INTRODUCTION

   Listening to music while using public transportation (or on the go in general), studying, working out or even when trying to fall asleep is something most people i know are into (myself including - excluding the studying part that is) but just like with most products in the market because of the large number of models currently it's just not easy for consumers (audiophile or not) to "choose" the right in-ear monitors (or IEMs for short). Over the years we've tried our best to review some of the most popular models in the market (at least in terms of price/performance) but simply put there's no way for us to keep up (besides it's not like we only get IEMs to review). A few months back we reviewed the bass-rich Beryllium (Be) IEMs by Periodic Audio (a rather new player in the market) and since we were very impressed with their overall audio performance, we decided to check their next model in line, the Titanium (Ti) IEMs.

   Founded in 2016, Periodic Audio is led by the seasoned team of Daniel Wiggins, Mike Kim, Zeke Burgess, and Ben Webster. Collectively, they have more than 140 years of consumer electronics experience in electronic, mechanical, firmware, acoustical, and industrial design for a wide variety of brands, including Apple, Blue Microphones, Event Electronics, Flextronics, Harman International, Mackie, Microsoft, SONOS, and Starke Sound.

   Just like in the case of the Beryllium IEMs (review here) the product name once again points out to material used for the diaphragm of the two drivers, in this case 100% pure Titanium foil (known for its stiffness-to-weight ratio which results to snappy response and clean tones). Thanks to that the two 10mm drivers deliver a frequency response of 16Hz-30kHz with 32Ohm impedance and 96dB sensitivity (117.5dB peak SPL) and can handle a continuous power handling of up to 200mW. Just like with the Beryllium IEMs the Titanium IEMs are housed in bodies made out of polycarbonate polymer complete with rear caps made out of grade 304 stainless steel (18% chromium - 8% nickel) and front grilles made out of grade 316 stainless steel (16% chromium - 10% nickel - 2% molybdenum). A silicone coated 1.5 meter long cable (not detachable) with a gold plated 3.5mm plug on its end completes the product. Last but not least Periodic Audio once again seems to be very confident about the quality of their product so the Titanium IEMs are covered with the same 5-year limited warranty as the Beryllium ones.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

Periodic Audio uses the same box as with the Beryllium IEMs so once again we see their logo and an exposed drawing of the product at the front.

A few words about the product itself and its manufacturing process can be seen at the rear.

The front opens up to reveal two graphs and the features and specifications of the Titanium IEMs.

The bundle is secured in place with by an extension of the box.

Along with the Titanium IEMs the bundle also includes a gold colored aluminum case, gold plated airplane adapter, 3.5mm to 6.3mm gold plated adapter and 9 pairs of earbuds (six silicone and three memory foam ones) in S/M/L sizes.

THE TI (TITANIUM)

Once again Periodic Audio is among a handful of manufacturers that actually pack this many earbuds (dual and single flange medical grade silicone earbuds and foam earbuds all in small, medium and large - the single flange medium sized ones are mounted on the Titanium from the factory).

Just like with the Beryllium Periodic Audio has used 1.5 meter long silicone coated 4-core cables with butyl rubber strain reliefs (although tangle-proof these are unfortunately non-detachable ones).

To date all of the IEMs produced by Periodic Audio feature the same bullet design (may not look pretty and fit may depend a lot on the tips used but these are actually very efficient in terms of acoustics).

They also use the same polycarbonate polymer bodies (for high strength/durability and zero resonance) that have the company logo on grade 304 stainless steel caps located at the rear (these differs in color according to the model).

As with the Beryllium the Titanium IEMs have no left and right markings, instead the grade 316 stainless steel grilles of the nozzles (6mm in diameter) are painted differently (for example red for right).

At the top of the housing we find a small air vent (the surrounding material also appears to be stainless steel).

At the end of the 1.5 meter long silicone cable we find a 3.5mm gold plated jack.

For the majority of this review we used the FiiO M11 Music Player (best one we have right now in the lab).

CONCLUSION

   As mentioned in the previous page for this review we used primarily the M11 Music Player by FiiO to test the Titanium IEMs but that wasn't all since we also used the EVGA NU Audio Sound Card while at the lab (the M11 was used outside as well). Now although the Beryllium model offers overwhelming bass levels the Titanium model is actually far more balanced so bass doesn't mask other frequencies (or at least not nearly as much) even at very high volume levels. You are of course still getting extremely crisp and accurate mids and highs (very near to what the Beryllium delivers) but even though Periodic Audio calls the Titanium IEMs "slightly aggressive, with enhanced bass and treble response" we were all pleased to see that bass wasn't their focus this time over (that being said it all comes down to what kind/type of music you prefer, personally I’m not into extreme bass levels). As for build quality once again no complaints here either but just like we pointed out in our review of the Beryllium IEMs it would be nice if Periodic Audio added detachable braided/sleeved cables and angled 3.5mm jacks with their next models.

   At the time of this review Periodic Audio also happens to have a rather generous Labor Day Sale (40% off new items) so you can grab the Titanium IEMs for just USD119.40 (PeriodicAudio.com) a price which very enticing for what you’ll be getting in return. Long story short you really can’t go wrong with the Titanium IEMs by Periodic Audio especially right now and as for us since we really enjoyed using them these past 2 weeks we feel they are more than just worthy of our Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality (Polycarbonate / Stainless Steel Enclosures)
- Audio Reproduction (Crisp & Detailed Mids / Highs – Balanced Bass)
- 100% Pure Titanium Foil Diaphragms
- Aluminum Carrying / Storage Case
- 9 Sets of Ear Tips (Silicone and Memory Foam Ones)
- 5 Year Limited Warranty
- Special Price Tag (Labor Day Sale)

CONS

- Normal Price (For Some)