RHA T10 & T10i In Ear Monitor Headphones Review

Reid Heath Acoustics, better known as RHA, have impressed many with their fantastic product line-up. From their well-built MA600 to the more established MA750 (i), they have captured early audiophile interest through attention to detail and exceptional build quality.

Following on from this theme, RHA have gone on to launch the well-anticipated T10/T10i model featuring a completely new single dynamic driver. The driver is said to produce high levels of accuracy and detail across all genres of music while still retaining great levels of noise isolation and a customizable sound signature. This comes in the form of three small interchangeable filters which alter the sound tuning of the T10s to suit the user’s tastes.

In terms of the manufacturing process, RHA have opted for metal injection molding which is a process where fine powder is mixed with resin and binder material before being heated to very high temperatures. This is a clever processing tool which has also been used in other IEMs such as the Final Audio Heaven VIII to enable better levels of precision and optimal durability in the construction of housing material for the sound components of the IEM. Like the Heaven VIIIs, the T10s boast the use of stainless steel for robustness that consumers cannot fault. Lewis Heath, product director at RHA, says that this has only been possible with RHA’s pioneering technologies and large investment in R&D which has progressed the company to a completely new playing field. 

Though the T10 has a lot going for it with regards to the wealth of features seamlessly built in, RHA have kept the price at $189.95 which I feel is fair and great value considering the manufacturing process, build and levels of customizability. The T10i counterpart, however, can be bought for an extra $10 which includes a microphone and an in-line 3 button remote. 

The Filter System

One of the major selling points of the RHA T10/T10i are the new filters which enable the user to customize sound to their own preferences. Now this concept is not exactly new and has been done before with a few high-end IEMs such as the AKG K3003s, Shure SE846s, Earsonics Velvets and now RHA who have implemented the system incredibly well on top of the T10s’ already strong skill sets. Luckily for RHA, they have made this part of the user experience very intuitive and screwing the filters onto the earphone nozzle only takes a matter of seconds which is handy for quick A/B comparisons. As per standard, the filters offer a bass, reference and treble sound tuning which allows users to adjust the IEMs to their own requirements. Through implementation, there is a considerable change in sound character which is a step in the positive direction for an IEM hoping to deliver versatility.

What You Get: the box & accessories

I feel like RHA have taken cues from Apple with their packaging which isn’t all too surprising seeing as RHA products sell in Apple stores. Their box includes interchangeable filters with one pair fitted into the earphones by default. Accessories include 6 pairs of dual density ear tips (in small, medium and large), 2 pairs of double flange tips (in small and medium) and 2 pairs of memory foam tips. I have never seen a more elegantly designed eartips holder with RHA storing all accessories in a sleek brushed stainless steel plate. Even the filters are rested on a stainless steel plate which enhances the overall packaging and high quality that RHA are known for.\

Build Quality & Fit

As mentioned before, RHA have invested a lot of resources to make a well built and durable piece which has undoubtedly won over the masses. They are so confident in their own build, in fact, that RHA have issued a 3 year warranty for any consumer in the unlikely position of developing a fault within the T10/T10i units. The earphones themselves come in a stainless steel finish with a metal cord forming the moldable ear-hook. Coming off each hook is a thick rubbery cord which meets at a sturdy metal cylindrical Y-split. Oddly now, RHA have opted for a straight jack which in concept is not as durable as an L-shaped jack or even an angled jack but RHA being RHA have thought of a way of overcoming this; they have implemented a spring to prevent torsional strain and further increase durability.

With regards to fit, the earphones do feel a bit weighty in the ear which is obviously to be expected from a metal design. However, they provide comfort and can be listened to for prolonged periods of time which is all that is necessary for a decently fitted IEM. An area of improvement, though, could be the ear-hooks which should be more malleable to prevent the cable from becoming too loose after exiting the back of the ear. Overall, RHA have provided a solid listening experience which by no means detracts from the music they provide.

Sound impressions (w/ reference filters)

Lows

Even with the reference filters, the T10s are quite a bass-oriented earphone and present with a prominent mid-bass hump that have a tendency to bleed into the lower midrange frequencies. Though this may seem unfavorable to some, the bass ultimately has good quality and tone to them and their roundedness prevent them from ever sounding anemic. Particularly noticeable is the decay speed which is not the fastest I’ve heard and is relatively drawn out compared to faster sets such as the Rockit Sounds R50 and Vsonic VC1000. A trait which the bass has consistently going for it, though, is sheer impact that is punchy and engaging. Pairing is a crucial factor in extracting more rumble and power to the already strong bass and bringing the lower frequencies even more to life.

Mids

The midrange frequency of the T10s present with a warm and liquid sonic experience which are slightly forward in the overall presentation. In bass-heavy tracks, midrange often takes a backseat due to the prominent levels of bass which can detract from the overall listening experience. Without such dominant bass however, mids are enjoyable and clear and work especially well for modern fast-paced music such as dance and techno. Clarity levels are above average but certainly not the best in its price range with sets such as the Rockit Sounds R50 far surpassing the T10s in micro-detailing and retrieval.

Highs

Akin to the mids, highs are recessed as a result of the prominence of the bass. Cymbal crashes and high hats lack sparkle and decay which would make tracks seem even more engaging. This is evident from the frequency response chart which shows a significant dip following 6k frequencies. While treble is not a strong suit of the RHA T10, there is never any splashy notes nor brittle highs owing to the upper frequency recession. Therefore, this type of signature would be suited to those that are more sensitive to high frequencies and to those that prefer a smoother sounding high-end. 

Bass & Treble Filters

With the bass filter, there is initially not many differences to be discerned but it soon becomes noticeable that bass is even more well-rounded and substantial in the overall mix. Impact is stronger and there is just more prolonged decay compared to the reference filters. With the treble filter, there is slightly more treble extension and bass becomes less prominent which is the preferred choice of mine taking into account the mid-bass hump present in the other available filters.

Soundstage & Imaging

Instrument separation is above average and there is a good amount of air between different instruments leading to a perceived openness to tracks. Soundstage is average and is certainly not the widest I have heard from the T10’s price range. Again, though, people may prefer the intimacy of vocals in a smaller soundstage compared to the more distant and diffuse vocals that are projected from sets such as the Fidue A83 and DUNU DN2000.

Conclusion

Overall, the build quality of the T10s is the best I’ve ever seen from an IEM of its price and even competes with the very top of the line IEMs. What RHA have done in this field is very commendable and sets the standard very high which is excellent as IEMs in general are not necessarily known for their build quality. With that said, the tuning of the RHA T10s could be worked on to deliver a sound that matches their build quality. While mids are certainly enjoyable and there is powerful bass, RHA have not really created a “reference filter” where the frequencies are in proportion to one another. Instead, the tuning is more geared towards the bass-oriented mass-market which leaves some to be desired for the audiophile industry. Nevertheless, with the T20 IEMs fast approaching, could RHA be next in line to create an instant classic? Stay tuned to find out.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.