amazon iBasso CF01 reviews
Bluetooth headsets have come a long way in the past few years. Now we’ve almost blurred the world of sound quality between wired and wireless headphones.
What if we combine the excellent sound quality of IEM headphones with the mobility and comfort of True Wireless technology. That idea has come to fruition with a few Adapter True Wireless models, but none that caught my attention until recently. iBasso – China’s leading sound company has released the CF01 model. The company’s products are always quality and seriously invested, so this will be a very expected Adapter True Wireless model.
DESIGN AND FINISHING
iBasso CF01 is made of high-quality plastic with silver color with black color, slightly futuristic style. I bet many people will look at the iBasso CF01 and mistakenly think this is a hearing aid – a super special hearing aid.
The details are very well finished, without excess plastic or any concave warping.
On each side of the Adapter, there is only one multitasking button that allows you to operate directly without opening the phone. However, this button does not allow you to control the volume of the device, unfortunately.
The ear hook part is a short piece of cable that is twisted and bent when worn. Currently, iBasso CF01 only supports the MMCX plug standard only. I hope that iBasso will release a 2-pin version so that it can be used with more headphones.
Like many other True Wireless headphones, the iBasso CF01 is also equipped with a charging box. This charging box is much larger in size than conventional True Wireless charging boxes.
But this is a good thing as we will have more space to accommodate the IEM headphone housing. To add more certainty, iBasso also made a button to lock the lid of the box, the lid of the box will only open when you press this button, avoiding the phenomenon of the box opening unexpectedly when used with large IEM headphones. The body of the box also has an inhaler magnet so that the CF01 is in the correct position to charge the battery becomes easier.
The charging box uses the new Type-C standard, which is compatible with today’s phone charging cables. Besides, the charging box is also equipped with trendy wireless charging capabilities, allowing it to be charged with all kinds of wireless charging pads for the phone.
CONFIGURATION AND PARAMETERS
iBasso CF01 is equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 chip QCC3020 from Qualcomm. With this chip, CF01 completely inherits the most advanced True Wireless technology legacies.
First, iBasso CF01 will support hands-free conversation and cVc digital noise filtering capabilities for clear conversations even in noisy environments.
Next is the ability to support APTX’s advanced codec alongside SBC and AAC. Currently, APTX is still a common codec found on high-end True Wireless models to deliver detailed sound, good dynamics and lower distortion compared to conventional codecs.
The charging box uses the new Type-C standard, which is compatible with today’s phone charging cables. Besides, the charging box is also equipped with trendy wireless charging capabilities, allowing it to be charged with all kinds of wireless charging pads for the phone.
CONFIGURATION AND PARAMETERS
iBasso CF01 is equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 chip QCC3020 from Qualcomm. With this chip, CF01 completely inherits the most advanced True Wireless technology legacies.
First, iBasso CF01 will support hands-free conversation and cVc digital noise filtering capabilities for clear conversations even in noisy environments.
Next is the ability to support APTX’s advanced codec alongside SBC and AAC. Currently, APTX is still a common codec found on high-end True Wireless models to deliver detailed sound, good dynamics and lower distortion compared to conventional codecs.
Not stopping there, iBasso CF01 is also integrated with a dedicated Amplifier circuit to increase capacity, increase the ability to pull models of IEM multi-driver headphones. Promises a quality wireless audio experience.
Besides, the iBasso CF01 is also equipped with IPX5 water resistance, giving you the freedom to use it whether it is wet rain or sweat.
Battery life according to iBasso announced a maximum of 4.5 hours / 1 full charge. The charging box stores 20 hours of use. This number will depend on the impedance of the IEM headphones you plug in, the codecs you use and the volume so there will be a difference.
where can you get a iBasso CF01 online
iBasso CF01 True Wireless Bluetooth Adapter for MMCX Earbuds, IEMs, Headphones: Buy it now
EXPERIENCE AND SOUND
The iBasso CF01 image looks bulky, but it is very light in weight. When worn on the ear, there is absolutely no heavy feeling in the earhook at all. Combined with the housing that is firmly in the ear, the iBasso CF01 almost disappears on the ear.
The Bluetooth signal on the iBasso CF01 is very good, stable and provides quite a long distance connection. From the living room up to the restroom on the upper floor, I experienced almost no signal interruption. The controls on the body of the headset are easy to find and operate, and they also cause almost no pressure to control.
The iBasso CF01 also has a pretty smart design that automatically turns the power on and off when you take it out and put it back into the charging case.
There is a little note about the connector of the iBasso CF01. When first used, this connector will stick very firmly. You will have to be very careful when unplugging the iBasso CF01 with your headphones.
Tested the iBasso CF01 coupling with iBasso IT00 Campfire Solaris, Source using POCOPHONE with AptX TWS + support.
The overall sound quality of the iBasso CF01 is bright, the bass range is a bit flat and the details are very good.
The bass range on the iBasso CF01 is not for the basshead. The sub-bass lacks energy, does not go down deeply, significantly reducing the volume of the bass band. Mid-bass has a decent impact, not too forceful but enough to make your ears feel every beat of the drum.
Compensating for the slightly lack of depth bass range is the detailed and clear mid and treble bands. The vocals are clear, accurate, natural, and colorful. The instruments are separated quite well. The treble extend is good, does not roll-off and is also airy.
According to NSX announced iBasso CF01 is equipped with a removable headamp circuit inside but practical experience shows that it is not as strong as advertised. iBasso CF01 is optimal only when pulling high-sensitivity, 16Ohms or less IEM samples.
With this sound quality, iBasso CF01 will be best suited to pair with headphones with dark, rich bass to create a balanced sound quality.
CONCLUDE
It would be an exaggeration to compare the sound quality of the iBasso CF01 with the conductor, but the experience this Apdapter model brings is well worth the money. A premium option for those who want the premium True Wireless audio experience.