Punch Audio MARTILO Review – Spiderman’s IEM
Punch Audio is a new brand, and their first model is the Martilo.
The new Martilo, with its unique combination of dual dynamic drivers, dual Knowles BA, and a planar tweeter, stands out in the market. It delivers fast transients and clear treble, adding air and detail. The natural midrange preserves vocals and instruments with lifelike realism. This product is designed for bass lovers who still crave clarity, offering a bold and immersive sound in a durable, detachable design.
The Martilo delivers a massive 14 ±1 dB sub-bass boost for profound, punchy impact, while maintaining control with a 200Hz bass crossover. The low-end hits hard without muddying the sound, giving bass guitar notes and low mids a rich, full presence.
With dual Knowles RDE balanced armature drivers, the Martilo ensures a natural, accurate midrange. Vocals and instruments sound lifelike and clear, with studio-monitor precision and minimal distortion for a true-to-life listening experience.
Equipped with custom planar magnetic drivers, the Martilo brings fast transients and enhanced detail to the upper frequencies. The treble is smooth yet extended, adding air, space, and resolution without harshness, creating an engaging and lively sound.
Hand-assembled with individually matched drivers, the Martilo pairs craftsmanship with durability. A passive three-way crossover preserves tonal balance across the range, while the detachable 0.78mm 2-pin cable design adds versatility and convenience.
A passive three-way network and independent sound tubes ensure deep bass never obscures the mids or highs. You get a full, warm midrange and a smooth, articulate treble that combine to create a spacious, well-balanced soundstage.
Martilo features 3D-printed glossy black resin shells. The faceplates showcase a cracked red and black design that resembles molten lava. Behind the 0.78mm 2-pin socket, there is a single vent. The aluminium nozzle is of average size and includes a protective metal grille to prevent earwax buildup.
Although the shells are somewhat large, they provide comfort for extended listening sessions. The passive noise isolation is average, yet sufficient for most daily environments.
The Martilo is equipped with a braided cable encased in a glossy black sheath. While it is slightly chunky, it exudes a premium feel and is easy to handle.
All components, including the chin slider, are made of metal. The cable is modular and comes with both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced terminations.
In the Box
- Punch Audio Martilo IEMs
- Cable
- 3.5mm + 4.4mm plug adapter
- Silicone ear tips
- Foam ear tips
- Nozzle filters
- Case
Specifications
- Driver
- (1x) Planar
- (2x) Knowles RDE balanced armature drivers
- (2x) 8mm dynamic drivers
- Sensitivity: 100 dB @ 1 kHz (±1 dB)
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz–22 kHz
- Impedance: 9 Ω @ 1 kHz (±1.5 Ω)
- Cable: 2-Pin 0.78 mm to 3.5 mm
- Cable Length: 1.25 m ± 5 cm
- Punch Audio 1 Year Warranty
- Price: $329
Disclaimer: The Punch Audio MARTILO was kindly provided by Linsoul for review.
Sound
I used the following devices for testing: FiiO M21 DAP, ddHiFi’s new TC44Grip, and HiBy R3PRO II. The Martilo is easy to drive, but it scales well with power.
The Martilo is marketed as a ‘basshead IEM’, but it is much more versatile than that. It enhances the sub-bass frequencies, introducing depth and vibrancy without compromising the quality of the midrange or treble. It resembles an advanced interpretation of the Harman target—maintaining balance, yet infused with a bit more excitement and character. This versatility makes it a compelling choice for a wide range of audio enthusiasts.
Lows
Let’s delve into the core features of the Martilo. It’s marketed as a ‘basshead’ IEM, so one might expect powerful, bone-shaking lows. And while it does deliver that, it may not be in the manner you wish. In reality, the Martilo primarily enhances the mid- and sub-bass frequencies, while the upper bass (approximately 120–250Hz) remains relatively neutral, aligning closely with the Harman 2019 in-ear target. This balanced sound is a testament to the quality of the Martilo.
Consequently, on specific recordings—particularly older ones—the bass may not strike with full intensity, instead appearing simply balanced. The additional impact is more apparent with contemporary productions. However, this isn’t necessarily a drawback.
The Martilo seems to instinctively adjust to provide just the right level of bass for each track. It can occasionally surprise you with a significant thump and genuine authority, showcasing its dynamic range. However, it generally maintains a well-regulated bass that remains under control. Still, it offers an energetic, rhythmic low end without ever sounding thin or hollow.
Mids
Thanks to the early upper bass roll-off, Martilo’s midrange delivers a clean and predominantly neutral sound, enhanced by deeper undertones in the lower mids that contribute to a natural richness and note weight.
The dual Knowles balanced armature drivers create a spacious midrange characterized by good clarity, rapid transients, and precise tone. Male vocals are richly saturated and commanding, while female vocals are captivating and clear, avoiding any boxy or harsh qualities.
Both vocals and instruments exhibit substantial density and weight, combined with outstanding resolution—this achieves a perfect balance, resulting in a midrange that is both deeply engaging and technically remarkable.
Highs
The treble tuning in this instance is truly captivating. The highs produced by the planar driver are exceptionally smooth, yet they remain crisp, detailed, and well-defined. Martilo’s treble enhances the clarity of the midrange and perfectly balances the elevated bass—entirely devoid of sibilance or brittleness, even with a significant lift in the upper frequencies.
Additionally, there is commendable extension, providing airiness and spaciousness without any harshness. While I wouldn’t describe it as particularly sparkly, it complements the bass and mids beautifully, and the engineers have executed it flawlessly.
Technicalities
The soundstage is remarkable, not because of its size, but because of its authenticity and natural dimensions. It immerses the listener in the music rather than positioning them in front of it. The clarity is exceptional; imagine those large, high-end televisions displayed in stores—the colors are vibrant and bright, exhibiting excellent contrast and saturation without any smearing or bleeding.
Sum-Up
The Punch Audio Martilo is an outstanding IEM, especially considering it’s the debut product from this new brand. It promises to be a basshead earphone, but it also boasts excellent technical performance and a surprisingly mature sound signature.
I don’t like the term basshead; I always find it weird and non-musical. The Punch Audio MARTILO might be the first IEM in that regard that makes sense to my ears because it sounds impressive. Basshead or not, this is how it’s meant to be made. Great job, Punch Audio.
Oh, doesn’t it look like Spiderman’s IEM?
