Tipsy M1 is a single driver dynamic IEM (in-ear monitor) costing around 99 USD.
The dynamic driver is a 10mm dual-chamber design with a bamboo fiber diaphragm, which is rather exotic and possibly a world first.
The shells are made from resin but are very light, at less than 4 g per side. They are significantly smaller than the typical IEM these days and should work well for smaller ears. Personally, I usually have no problem with most IEMs, but the M1 feels unusually light and nice to wear.
TIPSY M1 SPECIFICATIONS
- Drivers: 10 mm dynamic
- Diaphragm: Bamboo fiber
- Impedance: 24 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 106 dB/mW
- Cable: Detachable, quad-braided high-purity alloyed copper with anti-torsion
- Connectors: 0.78mm 2-pin
- Cable termination: 3.5 mm jack
- Adapter: 3.5mm to 6.35mm
- Weight: 4 g per side
- Metal travel case included
- Tips: 4 Pairs (S, M, L silicone & memory foam)
Current price and availability:
- Amazon: Tipsy M1
Disclaimer: We were sent the review item in exchange for an honest opinion.
LISTENING IMPRESSIONS
Associated equipment:
- Amplifier: Topping A90
- DAC: RME ADI-2 DAC FS
- Tips: SpinFit CP145
Blues Dream by Bill Frisell
Very nice – warm and organic – generally a well-balanced presentation.
Outlaws by Bill Frisell
The bass is rich and warm, the percussion has nuance and detail. The electric guitar is slightly dark, but in a pleasing way.
Impedans by Erlend Apneseth Trio
The bass is rich and punchy, strings are well defined but not especially crisp. The delivery generally feels laid-back and delicate.
Re-Melt by Tord Gustavsen Trio
Very laid-back and somewhat lush, with no hard edges or offensive sharpness. The piano has a somewhat unusual timbre, though, a bit dark.
Teardrop by Massive Attack
Again, slightly dark and inoffensive. The mids lack a bit of energy compared to some earphones, but I still very much like the way things sound.
Eye of the Day by Marta del Grandi
Very nice vocals, warm and delicate but a bit laid-back. The bass is rich and well-present. Percussion is detailed but slightly dark.
The Hidden Camera by Photek
Extremely nice rendition. The dark nature of the M1 suits this track very well, as it can otherwise sound a bit too sharp and dry. Great, thick bass and organic-sounding percussion.
Jambi by Tool
Rich bass and warm-sounding electric guitars. Vocals stand out nicely in the mix. Percussion is laid-back and inoffensive.
It Could Be Sweet by Portishead
Rich, thick bass with good definition. Vocals are sweet and smooth, without sibilance.
Escape Route by Boris Blank
Very organic and dynamic. The trumpets are laid-back and not sharp or crisp, as they can be on many other earphones.
Young Vivaldi by Modo Antiquo
The strings have a dark, somewhat colored timbre.
Summer 3 Vivaldi Recomposed by Max Richter
Also here, strings sound darker than normal, making them less engaging and natural-sounding to me, albeit enjoyable in their own right.
Like Suicide by Soundgarden
Snappy yet smooth percussion, deep, rich bass, lush guitars. Vocals are well-defined. This track can often sound muddled with dark earphones, but the M1 handles it well.
Never Enough by Loren Alred
The vocal performance on this track is outstanding, but sadly it can sound overly crisp and dry with many earphones. The warm, dark, and forgiving M1, however, makes it sound quite excellent.
WRAPPING IT UP
Sound Signature
The Tipsy M1 are smooth, lush, and dark – the bass is prominent but not overpowering.
Treble
The treble is smooth and dark, not going to offend anyone by being overly crisp or sharp. Treble heads will certainly be disappointed with the M1, but if you are sensitive to sharp highs, it might be exactly what you are after.
Midrange
The midrange is also somewhat dark, in a lush and warm manner. It is not generally recessed, but the upper mids are less pronounced.
Bass
The bass is rich and full-bodied. I don’t think it is overwhelming or overpowering, but it is more bassy than neutral.
Soundstage and Imaging
The soundstage is not impressively large, but the imaging is quite decent. Dark earphones often have a disadvantage when it comes to imaging, as you have to lean in a bit, but once you do, there’s nice layering and a good sense of relative position.
Detail, Dynamics, and Timbre
The detail level is totally adequate for the price, but these earphones are not about pushing detail; they are about rendering music.
Dynamics are also totally adequate, not stand-out impressive but good enough.
The timbre is lush, smooth, and somewhat dark across the board. Most of the time it works very well, but on certain tracks, like classical string instruments, I tend to find it too dark.
COMPARISONS
Associated equipment:
- Amplifier: Topping A90
- DAC: RME ADI-2 DAC FS
- Tips: SpinFit CP145
FINAL A2000 vs TIPSY M1
The Final A2000 is also a single driver IEM. It uses Final’s 6mm “f-Core DU” dynamic driver, which sits in a compact ABS shell.
The two earphones make for a nice comparison because they are both very small and light, but represent very different approaches to tuning. When compared to the M1, the A2000 feels bright and clinical, but also clear and precise, whereas the M1 is warmer, darker, and more forgiving while still delivering its detail in a more subtle manner.
I have written a full comparison here:
- Amazon: Final Store
SIVGA QUE vs TIPSY M1
The Sivga Que is a single driver, wooden back IEM with a 10 mm dynamic driver, with a beryllium coated diaphragm. It was launched in 2024 and is currently priced at 69 USD. I have previously reviewed it here: Sivga Que Review
Comparing the Que and the M1, they are very similar in many ways. Both are warm, lush, slightly dark, and smooth sounding. However, there are differences – which vary from track to track. In general, however, I find the Que to have stronger bass presence and more upfront mids, while the M1 sounds somewhat more laid back.
The difference is greater in terms of build and design. The Que is larger and comes with a thicker cable that looks very nice, although it is quite stiff compared to the more flexible cable on the M1. On the other hand, the Que is less expensive.
In conclusion, I find them very comparable in both sound quality and sound signature, but the M1 is significantly smaller and lighter, with a more flexible cable.
CONCLUSION
The Tipsy M1 is a warm, smooth, and dark-sounding IEM. Its tuning will not appeal to everyone, but it appeals to me.
The build quality is excellent, but the most impressive aspect is the extremely lightweight construction and compact size.
In conclusion, the M1 is a very enjoyable earphone with a dark, smooth sound signature in an exceptionally compact form.
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- Amazon: Tipsy M1
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