As specialists in cable architecture and conductor development, we frequently engage in rigorous product testing and validation. Yet, we consistently found ourselves without a reference tool capable of precisely articulating the intrinsic qualities of our cables. This compelling void spurred our resolve to engineer our own solution, thus giving birth to Vortex Reference. It transcends mere listening, aspiring instead to establish new benchmarks. By harmonizing cutting-edge technology with unparalleled artisanal mastery, we have crafted an earphone that embodies our stringent acoustic criteria, dedicated to the most fastidious audiophiles.
Vortex Reference is not merely an earphone; it is a precision instrument for sonic evaluation, dedicated to all who pursue unadulterated sound. Every element – from the housing, drivers, and circuitry to the accompanying cable – is meticulously engineered for uncompromised fidelity. Consequently, every judgment you make about sound now possesses an undeniable, empirical foundation.
Acoustic Benchmark: Absolute Linearity, Uncompromised Fidelity.
The Reference is meticulously designed to achieve a ruler-flat frequency response, akin to professional monitoring equipment, delivering an unadulterated, reference-grade auditory experience. It rigorously eschews any artificial coloration or frequency embellishment, aiming instead to meticulously render every nuance of the recording and faithfully convey the inherent characteristics of any connected cable. For music creators and seasoned audiophiles, it stands as the definitive arbiter of sonic truth, providing the ultimate basis for verifying sound authenticity.
Revolutionizing Transducer Drive: Effortless Direct-Drive with the Passive Dual MEMS System.
Unlike traditional MEMS units that often necessitate dedicated amplification, the Vortex Reference integrates the world's inaugural passive dual MEMS tweeter system. Leveraging a meticulously engineered acoustic architecture and our proprietary ATCC circuit integration, it achieves revolutionary drive optimization. This innovative design obviates the need for specialized external amplification, enabling seamless, full-range drive directly from conventional portable sources. Consequently, users can effortlessly access the extreme high-frequency extension and pristine detail inherent to MEMS technology, anytime, anywhere.
Revolutionary Treble: The World's First Passive Dual MEMS Driver System.
To transcend the physical limitations of conventional electrostatic drivers, we have pioneered the integration of a passive dual MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) tweeter. This micro-planar diaphragm technology, originating from semiconductor photolithography, boasts near-zero distortion, astonishing high-frequency extension, and unparalleled detail retrieval. It meticulously recreates the elusive ultra-high frequency "air" and delicate overtones previously difficult to capture, delivering an unprecedented sense of transparency and clarity to the listening experience.
MEMS Technology: The Acoustic Revolution of the Semiconductor Era.
MEMS drivers are spearheading the future of tweeter technology. Their silicon-based, ultra-thin diaphragms, synthesized with high-molecular polymers, offer unparalleled consistency, precision, ultra-light mass, and precise control. This enables them to achieve exceptionally low harmonic distortion and eliminate diaphragm break-up across the entire frequency range. In terms of both performance and stability, MEMS technology comprehensively surpasses traditional electrostatic drivers, providing pristine and flawless signal reproduction.
Dual Dynamic Driver Core: Establishing a Robust Full-Frequency Foundation.
The earphone employs a dual dynamic driver architecture, forming a robust foundation for the mid and low frequencies. The independent low-frequency driver features a high-rigidity aluminum-magnesium alloy diaphragm, delivering rapid transient response, profound depth, and distinctly layered bass performance. The mid-frequency driver incorporates an exclusive three-layer composite titanium-plated diaphragm, whose exceptional hardness effectively suppresses cone breakup, significantly reducing distortion, and presenting vocals and instruments with rich density and authentic texture.
High-Rigidity Aluminum-Magnesium Alloy Dome Driver – Bass Core.
The independent 8mm composite aluminum-magnesium alloy diaphragm bass driver is our answer to achieving superior dynamics and minimal distortion. Eschewing traditional single-material structures, we adopted a more complex composite design: a high-polymer PU surround combined with an aluminum-magnesium alloy dome. The high rigidity of the aluminum-magnesium alloy dome effectively mitigates low-frequency cone breakup, resulting in lower distortion and a more agile bass response. Concurrently, the specially formulated high-polymer PU surround allows for deeper sub-bass extension and a wider dynamic range, while fostering a more realistic and natural soundstage dispersion.
6.5mm Composite Titanium-Plated Diaphragm Dynamic Driver – Mid-Range Core.
To establish a precise and textured mid-range foundation, we developed this groundbreaking 6.5mm mid-frequency dynamic driver. Its core features a three-layer composite titanium-plated diaphragm, which, while maintaining extremely light mass, achieves extraordinary rigidity. This significantly reduces mid-range cone breakup distortion, ensuring the purity and authenticity of vocals and instrumental timbres. The driver integrates a brass resonance chamber, whose precise acoustic damping characteristics effectively smooth out subtle resonant harshness that high-rigidity diaphragms can sometimes introduce, resulting in a smoother, more natural sound texture that aligns better with human auditory preferences. Furthermore, an innovative dual-layer voice coil design enhances magnetic field conversion efficiency, boosting mid-range micro-dynamics and overtone detail reproduction through superior electromagnetic drive within the same magnetic circuit system.
Precision Cavity Design: Suppressing Sonic Coloration Through Physical Structure.
The earphone's housing is crafted from high-precision CNC-machined aluminum alloy, with its interior further treated with a unique diamond-cut-like finish. This design ingeniously utilizes precise geometric facets to achieve diffuse sound wave reflection, effectively dispersing unwanted harmonic resonances and standing waves within the cavity. This process reduces sonic coloration, laying a solid physical foundation for an expansive, precise, and three-dimensional soundstage.
Pure Signal Transmission: Imported 7N OCC Monocrystalline Copper Internal Wiring.
To guarantee the absolute purity of the signal path from the connector to the drivers, all internal wiring within the earphone utilizes imported high-purity 7N OCC (Ohno Continuous Casting) monocrystalline copper cables. Its exquisitely uniform crystal structure imparts neutrality, high density, and fluidity to the sound, ensuring that even the most delicate audio signals are precisely transmitted to each transducer without loss or interference.
Premium - Grade Crossover : No -Compromise Engineering
The internal crossover network exclusively employs top-tier audiophile-grade components, including US-made RA resistors, Japanese ELNA audio-specific electrolytic capacitors, and Vishay low-temperature drift capacitors. These components construct an exceptionally pure, low-phase distortion signal path, physically ensuring that every milliwatt of power is precisely converted into sound, embodying an uncompromising engineering design philosophy.
ATCC : Adaptive Temperature Capacitor Coupling
Our proprietary ATCC is a sophisticated temperature-compensated wideband crossover technology. Its core lies in the parallel connection of two premium capacitors with distinctly different temperature characteristics: a temperature-sensitive audiophile-grade electrolytic capacitor and an ultra-low temperature drift capacitor with exceptional thermal stability. During the initial listening phase, the operating current primarily flows through the stable low-temperature drift capacitor, ensuring rapid attainment of accurate sound. As the internal temperature reaches its ideal operating range, the electrolytic capacitor fully engages. These two capacitors adaptively couple and cooperate in their output, ultimately maintaining a warm and rich mid-range while significantly enhancing overall detail resolution and bandwidth performance, achieving consistent stability and high-resolution from startup through extended listening sessions.
Individually Numbered, Global Limited Edition of 100 Pairs.
Vortex Reference integrates cutting-edge technology with exquisite craftsmanship to create an earphone that meets our stringent acoustic criteria, meticulously handcrafting a reference-grade in-ear monitor that defines authenticity. To this end, each pair of Vortex Reference undergoes precise matching from material selection to assembly and is assigned a unique serial number, dedicated to the most discerning audiophiles.
Ultimate Portability, Unrivaled Versatility.
As a cable brand, the Reference serves as an IEM capable of precisely revealing the characteristics of both cables and source equipment. To this end, we have configured it with two cables of identical material yet distinct structures and tuning philosophies: the Ultra Series-Titan and the Zenith Series-IRIS.
Ultra Series-TITAN: A Fusion of Power and Ambiance.
Embodying the colossal power of the Greek Titans, the Ultra Series-TITAN is structurally tuned towards a harmonious blend of atmospheric breadth and impactful dynamism. Like a gentle giant, it possesses both a robust sonic foundation and nuanced expression. Its vocals are rich, full-bodied, and precisely imaged, creating a naturally expansive, four-dimensional soundstage. Dynamic and transient control are particularly outstanding, with bass extending deep and layered. Mid-to-high frequencies are naturally extended without harshness. While maintaining ultra-high resolution, it imbues the sound with warmth and an immersive quality. This ultimate portability offers two distinct sonic interpretations for the Reference.
Zenith Series-IRIS: Precision for Unadulterated Sonic Purity.
The Zenith Series-IRIS is tuned for agility and precision, with its structural calibration geared towards accurate reproduction of the original sound, allowing the inherent acoustic characteristics of the equipment to be fully unleashed. Its high frequencies are smooth, expansive, and imbued with an airy quality; mid-range details are transparent and three-dimensional; and bass is tight, clean, and free from lingering resonance. The balanced resolution across all three frequency bands ensures that every subtle sonic detail is distinctly discernible, creating a precise sound for listeners who seek the unvarnished truth of original recordings.
The Reference is paired with Nostalgia Audio XWB eartips. These eartips are specifically designed for IEMs with large-diameter nozzles, featuring an "Extra Wide Bore" structure. This design allows sound to be transmitted more directly and smoothly into the ear canal, reducing sonic distortion and unwanted resonances, thereby ensuring a more natural and precise sound that perfectly complements the Reference's acoustic performance.
The VORTEX REFERENCE protective bag is meticulously designed to offer comprehensive protection for your In-Ear Monitors (IEMs). Crafted from durable nylon mesh material, this bag provides excellent shock absorption and dust protection, ensuring your IEMs remain safe and secure. Its unique mesh structure not only shields your IEMs from external impacts and abrasions but also ensures optimal airflow. Furthermore, the interior of the protective bag is lined with soft, comfortable fabric, gently cradling your IEMs to ensure stability and prevent scratches. Beyond its superior protective capabilities, this thoughtful design ensures your equipment not only delivers exceptional sound quality but also exudes a stylish aesthetic wherever you carry it.
Specifications:
DRIVERS: 2 x Dynamic Drivers, 2 x MEMS
IMPEDANCE: 23 ohms (at 1kHz)
SENSITIVITY: 102 dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 10 Hz - 80 KHz
CABLES:
Zenith Series-IRIS / 4 Wire / 4.4mm / 2-Pin 0.78mm / 120cm ± 5cm
Ultra Series-TITAN / 2 Wire / 4.4mm / 2-Pin 0.78mm / 120cm ± 5cm
INCLUSIONS:
Protective Leather Case
Nylon Mesh Protection Bag
Mirror-Finish Metal Polishing Cloth
XWB Eartips (Manufactured by Nostalgia Audio)
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