Harman 2019 Bliss

Intuaura may not yet be a household name among audio enthusiasts, but the brand has already demonstrated serious tuning capability with their entry Impact, a single dynamic driver IEM that delivers performance well beyond its price point. Now, Intuaura has sent us their latest entry level model, the Reference 2019. Named in homage to the Harman 2019 target curve, this IEM features a single titanium plated dynamic driver and a dedicated USB-C DSP cable, all tuned to closely match the Harman 2019 response. Priced under $100, the Reference 2019 has the potential to disrupt the budget segment with its technical performance. The question is: does it truly set a new reference at this price? We’re about to find out.

A huge shout-out to the team of Intuara l for the sample pair of the Reference 2019 for us to have an honest take. We are not affiliated nor taken any form of monetary exchange for this review and this review is solely an honest view of the product.

Functions & Specifications

Before we start the review, here are the specifications of the new ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete 2 taken from their site;

• FR range: 5Hz-30kHz (Free Field)
• Effective FR range: 20Hz-20kHz (IEC60318-4)
• DC impedance: 32ohms (±5%)
• Sensitivity: 103dB/Vrms @1kHz (±3dB)
• THD: <0.5% @1kHz
• Driver: Ø10mm Titanium-Plated Dynamic
• Housing: 7075 Aluminum Alloy(Sandblasted &
• Anodized)
• Cable length: 1.2m ±10%
• Pin: 0.78mm Dual Pin
• Plug: Type-C
  

The Intuara Reference 2019 can be purchased directly and exclusively from their website or any other platform worldwide

Home

Packaging & Accessories

Priced at $98, the packaging here is basic but the accessories are decent and full that includes an IEM head bag. Packaging is also simple and professionally done worthy of their price.

Here’s a list of the included accessories;

• 1x Pair of Reference 2019
• 6x Pairs of Silicone Eartips (S/M/L)
• 1x Eartips Case
• 1x USB C DSP Cable
• 1 × Warranty card
• 1x IEM Head Pouch
• 1x PU Leather Hard Case

Design

The design here is an original and unique design that is different from those off the mill products. They have an almost oval shape with fine curves that are milled from a 7075 aluminum alloy shell that has undergone sandblasting and anodization to give a premium matte look that is robust. The faceplates are laser printed with the model name on the left side and a Harman 2019 target graph on the right, a first IEM with the actual graph printed in the IEM itself. The shell is lightweight and has a slim, ergonomic shape that fits even smaller ears.

Under the hood of the Reference 2019 is a single 10mm titanium plated diaphragm dynamic driver that is meticulously tuned to work alongside their DSP cable to be as close as possible to the H2019 target. The blend of material is specially chosen to avoid harsh tonal coloration, delivering natural, smooth sound reproduction. The Reference 2019 shares the same setup to their ex-flagship product that cost $269.

There are a total of 2 vents situated in the inner side of the shell where 1 is for the breathing room for the driver and 1 is to relieve build up pressure. The Reference 2019 has no driver flex, indicating a well vented IEM.

The nozzle has a maximum of 6mm at the tip with a unique shape with a long length nozzle that actually restricts eartips rolling to short stem eartips. The nozzle can be removed but there aren’t any tuning nozzles available but it can be a good thing as the nozzles can be cleaned easily.

The Reference 2029 has the standard recessed 0.78mm 2 pin connection that is kind of rare nowadays.

Cable here has only 1 variation and that is an USB C DSP cable tuned specifically for the Reference 2019 which makes them an all in one portable solution. The cable is an 8 core silver plated copper that is soft and pliable with all metal parts being used.

It is worth noting that the Reference 2019 pure Harman 2019 sound can only come with this pairing and while using other 3rd party cable is possible, the overall sound of the IEM will have a rather V shaped sound with a boost in the mid bass region. I have personally tried and tested with a plethora of sources and can confirm that only with the supplied USB C DSP cable will the Reference 2019 perform to their best which might restrict other source matching.

Gears Used for Comparisons

Songs list

Tone and Presentation

The overall sound here is a neutral bright presentation that has a mild emphasis on the higher region and they are an energetic set that excels in precision. These are a well balanced set of IEM adhering strictly to the Harman 2019 target and succeed well in those regards, giving an excellent technical presentation that punches way above their asking price, probably the best in this price bracket. The sound is clean, clear, transparent and accurate, a pure clinical sound signature staying true to their reference nametag. These are suitable for monitoring but the compulsory use of the USB C DSP cable does restrict studios that use conventional outputs. Gaming on these are superb for their clarity and precision but for movies, they might lack immersion, though a 3rd party cable will give a bigger lows and immersion.

Soundstage

The soundstage here is decent with good width and height that is competent in their price range. The Reference 2019 possesses superb accuracy with a 3D holographic spatial soundstage which makes it perfect for gaming and movies as the sound placements are accurate and sound directions are easy to distinguish. Immersion here is rather average with a mildly diffuse sound field that balances well of being intimate while still having an open sound signature with a decent headroom that isn’t boxy or closed in by any means.

Separation and Timbre

Separation here is superb and they have a wide stereo sound that has no crosstalk issues and while they do perform better with balanced setup, I still prefer the overall sound performance with the stock USB C DSP cable. The tuning here is well executed with a cohesive sound that sounds full which is typical of a good single dynamic driver setup. Timbre here is accurate with a clean, organic and crisp signature which has a natural sound that is a little energetic and lively.

Drivability

Rated at 32 ohms with a 103db sensitivity, they are easily driven by any source as they don’t need much power to sound great with adequate amount of loudness. They do not tend to pick up noise for their lower sensitivity making them a good pair for casual usage like streaming or gaming. Scalability here is average but they are made to perform their best with the supplied stock USB C DSP cable as matching with most sources with 3rd party cable make the bass a little too aggressive and the overall sound precision will take a hit. The Reference 2019 is a revealing set and they are able to show flaws in the recording, therefore a good mastered track or higher bitrates files will actually give a cleaner overall sound. They are able to perform as a monitoring and on stage IEM but only with the stock USB C DSP cable.

The Bass (Low)

The bass on the Reference 2019 is a neutral bass that is almost flat with a mild boost possessed in the sub-bass region and they do have the authority when called upon and they have a decent amount of energy. The amount here is natural and correct that shows the whole bass is intended with a true dynamic driver bass presence. Details here are superb with a great texture that shows layers of the bass in a clean, clear manner and they are free of any bloat and no bleed into the other frequencies is present. The pace here is slightly quick and elastic with a tight slam that has a slightly slow roll off giving a lingering, clean bass decay. The amount here is certainly not for bassheads as they don’t have an anemic bass rumble and they may come off as a little light in weight notes in this region but perfectly suited for purists that seek accuracy over weight. Sub-bass here does have a mild lift to them and it has a good depth that is energetic with a clean and deep rumble that has its presence.

The Mids

The midrange here is a typical Harman 2019 neutral flat type of midrange that has an ascending climb towards the upper region that gives the overall bright tone of the Reference 2019. The amount of detail here is spectacular that punches way above their segment, trading punches with sets twice or more their asking price. They possess the ability to display macro details in a clean and clear manner without skipping the micro details retrieval and their overall clarity here is respectable with every single note presented in a clean, transparent manner. Their accuracy here is also great with a natural timbre that has near to no coloration present while still having a mild vividness that resolves well. The midrange here isn’t a warm, thick type of midrange and may come off as a little thin which may deter some users who seek a lusher midrange but a perfect pair for users who want an accurate midrange reproduction as the mids is presented as faithful to the original state as possible. The vocals here are breathy and possess a high amount of brilliance that suits female vocals exceptionally well alongside a clean, natural vocal for male’s vocals but it may lack thickness and depth marginally. Instruments sound natural and they perform well especially with strings, percussions and high staccato instruments but not so much for drums or some low notes instruments.

The Highs

The high range here is a mildly boosted type of highs with a small peak that extends from 8khz all the way to 15khz region producing an energetic and mostly inoffensive while having a good extension with a tasteful piercy highs. Details and clarity here is superb with a strong, clean sparkle and an exceptionally crisp decay producing a lively overall high range which is a treat for those who love a strong yet clean high range. Though being a tad strong, the high range actually sounds natural and accurate with a clean, piercy timbre that presents high nuances well without any sibilance albeit bordering those aspects therefore, for those who are treble sensitive might want to look elsewhere. The extension of the high range produces a decent amount of air that gives a livelier overall sound of the Reference 2019. Treble here is quite balanced with a touch of intensity that adds into the overall clarity of these IEMs.

Comparisons

VS NF ACOUS NM25

The highly acclaimed studio IEM is equipped with their own self developed MC2L-M100A dynamic driver alongside meticulous damping and tuning to produce a true studio sound that also possesses their neutral bright house sound. Priced at $199, they do cost twice the price but they are competently similar in overall technicalities. The overall package and build of the NM25 does feel nicer and they are able to play with other sources via normal 3.5mm or 4.4mm outputs.

• Bass amount on the Reference 2019 is slightly bigger on the sub-bass region
• Bass texture on NM25 is slightly better but accuracy on both are similar
• Midrange on both are similar with a neutral bright tuning but the NM25 has a touch more clarity
• Transparency on the NM25 is slightly better while resolution on both are similar
• High range of the NM25 has more energy and they do sparkle better but the Reference 2019 is crisper
• Treble on the NM25 is more intense
• Soundstage on NM25 is a tad wider

Vs Twistura Beta

The recent flagship glass diaphragm dynamic driver that is similarly priced but they come in a fully accessorized package that includes a modular cable, tuning nozzles and a premium carry case. The shell on the Beta is thicker but both are lightweight and well built. Both possess a neutral bright sound signature but the Harman tuning of the Reference 2019 has better accuracy.

• Bass of the Reference 2019 has bigger presence especially on the sub-bass region
• Midrange on the Beta is slightly thinner but they have a more forward sound
• Details and clarity is slightly better on the Reference 2019
• Transparency and resolution on the Reference 2019 is better
• High range on the Reference 2019 is smoother and has better accuracy
• Treble amount is similar but the Reference 2019 sounds more natural as well as in timbre
• Soundstage on Beta is a touch wider and airier

Synergy

Nothing much can be said here as I do find they match supremely well with the stock USB C DSP cable and with other cables, they possess a boost in the lower midrange and mid-bass giving a V shaped sound signature that loses their accuracy but can be fun with bassy genres.

Who Is It For?

Suitable genres: All rounder, plays well with most genres

Suitable usage: Audiophiles to casual users, monitoring, gaming, movies

Not suitable genres: Jpop, ACG (nit-pick)

Not so suitable usage: Bassheads, treble sensitive users

Final words

The Intuaura Reference 2019 is a bold, purist-driven experiment that largely succeeds. For under $100, you get reference grade adherence to the Harman 2019 target that possesses exceptional clarity, pinpoint imaging and a level of technical performance that genuinely punches above its price, provided you embrace its mandatory USB C DSP cable. That cable is both its greatest strength and its biggest limitation as it unlocks a neutral-bright, clinically accurate signature perfect for monitoring, gaming, and analytical listening, but it also locks you out of traditional sources and 3rd party cables which makes the tuning a little off. If you’re a treble tolerant, basshead aversed listener who lives in the USB C ecosystem and values surgical precision over warmth or immersion, the Reference 2019 sets a new reference for sub $100. Highly recommended indeed.

4½ stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Pros

• Flagship technicalities (imaging, separation, accuracy, dynamic range)
• Decent build, design and finishing
• Well executed Harman 2019 neutral reference tuning
• Highly precise
• Natural, piercy timbre
• Decent width, height and an airy soundstage with great accuracy
• Superb overall clarity and details
• Resolving and transparent sound
• Textured, responsive, clean and accurate bass with good sub-bass presence
• Neutral, accurate, clean high range with a sparkly and superb crisp high
• Balanced, natural treble
• Sound value

Cons

• Bordering safe tuning (nit-pick)
• Not for bassheads
• Mids a tad thin
• Highs can be a little spicy (nit-pick)
• Only works best with the supplied USB C DSP cable
• Long nozzles that limits eartips rolling