NF Audio NA2 Plus Review
NF Audio NA2+ is a single DD pair of in-ear monitors featuring a newly developed dual-cavity Dynamic Driver with CNC-machined aerospace-grade aluminum ear shells. The “NA” series from NF Audio is tuned for musical pleasure with a musical tonality and timbre providing a melodious signature for its users.
NF Audio NA2+ features a newly developed MC2L-10M dual-cavity dynamic driver unit, providing a highly responsive and musical sound signature with natural timbre and tonality. Unlike the popular high-rigidity diaphragms on the market, MC2L-1OM uses a lightweight, medium-rigidity, high-molecular composite diaphragm that starts from the sound. With carefully designed textures, you can get lower distortion and better music performance.
The MC2L-1OM unit uses a dual magnetic circuit design. Two high-performance rare earth neodymium iron boron magnets provide a magnetic flux of more than 1 Tesla, which in turn provides greater driving force, higher sensitivity, and more good dynamic and transient performance.
Based on NF Audio’s many years of experience in custom earphone manufacturing, the NA2+ is built with a human ear model, which has both an elegant aesthetic appearance and outstanding acoustic performance, making it more comfortable to wear. At the same time, the panel draws on the design language of guitar picks. The orange LOGO belonging to the NF Audio music series gives NA2+ a different flavor.
Ear shells for NA2+ are made using a high-precision CNC-machining process with aeronautical-grade aluminum alloy material. They have a beautiful matte black finish for ultimate looks and an ergonomic design allowing for a comfy fit for long listening sessions. There is also a small orange dot near the side for the Music Exclusive Series of NF Audio.
The NF Audio NA2+ comes standard with Litz structure 5N oxygen-free copper silver-plated cable, with up to 280 cores, lower impedance, lower skin effect, and proximity effect. It has standard 0.78mm 2-pin connectors and a 3.5mm termination plug.
There are still many professional devices using 6.35mm earphone jacks and NF Audio has specially developed a high-quality 6.35mm-3.5mm adapter for this purpose. The surface is anodized with aluminum and the contact parts are gold-plated. The feel, insertion, and removal performance of the adapter is outstanding.
Unboxing
Features & Specs
- Newly developed NF Audio MC2L-10M Dynamic driver units.
- High-precision 5-axis CNC machined ear cavities.
- Aeronautical-grade Aluminum alloy cavity material.
- Natural Timbre, Tonality, Stage Monitoring Sound profile.
- Ergonomic Design for a comfy fit.
- Impedance: 32 ohms.
- Sensitivity: 107dB/mW.
- Frequency response: 9Hz-40kHz
- Max SPL: 125dB
- Sound insulation: 25dB
- Distortion: <1%.
- Connector Type: 0.78mm 2-pin.
- 3.5mm Termination plug.
- Price: $169
I would like to thank NF Audio for providing me with the review sample of the NA2+ IEM.
Sound
The NA2+ is an interesting IEM with a special dynamic driver inside. From the very first listen, you notice that it has a unique and impressively airy presentation. It has a wide and deep soundstage and it offers a precise sense of instrument layout.
Lows
Although the majority of the bass frequencies are geared towards a well-balanced sound profile, the NA2+ still manages to deliver impactful details. At first glance, the amplification of these frequencies may seem modest, but specific tracks can demonstrate the dynamic nature of these low tones.
This earphone is by no means a bass head’s delight, rather, it offers a bass that feels precise, accurate, and organic. On another note, to my ears, the sub-bass range feels slightly fuller than the mid-bass range. The sub-bass is perfectly present with good rumble whereas the mid-bass seldom feels light.
The mid-bass regions may exhibit notable texture, characterized by a unique thump that sounds organic. This maintains a neutral timbre without overshadowing the frequency response in the overall mix. Each element has ample space to deliver rich bass tones and a balanced scale.
Mids
The midrange is where much of the essence of this sound signature lies. It offers abundant clarity without sounding overly cold or clinical. The notes resonate expressively throughout the frequency response, adding a nice touch of color. Every song showcases a high level of musicality thanks to the NA2+, providing a clear and spacious presentation of the mid-range, allowing the instruments to fully shine.
The vocals have a distinct quality that highlights the transparency of the midrange. They are exceptionally dynamic, enhanced by a significant boost in the mid-treble. This also makes background harmonies more prominent in the forefront of the mix, resulting in a greater emotional impact.
Highs
The NA2+ is notable for its prominent high-frequency range. Despite its strong presence, these frequencies are not harsh, lacking the sharpness that can tire some listeners. Instead, the brightness adds a colorful sheen of resonance to the frequencies. Furthermore, the treble carries good detail with great definition and this contributes to the perception of clarity.
All elements are sharp and vibrant, yet the frequencies are managed effectively to ensure a seamless transition in tone. The trebles are vibrant and possess a remarkable presence in the overall sound, giving each instrument a distinct character.
Technicalities
The NA2+ impressively enhances the soundstage, especially considering its price. There are no constricted or confined elements in its spatial representation. Both the left and right channels are well-balanced, resulting in a distinct width that sets a high standard for IEMs within this price category.
The sound elements are arranged linearly, yet the separation and layering are precise, creating a sense of spatial depth. This is evident in the gaps between instruments, which strategically place sounds in front of and behind each other, accurately depicting their positioning.
The soundstage’s presentation shifts away from a fully immersive experience, yet it offers more depth than a simple two-dimensional audio field.
Sum-Up
The NA2+ offers a cost-effective, solid choice. Unlike the Professional NM series, the NA series is designed with a musical approach aimed at everyday consumers, and the NA2+ has been specifically tuned to deliver a musical and melodious sound signature. This pair of IEMs enhances various music genres with its lovely tonality, impressive timbre, and high-resolution clarity.