NF ACOUS NA20 Review

NF ACOUS NA20 Review

IEM
5 min read

NF ACOUS NA20 Review (vs NM20)

The NA20 is part of the NF ACOUS Music Series and is a full upgrade over the previous NM20 model. It’s designed for immersive, silky sound and targets both music lovers and professionals who value comfort and audio fidelity.

NF ACOUS NA20 Review

Key Features

  • Upgraded Structure:
    The NA20 uses an optimized cavity and casing with patented SRA (Selective Reflection Adjustment) technology. This setup, with five air pressure-damping nets and two tuning sponges, reduces reflected sound and balances air pressure for purer audio.

  • MC2L-100M Dynamic Driver:
    Features a new dynamic driver with a beryllium-plated diaphragm, which is lighter and offers better detail and less vibration than traditional materials.

  • Maillard Style Creation:
    Built from high-strength polycarbonate with a frosted finish and CNC-carved aluminum accents, the NA20 balances a premium feel with lightweight comfort.

  • Ergonomic Design:
    The shape is based on years of engineering experience, with a curved nozzle and ergonomic contours for comfort during long listening or mixing sessions.

The NA20 stands out for its upgraded driver tech, ergonomic design, and thoughtful tuning, making it suitable for both casual listening and professional use. The build quality and accessories add to its value, while the sound signature aims for clarity, detail, and comfort over long sessions.

NF ACOUS NA20 Review

Technical Specifications

  • Driver: Dynamic (MC2L-100M)
  • Cable: 0.78mm dual pin 6N OFC
  • Sensitivity: 109 dB/mW
  • Impedance: 32Ω
  • Sound Insulation: 25dB
  • Frequency Response: 9–40,000 Hz
  • Distortion: <1%
  • Max SPL: 125dB
  • Connector: 3.5mm
  • Dimensions: 150 × 132 × 83mm
  • Weight (package): 300g

What’s in the Box

NF ACOUS NA20 Review

  • NA20 earphones (pair)
  • 0.78mm 2-pin 6N cable
  • User guide
  • Storage box
  • 8 ear tips (MS, S, M, L)
  • 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter

Price: $119

Disclaimer: NF ACOUS NA20 was kindly provided by NF ACOUS  for review.

Sound

Before we begin the sound analysis, here is my review of the NM20: https://androidbrick.com/nf-acous-nm20-review/

NF ACOUS NA20 Review

Let’s compare NA20 vs NM20:

NF ACOUS NM20 Review
NF ACOUS NM20

Sound Character Comparison

Sub Bass (20-80Hz) – Depth & Foundation
  • NM20: Starts at ~62dB at 20Hz, gradually rises to ~65dB by 80Hz
  • NA20: Begins higher at ~67dB, maintains elevation through ~66dB at 80Hz
  • Sonic Impact: The NA20 provides significantly more sub-bass foundation throughout this entire range. This translates to deeper rumble, more impactful electronic music reproduction, and a better sense of scale in orchestral works. The NM20’s more restrained approach will sound tighter but less immersive.

NF ACOUS NA20 Review

Mid Bass (80-300Hz) – Punch & Warmth
  • NM20: Peaks around 65dB at 80Hz, then gradually declines to ~60dB by 300Hz
  • NA20: Maintains higher levels starting from 66dB at 80Hz, declining to ~61dB by 300Hz
  • Sonic Impact: The NA20 delivers more punch and body throughout this critical range. Kick drums, bass guitars, and lower piano notes will have more weight and impact. The NM20’s leaner response reduces potential muddiness but sacrifices some musical engagement and warmth.

NF ACOUS NA20 Review

Lower Midrange (300Hz-1kHz) – Vocal Fundamentals
  • NM20: Continues decline from ~60dB to the lowest point around ~57dB at 500Hz, then begins recovery toward 1kHz
  • NA20: Similar pattern but maintains slightly higher levels, bottoming out around ~58dB
  • Sonic Impact: Both exhibit the classic midrange scoop, but the NA20 retains more male vocal fundamentals and instrument body. The NM20’s deeper scoop creates more separation between bass and treble, but at the cost of vocal naturalness and instrument timbre.

NF ACOUS NA20 Review

Upper Midrange (1kHz-4kHz) – Vocal Presence & Clarity
  • NM20: Rises from ~60dB at 1kHz to ~68dB at 4kHz (8dB rise)
  • NA20: More aggressive rise from ~61dB at 1kHz to ~69dB at 4kHz (8dB rise, but starting and ending higher)
  • Sonic Impact: The NA20 will have more forward and present vocals, with female vocals and lead instruments pushed more into focus. This creates better clarity and detail but risks becoming fatiguing or shouty with bright recordings. The NM20 offers better balance but may sound more laid-back.

NF ACOUS NA20 Review

Presence Region (4-6kHz) – Vocal Definition
  • NM20: Peaks at ~68dB around 4kHz, then shows controlled behavior through 6kHz
  • NA20: Similar peak levels around 69dB with more complex response patterns
  • Sonic Impact: Both provide good vocal definition and consonant clarity, but the NA20’s slightly higher energy and more complex response may add some timbral coloration. The NM20’s smoother response should sound more natural and less fatiguing.

NF ACOUS NA20 Review

Mid Treble (6-10kHz) – Detail & Sparkle
  • NM20: Shows a more prominent and sharper peak around 6-7kHz reaching ~72dB
  • NA20: Has a more controlled response around ~71dB with less aggressive peaking
  • Sonic Impact: The NM20 would be more likely to cause listening fatigue with bright recordings due to its sharper and higher treble peak, which could introduce harshness and sibilance. The NA20 has a more controlled and smoother treble response that would be less fatiguing.

NF ACOUS NA20 Review

Air Frequencies (10-20kHz) – Dimensionality
  • NM20: Rolls off from ~60dB at 10kHz to ~45dB at 20kHz
  • NA20: Similar rolloff pattern, ending around ~47dB at 20kHz
  • Sonic Impact: Both show limited air and extension, typical of many IEMs. Neither will provide significant micro-detail or cymbal shimmer. The slight advantage to NA20 is negligible in practical terms.

NF ACOUS NA20 Review

Overall Assessment

NF ACOUS NM20 – “The Precise Performer”
  • Controlled sub-bass with tighter low-end
  • Deeper midrange scoop creating more V-shaped signature
  • Single treble peak providing sparkle but potential harshness
  • Better for analytical listening and detail retrieval
  • It may sound lean or clinical with some genres
  • More technically oriented tuning
  • Risks of listening fatigue with bright recordings
NF ACOUS NA20 – “The Musical Enthusiast”
  • Enhanced bass presence across both sub and mid-bass ranges
  • More filled-out midrange with better vocal fundamentals
  • Forward upper midrange for engaging vocal presentation
  • Better for musical enjoyment and emotional engagement
  • More consumer-friendly tuning

NF ACOUS NA20 Review

Sum-Up

The NM20 suits listeners who want precision, detail and don’t mind a leaner sound for accuracy. The NA20 appeals to those who prioritize musical engagement, bass impact, and fuller vocal presentation, accepting some coloration for enhanced enjoyment.