ag TWS04K Review – More than a Rebrand

Sound –

Testing Methodology: Measured using Arta via IEC 711 coupler to Startech external sound card. 7-9KHz peaks may be artefacts/emphasised due to my measurement setup. Measurements besides channel balance are volume matched at 1KHz. Fit depth normalised to my best abilities to reduce coupler resonance. Still, due to these factors, my measurements may not accurately reflect the earphone or measurements taken by others. I gave the TWS04K 100hrs of burn-in to ensure maximum performance prior to subjective breakdown.

Tonality –

It’s apparent Final have littered changes throughout and with regards to listening experience, this is especially pertinent. That does mean you don’t get the refined sub-bass boosted DF-neutral tuning of the TEVI, but something far more similar to the warmer Soundfree S20. However, Final’s expertise does start to weigh in when focusing on the execution of this. The TWS04K does sound more balanced than that model, and a lot more natural than your usual bass forward TWS earphone. Relative to the S20, it is a bit more linear through its transitions, has a cleaner bass boost and also a slightly more energetic treble. As the midrange isn’t as forward as that model, it has a slight V-shaped character though retains the highly natural midrange voicing beloved on the TEVI and many of Final Audio’s designs. That does mean those expecting a balanced and neutrally toned sound will be disappointed here and are best to stick with the TEVI and Moondrop Sparks. However, if you want a little extra punch and warmth, this is one of the better V-shaped tonalities I’ve heard, and driver quality also lies on the higher end.  

Bass –

As we’ve seen become popularised in the TWS space, the TWS04K has a prominent bass response which represents a departure from the relative even-handed TEVI. It has a predominant sub-bass boost that tapers off smoothly below to uphold separation. It falls off a bit faster than the S20, giving it a slightly cleaner voicing and more emphasis on note weight over mid-bass punch. In turn, while it retains a warmer tonality, it’s never woolly or congested. Final Audio have some of the best micro-driver implementations in the business and this is showcased in the TWS04K’s impressive extension, delivering palpable pressure and defined rumble. The mid-bass is almost as present, imbuing heaps of punch and a heavier impact. Note weight is high but the note presentation isn’t overly bold or aggressive.

Due to the upper-bass tuning, bloat isn’t overt and there’s minimal bloom, the timbre overall sounds pleasantly natural. In addition, driver quality is above average, especially for the price. You don’t get the tightness and speed of decay offered by the Be-plated M&D earphones nor the S20, but a tight, well-pressurised slam at the very bottom and a natural decay thereafter. Driver control is good, notes are well-defined, not outstandingly so but enough to retain separation and a well-textured mid-bass. The overall presentation upholds great dynamics and good timing and organisation. It isn’t the most articulate and detailed performer, but is surprisingly so considering its rich, organic tonality and well-weighted sub-bass expression.

Mids –

There really aren’t a whole lot of TWS earphones that provide a clean midrange with an emphasis on natural voicing, but the TWS04K thankfully joins that exclusive minority. The midrange showcases great linearity in and of itself, delivering a lovely balance between clarity and coherence. Compared to the S20 especially, the TWS04K is noticeably more refined in its voicing and overall timbral accuracy and consistency between tracks. I would attribute this to the bass tuning most in addition to the overall note presentation given the tuning is very similar. In particular, due to the bass emphasis, a light warmth does creep into the midrange on certain tracks with a more prominent bass, though generally, the TWS04K does showcase good tonal transparency.

In addition, the upper-midrange hump appears a touch sooner just below 3kHz permitting a slightly smoother upper-midrange with minimal loss to vocal clarity. It thereby trades off the S20’s more neutral tonality for a presentation that prefers a light warmth over a subtle thinness – to me, a slightly more versatile and forgiving presentation. It retains a highly natural voicing and no shortage of openness and extension. With an uptick of energy in the treble, you do get a slightly more articulate and defined midrange, though again with the lick of added warmth and density, no rasp or strain. Vocals do sound slightly laid-back relative to the bass and highs, but also lack any fatiguing properties whilst similarly upholding great clarity and a natural timbre. A tastefully coloured midrange in totality that is easily enjoyable and genre versatile if a touch laid-back.

Highs –

Treble tuning is likely my biggest complaint with TWS tuning as many either skew too bright and aggressive or overly smooth. While I understand the platform is technically limited at present, it does feel like a lack of tonal refinement is further exacerbating my complaints here. The TWS04K may not be outstanding in its technical accomplishments but performs nicely above average in class. The TWS04K has a slightly sharper transient response than the Lypertek S20 and TEVI, giving its note presentation more bite, with small details coming through clearer. In addition, it has one of the most pleasant tonalities I’ve heard. It retains the slightly smoother 4-5 kHz voicing observed on the S20, in turn, lacking sharpness or forwardness. However, it has a crisper and more focused detail presentation by shifting emphasis closer to 6.5 kHz. As it isn’t to a large degree, minimal sharpness is introduced.

This tuning brings fine details to the fore and contributes to a crisp, clear treble presentation. As there is no higher emphasis and the amplitude is lower than the upper-midrange, the background is black and immaculate with zero glare and I wouldn’t characterise this as a bright earphone either. It is well-detailed and, as there are no overt or isolated peaks and troughs, instruments are presented with convincing timbre. Note body is a touch thin, so it isn’t a perfectly textured and realistic presentation. It has a touch of additional energy that invigorates its sound and enhances the perception of openness. Extension and overall resolution of background details is about on-par with your usual aptX earphone, meaning treble rolls off quite significantly through the 8-10kHz regions. This does give the TWS04K a large advantage over the S20 and I do hear better fine detail retrieval than the TEVI as well.

Soundstage –

The TWS04K provides a stage of good dimensions and balance between both width and depth. It stretches just beyond the head. The ability to project especially contributes towards this. Imaging as well is quite pleasing. It positions well and upholds reasonable overall balance. The earphone has good foreground/background contrast and delineated layers. Positioning is slightly sharper than the Lypertek earphones disregarding the more expensive Z7. With the jump in soundstage expansion, the TWS04K gains an impressive immersive quality many TWS earphones do not possess. This does come at the expense of separation to some degree. It lacks the neutral note size of the TEVI, with plumper notes that fill in more of its space. In turn, it does trade some separation for greater coherence though I still find it to uphold good organisation during complex passages.

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