Lush And Laid-Back Sound – NFAcous NA20 IEMS
NFAcous NA20 is a $119 USD pair of Entry-Level Elementary In-Ear Monitors, with a MC2L 100M Dynamic driver at the core, and with many upgrades over the previous generations of IEMs from NF Acous / NF Audio.
Introduction
NFAcous is a unique company in the Chifi world, they create their own drivers are are known for producing reliable earphones, across the entry-level and midrange price ranges. The IEM we review today is part of their epoch of improving their own drivers and creating a musically pleasing sound for their fans.
As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases, and using the purchase links in my reviews helps me maintain this website and Youtube Channel. Huge thanks to Nf Acous for providing us with the sample for this review.
Product Link
Amazon – https://amzn.to/4mQjllZ
Aliexpress – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oowf9Vw
Build Quality / Design
NFAcous NA20 is built on the idea of an upgraded Structure compared to the previous versions, namely NA2, NM2+ and NA2+, coming with a new patented tech, the SRA or Selective Reflection Adjustment, with multiple pression valves and tuning sponges helping reducing the reflection inside the IEMs.
At the heart, we have the MC2L-100M which is an upgrade from the MC2L-10M found in the NFAcous RG15, MC2L-100P found in NM20, MC2L-10M found in RA15 and NA2+. The new 100M dynamic driver found in NA20 comes with a new magnetic structure, an upgraded diaphragm, and it brings better sound quality and with a beryllium plated diaphragm, NFAcous made the new dynamic driver more stable and sound better. For the shell, NFAcous used Maillard style PC or polycarbonate or Plastic, with metallic insertions, and a frosted surface for better comfort.
On a technical level NA20 has an impedance of 32 OHMs, a SPL of 109 dB/mW, and a THD or total harmonic distortion of less than 1%. Max SPL that the IEMs can reach is 125dB, and they come with a 3.5mm single ended connector only. NFAcous NA20 is so sensitive that with no music and no electrical connection, I can hear an electric pop signal happening when I touch the 3.5mm plug with a 6.3mm adapter, just by holding them in my hands.
Subjective Usage
Like most NFAcous IEMs, Na20 comes with a really supple and lightweight, flexible cable that doesn’t feel like a tank, but like with all previous NFAcous IEMs, should get the job done just fine. Comfort is great, they are lightweight, while the soft earguides coils tightly around my ears, creatring a secure fitting.
NFAcous NA20 does not isolate much from the outside noise with no music playing, having at most 10 dB of passive noise isolation, but they have very low leakage, no driver flex, no void, and they come with a fairly good set of tips that feels comfortable inside the package.
Sound Quality
Pairings – To test the NFAcous NA20, I have paired it with a selection of sources, including Rose Technics RT-5000, Dethonray Listening M1, Dethonray Clarinet, iBasso DX340, Lotoo PAW GT2. You can get away with much less pricey sources, and NA20 does not scale a lot with the source. It does not like high driving power, and sounds better with sources with limited power, where Na20 can reach a higher volume with a lower distortion.
Overall Signature – NFAcous NA20 delivers precisely the kind of signature you’d want if you wanted to just lean back in your chair and enjoy an euphonic, musically rich sound that has a balanced / neutral approach. Bass is mostly neutral / natural, with the midrange being a more central element in music. While NA20 has a good treble extension, they are smooth, and relaxed, with treble not being a central part of their sound. With higher volumes, and a lot of burn-in the sound might warm up considerably and give NA20 a bassier approach. Sources with a lot of power sound more neutral, while sources with less power will sound warmer, smoother and NA20 does not respond the same to all sources, even high gain / low gain on the same source can yield different sonic results.
Bass – Starting from the bass, it is a solid, fairly natural bass with a neutral amount relative to the midrange and the treble. Bass is ever so slightly warm, can be big and large, but with most music you hear the voices and most of the instruments are more present than the bass. Bass has most of the focus in the mid and upper bass, between 70 Hz and 100 Hz, with less sub-bass although not a complete roll-off. There’s a very slight warm / boomy effect in the midrange thanks to the bass and IEM shell resonance. In that mid and upper bass, you can hear a strong impact and a lot of thump, although there’s no low-end rumble.
Midrange – If you like a sweet and euphonic sound, you will love the NA 20, they create a really enjoyable signature that works well for pop, dubstep, and modern music in general. Dynamically compressed music sounds the best with NA20, it is the kind of IEM that renders music with love and passion, musicality and a fluid / not overly technical approach. This does make certain voices lush, full especially male voices and lower-pitched female voices, while higher-pitched male voices and female voices sound crystalline, bright and open. I am tempted to call the entire sound V-Shaped, but there’s just a very specific dip right in the middle which sucks out certain frequencies from music, exactly at 1kHz. This creates a sound that feels balanced, but a tiny bit dark and gloomy in the midrange, without having the bloomy and powerful bass a truly V-Shaped signature would have.
Treble – After the 1kHz dip, the sound recovers, having a strong extension up to 10-12 kHz, after which it fairly quickly rolls-off. This allows music to have a tiny bit of sparkle and brilliance while generally sounding smooth and relaxed. NA20 surely can make music relaxed, laid-back, and the lack of too much treble emphasizes the feeling of musically and the euphonic signature they have in general.
PRaT / Textures / Dynamic – NFAcous NA20 sounds fairly smooth, does not have a strong texture and instead sounds smooth, relaxed in the textures. This helps if you’re easily fatigued, but also makes them not very technical, nor analytical.
Volume Control – NFAcous Na20 really has a bias towards both lower / medium volume, and certain sources. This is because they sound more balanced, more smooth and more natural at lower volumes, while quickly becoming more V-Shaped at higher volumes, having more treble sharpness and more bass if you push them loud. Also, with higher drive, they sound more neutral, while with very low driving power, they become really lush and bassy.
Soundstage – NFAcous NA20 sounds intimate, most music is within the bounds of your head, a personal, warm, laid-back and relaxing experience that feels as if the singer was playing live just for you, in the same room, almost whispering in your ears.
Value and Conclusion
NFAcous comes with a low price tag, but offers a rich package and a sonic experience that makes them worth your while. While the tuning won’t be for everyone, it is not a hard sell, and many should be able to enjoy it, especially if you’re looking for a more natural, laid-back signature, and a comfortable fit.
At the end of the day, NfAcous NA20 delivers an experience that we typically find at higher price points, they deliver musicality, refinement, richness and a clean, yet euphonic sound, with a good comfort, rich package, and exceptional price / performance ratio. I consider them a must hear if you want a natural / laid back / relaxed sound with an euphonic approach.
PROs
- Flexible cable and lightweight shells make NA20 comfortable
- Nice package and a solid transport case
- No driver flex, no void, comfort is great
- Very easy to drive and likes a source with lower driving power
- Natural, euphonic, light sound with a rich and musical approach
Cons
- Not a technical / analytical approach
- Sound can be a bit too relaxed at times
Product Link
Amazon – https://amzn.to/4mQjllZ
Aliexpress – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oowf9Vw
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Full Playlist used for this review
We listened to more songs than those named in this playlist, but those are excellent for identifying a sonic signature. I recommend trying most of the songs from this playlist, especially if you’re searching for new music! The playlists are different for Spotify, Tidal and Youtube, and based on the songs I enjoy and are available on each!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_cjBXGmwSHSdGcwuc_bKbBDGHL4QvYBu
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5J3oloz8Riy9LxEGenOjQ0?si=979ba4f082414be7
https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/330fd544-8e5b-4839-bd35-676b2edbb3d5
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