link below).

    https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-blue-box-nuforce-hem-iems

    Nicholas
     
    Last edited: Mar 28, 2016
  2. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

    Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    7,464
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Winnipeg
    Last edited: Apr 2, 2016
  3. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

    Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    7,464
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Winnipeg
    Overall conclusions

    Each step up basically gives a small increment in clarity and extension at both ends.

    HEM2
    ~ a bit of looseness in the bass gives this a warmer tone
    ~ easier load for amps that do not have a low output impedance, the lower sensitivity also helps alleviates noise issues

    HEM4
    ~ the most pronounced upper end in the family
    ~ but comparatively the least impressive bass

    HEM6
    ~ good detailing but withdrawn top
    ~ give this a pass, go straight to the 8

    HEM 8
    ~ a solid all-rounder
    ~ if you're looking at this family but want higher than 2, skip the 4 and 6 and come straight here
     
  4. OJneg

    OJneg The Most Insufferable

    Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,923
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Grand Rapids, MI
    My thoughts almost exactly. All of these seem to share the same overall signature, but somehow the HEM8 really makes the best of it and takes it to a different level of performance. Review later.
     
  5. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

    Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    7,464
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Winnipeg
    I just couldn't get into a fluffy writing mode so I was kinda hesitant to put my notes on HF, but I figure meh screw it posted it as is.
     
  6. cskippy

    cskippy Creamy warmpoo

    Pyrate MZR
    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,999
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Tempe, Arizona
    FYI, it's the last day for the Massdrop Nuforce Grab Bag. $169 for entry.
     
  7. cskippy

    cskippy Creamy warmpoo

    Pyrate MZR
    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,999
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Tempe, Arizona
    So with my luck I got the HEM4. I'll do some listening for the next week and see how they are.
     
  8. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

    Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    7,464
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Winnipeg
    The 4 was my least favourite of the series. I thought the drop was kinda weird with the whole mystery thing; they should have just made it cheaper and let it be known it would be the 2, which I think is the best one to throw out to the consumers en masse.
     
  9. cskippy

    cskippy Creamy warmpoo

    Pyrate MZR
    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,999
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Tempe, Arizona
    I really like the accessories. Is it worth opening and seeing what I think or try and sell it new in box?
     
  10. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

    Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    7,464
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Winnipeg
    I was reading the thread at HF and it seems the HEM you get might have been random? Someone there got a 6.

    It comes in this massive pelican-style case. Sure it's nice, but not really practical.

    Up to you whether you'll keep it or not. I imagine there are going to be a lot of people selling right away...
     
  11. SBAFedu

    SBAFedu New

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2016
    Likes Received:
    20
    Trophy Points:
    3
    @Armaegis I think I may have been the person on the HF thread you're referring to. Got an HEM6 from that drop.

    There were varying odds that determined what you would get (50% chance of an HEM2, 25% - HEM4, 15% - HEM6, 10% - HEM8). Guess that's the only way NuForce would allow for someone to wind up with an HEM8 for the same $169. I found the whole mystery of it fair and exciting, as with the odds.

    Either way, thanks for the reviews, they all help. Like I said on HF (if it was me you were referring to), I hear the HEM6 the same way you did. Relatively dark yet quite technically capable (Insert Star Wars joke here). My...this low end can kick some butt.
     
    Last edited: May 8, 2016
  12. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

    Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    7,464
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Winnipeg
    Ah, yes I think it was you. It'll be interesting to hear from people who got the 8. The lottery method I suppose does work to an extent.
     
  13. surfgeorge

    surfgeorge New

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2019
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    3
    Location:
    Austria
    This thread is very old - but I just signed up for a Drop sale of the Nuforce HEM 8 for $200 including US shipping.
    Is the HEM 8 still an interesting option?
    I had been thinking about adding a good BA IEM to my DD collection, and the $200 sounded like a steal.
    I have not seriously listened to mid tier BA IEMs, but I liked the Sony IER-M9 when I had a chance to test it.
    But not ready to spend $1000

    The most highly recommended BA IEMs anywhere near the $200 would be the $300 options of the Massdrop Plus and Audiosense T800.

    I'd love to hear that the HEM 8 is on a similar level, then I'd be a happy camper.
    If the Plus and T800 are significantly better I'll reconsider the HEM8.
     
  14. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

    Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    7,464
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Winnipeg
    Two years ago, I would have said the HEM8 were a good deal at $200.
    Unfortunately I have no idea if that's still true in today's market as I haven't tried any new iems since then.
     
  15. StandUp713

    StandUp713 Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2016
    Likes Received:
    247
    Trophy Points:
    43
    Location:
    San Pedro CA
    I use the HEM8 at the gym with foamies and my smart phone. Not bad for 200 bucks. I would not recommend them for critical listing.
     

Share This Page