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Writer's picturedbstechtalk
Jan 86 min read

InAWAKEN Dawn MS - What More Could You Want For $50? - Honest Audiophile Impressions

InAWAKEN is an audio company that was unfamiliar to me until Linsoul Audio unexpectedly sent the Dawn MS my way. Although the name InAWAKEN struck me as unusual, I chose to give them a try.

I want to thank Linsoul Audio for providing the InAWAKEN Dawn MS for review, much appreciated.


The InAWAKEN Dawn MS will set you back $50 from your bank account.


Specs:

The Dawn MS features a distinctive driver/diaphragm setup, including a custom 11.2mm Sputter Deposition Purple-Gold Diaphragm. It has an impedance of 32 ohms, a sensitivity of 110dB, and a frequency response range from 20Hz to 20KHz.

Box:

The InAWAKEN Dawn MS is packaged in a compact box with a stylish purple sleeve. The sleeve displays images and features on the front, while the specifications are detailed on the back.

Once the sleeve is removed, a black box is revealed, showcasing the InAWAKEN logo in silver on the top.

Inside, there is a sleeve for documents, a section for the Dawn MS to sit, and a compartment for accessories.


Box Contents:

The package includes a compact, hardshell carry case that appears sturdy and provides sufficient space for the Dawn MS. It also features a small pouch for storing accessories. The carry case is conveniently small enough to fit in a pocket or bag.

InAWAKEN offers two types of silicone tips in sizes S/M/L: one with a yellow stem and wide bore, and another with a blue stem and narrow bore. I notice that the wide bore tip offers a more airy, balanced, and cohesive presentation, while the narrow bore tips have a more V-shaped sound with emphasized bass and treble, and recessed mids.

Cable:

The InAWAKEN Dawn MS includes an impressive cable. The build quality is remarkable, distinguishing it from typical budget stock cables. It connects through a 2-pin and terminates in a 3.5mm jack. The ear hooks are well-designed, providing sufficient tension to keep the Dawn MS secure. The cable is thin, lightweight, and well-managed, resisting tangling or twisting effectively.


Build:

The InAWAKEN Dawn MS offers an impressive build for its $50 price point. Its vibrant faceplate and transparent acrylic shell are visually appealing. The device is small and lightweight. The smooth back and average-length nozzle might lead to fitting problems for some users.


Fit/Comfort/Isolation:

I was surprised to discover that the Dawn MS fit me comfortably, as I typically have trouble with smooth backs and average to shorter nozzles. The wide bore tips offered a good seal. I could wear the Dawn MS for hours without experiencing any discomfort. Noise isolation was decent, blocking out about 55% of external sounds; louder noises like coffee grinders, vacuum cleaners, and vehicles were somewhat muffled, and conversations could continue if the music was paused.


Source Pairing:

The InAWAKEN Dawn MS is very easy to drive with its 32-ohm impedance and 110dB sensitivity. I encountered no issues using any of my USB-C dongles, DAP, or desktop to power the Dawn MS. However, I noticed that the Dawn MS was somewhat selective with source presentation. Warmer sources or those with more robust bass made the Dawn MS sound bloated and sluggish, while sources with pronounced upper frequencies made it sound aggressive and fatiguing. In my opinion, the Dawn MS paired best with neutral sources like the Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini, Hiby FC3, Fosi Audio DS2, Moodrop Dawn Pro, and Periodic Audio Rhodium. I tested the Dawn MS on my desktop and DAP but primarily used them with USB-C dongles.


So how does the InAWAKEN Dawn MS sound?


Bass:

The emphasis is more on sub-bass than mid-bass, with good extension and rumble. The mid-bass lacks some authority, making the impact feel a bit softer. The tonality is adequate, and the tone and timbre are sufficient to distinguish between instruments. Bass texture is not a strong feature. The bass focuses more on quantity rather than quality, even though there isn't an excessive amount of quantity. Overall, the bass is engaging, though it may not meet the expectations of bassheads. On the other hand, individuals looking for neutrality might find the bass excessive. The bass emphasizes enjoyment over technical precision.


MIds:

The midrange features a V-shaped presentation with a touch of warmth. Vocals are generally clear and natural without sounding strained or harsh, though the upper mids are slightly more forward and prominent than the lower mids. The lower mids are recessed compared to the upper mids, resulting in a slight unevenness and lack of cohesion. Tone and timbre are good for this price range; both vocals and instruments have a mostly natural sound which is a quality rarely found at this price point. The note weight could benefit from a bit more thickness.


Treble:

The treble isn't the primary focus of the tuning, and this is evident. It certainly lacks some sparkle, air, and extension, yet there's enough present to prevent the Dawn MS from being dull. There's a slight increase in energy and sizzle in the lower treble, which can lead to fatigue especially at louder volumes. The lack of air and extension in the rest of the treble places the Dawn MS in a laid-back mode, verging on boredom.


Technical Abilities:

The soundstage of the InAWAKEN Dawn MS is satisfactory. Although not the broadest, it provides adequate width, depth, and layering. Venue sizes are represented decently, but they never feel quite expansive enough. The imaging is fairly accurate but lacks pinpoint precision. Instrument and vocal separation is adequate but can become somewhat confused and muddled on more complex, busier tracks. Detail retrieval is average for its price range, and the Dawn MS doesn't aim to be overly clinical or set a new benchmark for detail. The resolution isn't exceptional and can be somewhat grainy and gritty, especially in the upper ranges. The tone and timbre of the Dawn MS are close to natural, with a slightly thin note weight, yet enjoyable. A slightly thicker note weight and a bit more warmth would enhance the naturalism of the Dawn MS.


Conclusion:

In general, I believe the InAwaken Dawn MS is a solid choice for $50. While there are minor flaws and it may not suit a neutral, analytical listener like myself, the Dawn MS provides a well-rounded musical experience that many would appreciate while on the go or at the office. The InAWAKEN Dawn MS is well-constructed and enjoyable to listen to—what more could you want for $50?


I am Dave the Honest Audiophile. Thanks for reading, and I will catch you in the next one. Don't forget to enjoy the music and that honesty is the BEST policy! I am not a professional sound engineer, producer, musician, or vocalist, etc. I have not done any scientific research, measurements, or in-depth testing of any kind; just my own listening, comparing and internet reading/research.  I have limited, real-life experience with recording, mixing and mastering gear.  I have been involved since my teenage years with various churches as an amateur sound booth technician.

Please take these thoughts, opinions and reasonings as just that, my honest audiophile thoughts, opinions and reasonings.


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