Next up from Meze Audio are the Rai Penta. I’ve been looking forward to this review. Let’s see what I make of them…

Disclaimer:
I have not been paid by Meze Audio for this review.
The views in this publication are unbiased and my own.
Alexandra and Meze Audio kindly sent this IEM my way to review.
The Rai Penta IEM retails at €1,099 at the time of this review.

You can pick a pair up here:
https://mezeaudio.eu/collections/all/products/rai-penta

Review equipment:
Astell & Kern AK70.
iBasso DX80.
iPhone XS Max.
Samsung Galaxy Note 10+.
FiiO i1 Dongle-DAC.
Audioquest Dragonfly Black.

Music:
Qobuz Studio Premier.
Apple Music.
Various FLAC & other High Res files.

What’s in the box:
• MMCX braided cables made of silver plated copper
custom wires ending in high quality 3.5mm
• Hard Case: protective EVA case with Meze Audio metal logo
• 4 pairs of soft silicone eartips XS, S, M, L
• 1 double flanged eartips
• 2 deep insertion double flanged eartips
• 1 pair of comply foam eartips
• 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter
• airplane 2 pin adapter
• cleaning tool

Spec:
Driver: PENTA-HYBRID DRIVER
(4 x Customized Balanced Armature and 1 x Dynamic
Driver working harmoniously together)
Frequency Range: 4Hz – 45kHz
Impedance: 20Ω
Sensitivity: 100dB SPL/1mW Sensitivity
Max Input Power: 30mW
Distortion: <1%
Stock cables: MMCX connector ending in 3.5mm, Rhodium plated
Upgrade cables: MMCX connector ending in
2.5mm TRRS balanced and 4.4mm balanced as extra accessories
Warranty period: 2 years

Build and finish:
These are the final pair of Meze Audio IEM’s I’ll review for now. That is until they bring out another model.
I remember in my earlier reviews I commented on how much I appreciated Meze’s approach to design, build quality, sound and presentation.
The Rai Penta are the epitomy of IEM design, both in aesthetics and superior sound quality.
I already have the Rai Solo and they are in my top 5 IEM’s. The Penta are another step up the ladder in excellence.
I could wax lyrical here, line after line. But I won’t.
The Meze Audio Rai Penta look, feel, are, exquisite. That’s it.

Comfort:
With the plethora of included tips and the clever design of the Rai Penta, they’re one of the comfiest IEM’s I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing.
I can wear these for hour after hour of listening enjoyment without breaking a sweat. Zero discomfort.
Zero fatigue.

Sound:
At this price point you expect something quite special in this catagory, and these IEM’s do not dissappoint.
A wide spacious soundstage with lots of depth and headroom.
Seperation is very, very good.
Mid bass and lower frequencies are a pleasure to listen to, the Penta’s dig deep and punch hard.
Mids are crisp and organic, giving vocals and acoustics a beautifully natural vibe.
Highs are sharp and precise with just the right helping of sparkle, providing enough clarity and pace to put a smile on my face regardless of genre or how long I’ve been listening.

Final thoughts:
€1,099 is a high price point compared to most IEM’s I’ve reviewed.
After several months listening to them, using various sources, DAC’s and amps, and listening to every which genre I could throw at them, and not forgetting the sheer luxury in the craftsmanship and finish, I can say that if you have the budget and are looking for something that extra bit special, then look no further.

Thanks:
Thanks as always to my readers, sponsors and contributors. You all rock!

First review of the new year and this time we look at the Soundcore Life P3…

Disclaimer:
Soundcore have not paid or sponsored me for this review.
This is an unbiased review and the views and opinions in this publication are my own.
I’d like to thank Lorna & Soundcore for kindly sending these True Wireless IEM’s out to The Audiophile Cafe for review.

They currently retail at £69.99 and you can find them by following this link:
https://uk.soundcore.com/products/A3939021

Review equipment and software:
Samsung Galaxy Note 10+.
Qobuz Studio Premier.
Apple Music for Android.

Music:
Various albums on Apple Music and Qobuz Studio Premier.

What’s in the box:
Life P3 true wireless earbuds.
Charging case.
XS/S/M/L/XL eartips.
USB-C cable.
Documentation.

Spec:
Input 5V ⎓ 0.35A
Battery capacity 63 mAh x 2 (earbuds);
800 mAh (charging case)
Charging time 3 hours
Playtime (varies by volume level and
content)
Up to 7 hours (Total 35 hours with the
charging case)
Playtime (with ANC mode turned on) Up to 6 hours (Total 30 hours with the
charging case)
Driver size 11 mm x 2
Frequency response 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Impedance 16 Ω
Waterproof level IPX5
Bluetooth version V 5.0
Bluetooth range 15 m / 49 ft

Battery life:
Accurate to Soundcore’s claims.

Build and finish:
As I have come to expect from Soundcore, these are very well made.
The case has strong magnets inside so don’t worry about accidental IEM dropping out moments.
And wireless charging is included this time.
These came in “Oat white” and I adore the colour and texture.

Setup, app and use:
The Life P3 paired with my phone in moments and the connection there after is stable with no drop outs.
This time we are able to use the Soundcore app.
I have previous experience with the app and have writtten about it in previous reviews, so I won’t go into great length here.
Suffice to say however, the app is user friendly and is a fantastic tool with which you can tweak your IEM’s to your hearts content.

Comfort:
Soundcore have yet again created an extremely comfortable in-ear which I wore for hours of listening time with no discomfort or fatigue.
The included silicone ear tips are smooth and feel like silk in my ears!

Sound:
The team at Soundcore have knocked it out of the ball park yet again and create a great sounding true wireless IEM that certainly punches well above its weight.
A wide, spacious soundstage and brilliant separation.
Controlled, low sweeping bass with tight accurate mid bass.
Mids are organic and airy and the highs finish everything off with a crisp, sharp top end that offers impressive clarity and detail.

Final thoughts:
For £69.99 you’re getting a true wireless IEM that sounds and looks more like something in the £150 and above range.
It’s a fantastic TWS IEM, stylish, comfortable and a lively perfomance.
You really can’t go wrong at this price point.

Thanks:

Many thanks to all of my readers, sponsors and contributors for the ongoing support.
Please remember to like, follow and share.

Paul.