Sound Review by Kzw

Disclaimer: Shozy has graciously provided us with this sample unit in exchange for an honest review. The views discussed below are a reflection of Project A3's thoughts surrounding the product. The sample has been run-in for at least 50 hours prior to reviewing in order to achieve an accurate representation of the product. 

Introduction:

Shozy, in the eyes of many an audiophile, is a Chinese company with a pedigree, known for its budget-tier releases, ranging from the cult classic, “Zero” to their recent collaborative project with AAW (Advanced Acoustic Werkes), the exorbitantly priced “Pola39”. Based on their past product launches, Shozy has the credentials to back their claims up.

In the recent months, Shozy has been toying around with a multiplicity of concept IEMs’ that have yet to make their debut in the portable-audio marketplace (be sure to follow Project A3 for the latest “Shozy related” reviews).

Today, we’ll be reviewing the Form 1.4; the titular successor to their budget phenome which shares its namesake, the Form 1.1. With an addition of 3 additional balanced armatures to its current array of 1 balanced armature and 1 beryllium-coated dynamic driver in the Form 1.1. The difference in price, however, isn’t a monumental leap; it’s only $100 USD more, at $199 USD. Based on what’s under the hood, its massive driver-array alone is enough to sell itself as a value proposition.

However, sound is king; and the Form’s 1.4 specifications means nothing in the grand of scheme of things, if it isn’t tuned right.

Will the Form 1.4 improve upon its little sibling, the Form 1.1? Or will it tarnish Shozy’s pristine ledger of successful releases? Available at Linsoul Audio.

Specifications:

Gear Used & Tracklist:

Onkyo DP-X1 | Sony NW-A105 | Aune X1S | Periodic Audio Nickel (Ni) |

Unboxing:

The Form 1.4 comes in a tiny cardboard box, one which appears to lack the capacity to hold most of its contents. To my surprise, the hard case takes up the entirety of the box. The case itself could easily hold two pairs of earphones without breaking a sweat. Inside the case, we have a few pairs of silicon ear tips in your standard sizes, ranging from S to L. stored inside a zip-lock bag.

Considering the stiff competition faced by the Form 1.4, a more enticing package that values quantity AND quality in its accessories offering would’ve been greatly appreciated by yours truly. But I will commend Shozy for including an oversized case; one that allows me to stow my Shanling M0 away, alongside the Form 1.4. 

Scalability:

The Form 1.4 is easily driven out of all the sources that I currently have on hand, carrying its strikingly “dark” signature. Balanced armatures are known for being high efficiency, low mechanical loads. In this case, there are no exceptions to that hard and fast rule.

On my Sony Walkman NW-A105, I left the volume at a moderate level of 50/100 steps to reach a listening volume that I’m comfortable with.

Like other earphones I have reviewed prior to the Form 1.4, the Aune X1S DAC/Amp effortlessly drives the Form 1.4. with the potentiometer placed a minute away from the 6 O’clock neutral position.

Any audible changes across sources were barely noticed or imperceptible.

Overall, the Form 1.4 doesn’t scale much, if not at all. But it is an efficient earphone that doesn’t require much power for it to truly sing. 

Fit:

The Form 1.4’s form factor follows the ubiquitous universal mold that has been accepted as an industry standard. The shells feature an exotic, stabilized wooden faceplate, juxtaposed by contrasting swirls of tan and burgundy. It looks extraordinary. Its nice to see manufacturers kicking their standards up a notch, even for products in the sub-$200 range. The shells are lacquered and finished with finesse; the seam between the faceplate and shell is nowhere to be found, as I trace my finger alongside it.

The contours of the shell sit well in my ear with zero discomfort. The length of the earphone’s spout sits snugly in my ear with a pair of medium-sized silicon ear-tips. There are no sharp protrusions or rough edges on the shells themselves.

The Form 1.4 features a standard 2-pin IEM termination, allowing for seamless cable-rolling.

The included cloth-braided cables are supple and easily malleable, preventing unwanted kinks or bends from forming. However, the sheathing is prone to microphonics, especially when you’re walking outside, where the friction generated from the cable rubbing against your clothes can prove to be an unnecessary distraction.

The metal-end cap at the back of the shell, which is the vent, to my surprise, doesn’t pick up on much ambient noise from its surroundings. Wind noise wasn’t too much of my problem on the daily commute.

So far, the Form 1.4 ticks all the right boxes.

Reference Tracks / Remarks :

Tyler the Creator- Earfquake

The Shoes- Time to Dance

The bass displays great control and restraint, but it errs on the side of “safe”. It lacks excitement and dynamism, which one expects from a beryllium driver. However, it falls in line with the over-arching, analog-esque sound signature that Shozy was gunning for here. 

Reference Tracks / Remarks :

The Raconteurs- Help me, Stranger

Rich, thick and succulent; these are the adjectives I would use to surmise the mids. But the conservative signature has resulted in a upper-mid section that lacks energy or enthusiasm; it can oftentimes results in vocals sounding distant and further back in the mix.

Reference Tracks / Remarks :

Iamamiwhoami- Chasing Kites

As mentioned earlier, the transition from the upper-mids to the highs is a smooth one; an overly smooth one. If you enjoy a sound signature that virulently detests the notion of “sibilance”, the Form 1.4 still carries ample detail in the higher registers. However, this is a textbook example of playing it too safe. It simply needs to be more daring. What gives the Form 1.4 its character at the same time, is what hampers its ability to truly shine. 

Reference Tracks / Remarks :

Santa Esmeralda- Please don’t let me be misunderstood

Despite my criticisms here, do take it with a grain of salt; this is a $150 USD earphone, not a flagship product.

Reference Tracks / Remarks :

Santa Esmeralda- Please don’t let me be misunderstood

The Form 1.4 proves to be a formidable earphone, managing to untangle the reference track, which is a cavernous wall of noise coming from all directions. It put up a good fight, but eventually, the entirety of the mix is just too much for it to handle.

Reference Tracks / Remarks :

Natalia Lafourcade- Soledad Y El Mar

Sons of Kemet- Play Mass, Your Queen is Harriet Tubman

By nature of the Form 1.4’s cloyingly sweet mid-range, restrained songs with an even harmonic emphasis, such as “Soledad Y El Mar” is further complemented by the Form 1.4’s signature, recreating a “cabin-like”, intimate experience.

However, jazz-instrumentals or songs with a screechy, instrumentals that favor odd-harmonics sound both cold and distant; it simply lacks clarity.

Conclusion

The Shozy Form 1.4 makes me reminisce of an analog age that favored the noise and surface crackle of a needle tracking the grooves of a vinyl record. Yes, it isn’t the most detailed earphone in the market. But that is what makes it is so endearing. In fact, I found myself investing more listening time into the Form 1.4 simply because of its aversion to abrasiveness. In the meantime, Shozy has many upcoming products in the pipeline (*hint hint*).  

Be sure to follow Project A3 on Facebook for more reviews*.

*All ratings are accurate as of date of publication. Changes in price, newer models may affect Project A3's views on the performance and value of the reviewed product.