BEAM 2SE

amazon BEAM 2SE reviews

As a portable DAC/AMP player, you’ll probably know BEAM – one of the affordable, high-performance, ultra-compact DACs/AMP lines from the Hilidac (Audirect) brand. Recently, the company has launched the BEAM 2SE model, the latest version in its BEAM line. This DAC/AMP model is optimized for the 3.5mm Single-End playback port but still has the same configuration as the elder BEAM 2. The price of this version is significantly lower than its predecessor, only $90.

BOXING AND ACCESSORIES

The BEAM 2SE has a very minimalistic carrying case. Compact black paper box with Audirect logo outside. The backside is information about the product and the manufacturer.

Inside the box, the BEAM 2SE is placed in a very thick, impact-resistant velvet foam. Underneath is the included accessory compartment.

We will have: 1 cable to convert from Lightning to USB Type-C, 1 cable to convert 2 Type-C ends, 1 Type-C to USB A jack, and 1 manual.

There is still no bag or box like the previous version.

DESIGN AND FINISHING

Although it has a lower price, the BEAM 2SE is favored when carrying a more luxurious design than its elder brother BEAM 2. The entire body of the Beam 2SE is made of alloy with a glossy chrome-plated surface like the edges of new iPhone models. The front and back are laminated with 2.5D glass to look very high-end.

The front has the Audirect logo and one signal light. The color of this indicator light will change the quality of the music – a specialty of the Hilidac family.

The back is the MQA logo and the company’s website address.

Next to the side of the BEAM 2SE, we will find a small button. That is a valuable improvement when compared to its predecessor, BEAM 2. This button allows us to adjust the gain to match a variety of different headphones.

The Type-C jack and the Single End 3.5mm audio output are symmetrically placed at the two tops of the body.

As for finishing, I appreciate the perfection of Beam 2SE when compared to previous versions of the BEAM house.

The metal body combined with glass creates a much stronger and more premium feel than the rough aluminum material. Not to mention the edge and corner details on the Beam 2SE have been gently curved, no longer feeling as tight as before. The glass is glued very tightly to the metal, without any gaps. The connection ports are placed in the correct position, without deviation or protrusion.

HARDWARE CONFIGURATION

BEAM 2SE can be said to be a shortened version of Beam 2. It owns an internal hardware configuration that is almost identical to the ES9281C PRO decoder chip, supporting 32bit/384kHz PCM music decoding, DSD128, and MQA.

The biggest difference between the two versions is that the BEAM 2SE will only use 1 Op-amp and only support the 3.5mm Single-End output port. The output power on the 3.5mm port has been increased from 110mW in Beam 2 to 120mW on Beam 2SE, promising to bring better pairing with Single-End headphones.

The addition of the again change button is also a new bright spot on the Beam 2SE. It has three gain levels: Low – Mid – High, suitable for IEM headphones, Earbuds, and Fullsize.

Unfortunately, the Beam 2SE still does not support Inline-remote on the headset cord, and it will not support the headset’s Microphone when plugged in.

REALITY EXPERIENCE AND SOUND QUALITY OF BEAM 2SE

Test configuration: PC, iPhone 8 Plus, Oppo Find X2

Headphones: CCA C10 Pro, VE BIE.

I find that BEAM 2SE gives a more enjoyable user experience than Beam 2. It’s still simple to a plugin, no need to install any drivers to use Beam 2SE. However, the gain adjustment knob is what adds to the spice. With each different headset, you will test this button once to find the most suitable gain.

At the highest gain, the loudest volume, the most powerful bass, but the mid and high ranges are a bit harsh with low impedance headphones. The most neutral sound at low gain. Medium for stronger bass and slightly brighter treble.

The background sound of BEAM 2SE is not as clean as that of BEAM 2. The background is slightly hissing with highly sensitive IEM headphones. However, it is not too obvious to affect the quality of the music when listening.

When operating, Beam 2SE is only slightly warm. It is significantly cooler than the BEAM 2, possibly because the Single-End circuit is under less load than the Balanced circuit of the Beam 2, and the alloy material is less thermally conductive than the aluminum shell material on the BEAM 2SE. Anyway, you will have a more pleasant experience when using BEAM 2SE for a long time.

The overall sound quality of BEAM 2SE is strong, balanced, and detailed. The sound of Beam 2SE is sharper and more fun when compared to its predecessor, Beam 2.

Bass: Bass is enhanced with volume, texture, and impact. The sound is very strong, the vibration is good, so it is very fun to listen. This bass range is best when plugged into a computer because the computer’s USB port is not limited in the current like on smartphones.

Mid: Clear, bright, extremely good details. The tone color is more personal than the Beam 2; it’s a bit dry but still doesn’t come to make the sound lack music. Beam 2SE’s ability to separate layers is very good; the instruments and singers are quite full and distinct. With this tone, the sound of string instruments will benefit the most, especially the guitar. You will feel the vibration of the strings in each snap of the artist’s fingers.

Treble: Bright, crispy, a bit dry but airy. The jingle in the music is clearly expressed, sounds very playful.

Stage space: This aspect depends a lot on the headphones, but with the characteristics of Beam 2SE, the stage is expanded in all three directions, with good depth, high and airy. The image in the stage is well represented, the position reproduces accurately.

The sound of BEAM 2SE is playful, suitable for music genres such as Acoustic, Funky, Dance Pop…

EPILOGUE

The BEAM 2SE has a beautiful design and finish that feels the most premium of all the company’s ever products that I have in my hands. The addition of a gain control knob and a very strong, fresh sound is a huge plus. If you intend to refer to a pocket DAC / AMP model to listen to music in the price range of $90, BEAM 2SE will be one of the models that I would recommend.

where can you get a BEAM 2SE online

Linsoul Audirect Beam2SE HiFi Portable Mini USB DAC with 3.5mm Output, ESS9281 Chip, Support MQA, Adjustable Gain: Buy it now