CVJ NIGHT ELF: AN AFFORDABLE WARM BLANKET
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INTRO :
The CVJ Night Elf is an intriguing in-ear monitor (IEM) that combines a unique driver configuration to deliver a dynamic and engaging listening experience. Priced affordably, it features a combination of a 6mm + a 10mm double dynamic driver (compound) and an 8mm dynamic driver, all working in unison. This setup aims to provide a rich, immersive sound that can handle a wide range of music genres. The Night Elf is designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind, offering a comfortable fit for long listening sessions and a build quality that promises durability. For audiophiles and casual listeners alike, the Night Elf represents an attractive option in the competitive IEM market.
CONTEXT:
In the crowded field of budget-friendly IEMs, the CVJ Night Elf stands out with its triple dynamic driver configuration. This approach is relatively uncommon in its price range, setting it apart from other offerings. CVJ, a brand known for producing high-quality audio products at accessible prices, aims to cater to listeners who seek both performance and value. The Night Elf is targeted at users who appreciate a full-bodied sound with ample bass, clear mids, and sparkling highs. I fell in love with this the first time I heard Metallica. They are very good for heavy metal due to their bass speed. Then I shuffled through my metal play list and enjoyed Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Dream Theater, Slipknot, etc., and they sound so good. But keep in mind that, to run it with its full potential, you need to use a DAC with decent power. And also, you need some after-market ear tips.
DISCLAIMER:
CVJ was kind enough to send me the Night Elf to review. I am not affiliated with the company, and of course, I was not asked for any copy-checking before publishing. All opinions shared in this review are my subjective thoughts.
One thing more: The review is based on my personal experience and what I hear using different sources. Your experience may vary due to personal preference and physical differences, like the shape & depth of the ear canal.
For your personal purchase -
Geek Mart is the place if you are in Bangladesh.
Checkout CVJ if you live elsewhere.
GEAR USED:
● DAP: Cowon Planue R2, Hiby R3 (Mii)
● DAC: ifi Hip Dac2, Fosi Audio DS1, Moondrop Dawn Pro
● Smartphone: POCO X3
● Source: Local hi-res FLAC & DSD files
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION:
● Drivers: 6mm + 10mm double compound dynamic driver, 8mm dynamic driver
● Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz
● Impedance: 16Ω
● Sensitivity: 105 dB/mW
● Cable: 1.25m silver-plated OFC copper
● Connector type: Detachable, 2 Pin-S (0.75mm)
● Plug: 3.5mm
WHAT’S IN THE BOX:
● CVJ Night Elf IEMs
● Detachable 1.2m silver-plated copper cable (with interchangeable terminal)
● Six pairs of silicone ear tips (various sizes)
● Full metal-made storage case
● User manual
UNBOXING EXPERIENCE:
Unboxing the CVJ Night Elf is a straightforward yet pleasant experience. The IEMs come in a small, sturdy cardboard box with a minimalist design. Upon opening, the IEMs are securely nestled in cutout foam, ensuring they remain protected during transit. Alongside the IEMs, you find two types of silicone ear tips in six pairs, though they are basic, providing options for a personalized fit. The included cable is silver-plated OFC copper with a 2 pin-S connector, is soft, flexible and has interchangeable terminal. The true star of the unboxing experience is the included storage box. Crafted from metal, it boasts a sturdy and secure feel, perfect for protecting your IEMs during storage. The screw-top lid ensures a tight seal, but might be a bit cumbersome for quick access compared to a snap-shut design. While its weight and size make it less ideal for daily carrying, the metal storage box adds a touch of premium feel to the overall package. The overall presentation is minimal but efficient, focusing on functionality and protection, making for a satisfying unboxing experience.
BUILD QUALITY & DESIGN:
Let’s hear the story of the Night Elf first. As per CVJ: “There is a legend that in the deep forest lived a phantom of the cat demon witch with mysterious power. She created a headset that connected reality and the mysterious world—the Night Elf. The black and purple shell exudes a mysterious charm. Put on the Night Elf, and it feels as if you can hear the whisper of the elf, with more vivid music, full of magic. Both bass and treble are perfectly presented, immersing yourself in an audio-visual feast. Therefore, the Night Elf is not only a headset but also an experience of legend, adventure, and music, exploring the infinite possibilities of music.” Nice story, right?
The CVJ Night Elf showcases impressive build quality for its price range. Made from 3D-printed resin, the shells are lightweight yet robust. The faceplates add a touch of elegance to the printed cat demon herself. This faceplate customization is not for everyone’s tastes, though. Personally, I don’t like that kind of illustration on IEM. And the drawback is that the print is not for last; it chips (that's why I rate it 4 instead of 4.5)! The stock cable has a good touch of quality; it’s soft, tangle-free, and premium-looking. The supplied ear tips are made of silicon and are not comfortable at all. What do you expect more at this price point?
FIT & COMFORT:
One of the standout features of the CVJ Night Elf is its fit and comfort. The lightweight design and ergonomic shape ensure that the IEMs sit comfortably in the ear, even during extended listening sessions. The soft, flexible cable does not create any pressure over the ears and is free from microphonics, allowing for an uninterrupted listening experience. You can enjoy hours of music without experiencing discomfort or fatigue.
SOUND IMPRESSION:
The CVJ Night Elf offers a sound signature that is both engaging and versatile. Its unique triple-dynamic driver setup delivers a rich and full-bodied sound. The bass is deep and powerful without overwhelming the mids and highs. The midrange is clear and detailed, bringing vocals and instruments to life. The treble is crisp and sparkly, adding an airy quality to the overall sound. The Night Elf excels across various genres, making it a great choice for diverse music tastes.
SUB-BASS:
The sub-bass of the CVJ Night Elf is notably robust and authoritative. When listening to "Another Day" by Dream Theater, the sub-bass presence is immediately noticeable. The opening notes of John Myung’s bass guitar resonate deeply, providing a solid foundation that enhances the overall atmosphere of the track. What stands out is how the sub-bass manages to stay clean and controlled, not bleeding into the other frequencies. This allows the intricate details of the song, like the delicate piano and soaring vocals, to shine without being overshadowed. The bass guitar and the kick drum provide a powerful, grounding presence that enhances the overall musical experience. The Night Elf's sub-bass is capable of producing those deep, rumbling lows that are felt as much as they are heard, adding a layer of depth to the music that makes it more engaging and immersive. Overall, the sub-bass performance of the CVJ Night Elf is impressive, offering both power and precision that enhance the listening experience without compromising the integrity of the other frequencies.
MID-BASS:
The mid-bass of the CVJ Night Elf is equally impressive, characterized by its thump, speed, and clarity. In "The Devil in I" by Slipknot, the mid-bass plays a crucial role in driving the song's intense and aggressive energy. The kick drums and bass lines in this track are delivered with a punchy and impactful quality that adds to the overall heaviness of the music. The mid-bass is fast and responsive, capturing the rapid bass drum patterns and bass guitar riffs with precision. Impressively, the mid-bass avoids muddiness, maintaining clarity and separation even in the heavy bass sections. This quality makes the Night Elf well-suited for genres with heavy bass influences, as it can deliver the power and impact needed without sacrificing clarity. Overall, the mid-bass performance adds to the excitement and intensity of the music, making it a compelling option for listeners who enjoy a punchy and energetic sound.
MALE VOCALS:
Male vocals are reproduced with clarity and richness. The midrange provides enough body to male voices, making them sound natural and engaging. Listening to "Fear of the Dark" by Iron Maiden with the CVJ Night Elf highlights its ability to reproduce male vocals with clarity and prominence. Bruce Dickinson's voice is forwarded into the mix, allowing his powerful and emotive delivery to take center stage. The vocals are clear and distinct, with a hint of power that gives them a commanding presence without being overbearing. The body and texture of the male vocals are well-represented, capturing the nuances and depth of Dickinson's performance. It ensures that the singer's voice remains the focal point, while the instruments provide strong support in the background. The IEMs manage to maintain a balance between the vocals and the other elements of the track, creating an immersive and engaging listening experience that highlights the emotional intensity of the song.
FEMALE VOCALS:
Female vocals are clear and vibrant. The treble extension ensures that higher-pitched voices are rendered without harshness. Playing "Head Above Water" by Avril Lavigne through the CVJ Night Elf reveals its prowess with female vocals. Lavigne's voice comes through as powerful and energetic, delivering an emotional performance that is forward in the mix. The vocals have a good hint of spark, adding brightness and liveliness without becoming harsh or fatiguing for sensitive listeners. This balance is crucial for capturing the essence of the song, where the vocals need to stand out but also blend seamlessly with the accompanying instruments. The Night Elf manages to present the female vocals with clarity and detail, allowing listeners to appreciate the subtle nuances and expressions in Lavigne's performance. The forward placement of the vocals ensures that they remain the highlight of the track, providing an engaging and immersive experience. Overall, the CVJ Night Elf handles female vocals with finesse, making it an excellent choice for tracks that feature powerful and expressive singing.
INSTRUMENT SEPARATION:
The instrument separation on the CVJ Night Elf is commendable, especially considering its price point. Each instrument is distinct and can be easily identified within the mix. This quality enhances the overall soundstage and provides a more immersive listening experience. When listening to "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple, the distinct parts of the song are clearly identifiable. The iconic guitar riff by Ritchie Blackmore, the bass lines by Roger Glover, Ian Paice’s drums, and Jon Lord’s keyboard all have their own space in the mix. The guitar riff is crisp and clear, the bass has a nice groove that stands out, and the drums have a punchy presence. The keyboards, which add a rich texture to the song, are easily distinguishable in the background. While the Night Elf is not overly analytical, it does a great job of keeping each instrument separate and distinct.
TREBLE:
The treble is crisp and airy. It adds a sparkle to the music, enhancing the detail and clarity. The treble extension is impressive, allowing for a bright yet non-fatiguing listening experience. In "Symphony of Destruction" by Megadeth, the treble’s brightness adds an exciting edge to the song, enhancing the energy and aggression of the track. The cymbals have a nice shimmer, and the guitar solos pierce through the mix with precision. Despite the bright treble, the Night Elf manages to keep it under control, preventing any harshness that could lead to listener fatigue. This makes the IEMs enjoyable for a wide range of music lovers, from metalheads to fans of more treble-focused genres. Overall, the treble on the Night Elf is well executed, providing an engaging and pleasant high-frequency response.
SOUDSTAGE:
The soundstage is average but sufficient for an engaging experience. While it may not be the widest, it provides a sense of space and depth, making the music feel more three-dimensional. In "Sad but True" by Metallica, the soundstage creates a sense of closeness with the music while maintaining a reasonable amount of space between the instruments. The guitars, drums, and vocals all have their own defined space, making the listening experience immersive and engaging. While the soundstage is not the widest, it provides a good balance of intimacy and separation. The Night Elf manages to avoid a congested feel by ensuring that each instrument has a bit of breathing room. This makes the overall presentation feel cohesive without becoming overwhelming. For its price, the Night Elf offers a very decent soundstage, giving listeners an engaging and enjoyable experience that suits a variety of music styles.
POWERING IT UP:
Night Elf is a triple-DD configuration IEM and not very ‘easy to drive’ type of thing. You can drive it with your smartphone, no problem, but you will miss the core of a juicy medium-rare steak! Power it up, even with an entry-level DAC dongle, and you will start to hear the real ‘sound’ of the IEM. If you have the opportunity to pour more juice on that, it will shine more and give you the ultimate experience of a tri-driver set!
CABLE & TIP ROLLING:
In my testing, I mostly use the stock cable, as it feels quite perfect for this IEM. The NiceHCK MixPP (a fantastic OCC coper cable on a budget) also does a great job here as it has 4.4mm balanced terminal. But when it comes to ear tips, the stock ones are really so basic (no hard feelings; it’s normal at this price point) and uncomfortable for long listening sessions. I experimented with various ear tips, like Spinfit W1, Omni, CP145, 100+, Divinus Velvet, Tangzu Tan Sanchi, Dunu S&S and Candy. Among all of this, Dunu Candy is the clear winner for its fantastic sound reproduction and comfort.
WHO SHOULD GET IT?
● Those looking for an affordable yet high-quality IEM
● Listeners who enjoy a dynamic and engaging sound signature
● Users who appreciate good build quality and comfort
● Anyone seeking a versatile IEM for various music genres
● Listeners who loves Metal like hell
MAYBE LOOK ELSEWHERE IF:
● You prefer a neutral or flat sound signature
● You require a wider soundstage
● You are looking for a more premium accessory package
CONCLUSION:
The CVJ Night Elf is a remarkable IEM that offers exceptional value for its price. Its unique triple dynamic driver configuration delivers a rich, engaging sound that caters to a wide range of music genres. The build quality and design are impressive, providing both durability and comfort. While it may not suit those seeking a neutral sound or an extensive accessory package, the Night Elf excels in delivering a dynamic and enjoyable listening experience. Whether you are an audiophile on a budget or a casual listener looking for an upgrade, the CVJ Night Elf is a worthy contender in the competitive IEM market. Its powerful bass, clear mids, and crisp treble make it a versatile and satisfying choice for music lovers. And the metal storage case is a real BONUS!
I will recommend this to any metal lover who wants a good piece of gear on a budget and has two things: at least a decent DAC dongle and Dunu Candy ear tips (they are really cheap). This ain’t your end game, but with 50 USD (IEM+DAC+Tips), it can be your everyday companion, metal heads!
