Panther Audio DAWN In-Ear Headphones

• Exceptional Vocal Performance
• Full-Range Balanced Armature Driver
• CM (0.78mm) Detachable Cable
• 1.2m Litz Single Crystal Copper Silver-Plated Cable
• Low Impedance, Easily Driven by Smartphones

Product Introduction

The Panther team aimed to create a pair of "surprisingly good" earphones with the DAWN. The DAWN uses only a single full-range balanced armature driver. Despite its simplicity, it achieves high fidelity without needing a multi-stage crossover circuit. This earphone has been in development since the brand started, undergoing multiple revisions of the internal driver model and positioning before finalizing the design.

The main difference from similar products is that DAWN has tried various approaches with the sound tube, including different diameters, materials, densities, and installation methods. These adjustments, combined with acoustic damping, ensure a smoother sound transition. Additionally, Panther Audio has made the DAWN easy to drive with a 16-ohm impedance and 116dB sensitivity. During testing, it worked well with devices ranging from smartphones to powerful M17s without being overdriven, making it user-friendly. This reflects Panther Audio's commitment to quality.

The DAWN has a spacious internal structure, with the sound tube design featuring a thick layer of gel around the driver and tube to absorb excess resonance, ensuring comprehensive tuning without blocking high-frequency output.

The fit is very comfortable due to the mature design of the shell, which conforms to the ear cavity. Being lightweight with a single driver, it exerts minimal pressure on the ears. Different brands of ear tips, especially those with varying tube lengths, slightly alter the sound. Closer-fitting ear tips enhance mid-high frequencies and widen the soundstage. Therefore, experimenting with different ear tips is recommended. I personally settled on the tips provided with the earphones.

Listening Experience

Single balanced armature drivers are usually known for softer, less extended bass. However, DAWN surprises with realistic bass, minimal metallic sound, and noticeable low-frequency extension. This makes DAWN more enjoyable and rich. I tested it with Prince's "Purple Rain," which has complex segments and requires accurate guitar tone reproduction. DAWN handled it well, with focused vocals and excellent sound imaging.

DAWN's balanced sound profile excels in genres like Pop, where energy concentrates in the mid-high frequencies. The soundstage and spatial effects are adequate, providing a sense of openness, similar to listening to a live band in a bar.

Overall, DAWN offers clear, detailed reproduction with a neutral tuning that avoids excessive coloration. It's worth trying for beginners due to its high-quality sound.

For Panther Audio, DAWN represents good value. Despite being a single balanced armature earphone, it performs well even with a smartphone. It avoids flashy features but delivers very balanced sound quality. Its commendable bass performance makes it a well-rounded and enjoyable earphone.

As an entry-level product, DAWN showcases Panther Audio's tuning capabilities. Considering their other models, it's clear Panther Audio prioritizes ease of driving with smartphones. Therefore, DAWN is a good option for those looking to enter the Head-Fi realm using their smartphones.

Specifications:

• Driver: Full-Range Balanced Armature
• Crossover: Single-Way Crossover Design
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 22 kHz
• Sensitivity: 116dB SPL @ 1mW
• Impedance: 16Ω @ 1kHz
• Cable: Approx. 1.2m Litz Single Crystal Copper Silver-Plated (Detachable)
• Plug: 3.5mm Gold-Plated Straight Plug