Introduction

Periodic Audio is a company based in US and founded in 2016. They specialize in in-ear monitors and at the moment, their lineup consists of Magnesium, Titanium and Beryllium. Recently, they have released a Nickel amplifier. I would like to thank Periodic Audio for the review unit of Magnesium. At the moment, you can purchase the Magnesium from http://periodicaudio.com/Mg.html .

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Specifications

  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 30 kHz
  • Impedance: 32 Ohms nominal
  • Sensitivity: 101 dB SPL at 1mW
  • Power Handling: 200 mW continuous
  • Peak SPL: 124 dB
  • THD: Less than 1.5% THD at 1mW

Unboxing & Accessories

The Magnesium comes in a white package shows the components of the iem, brand name and model name. After flipping the cover, it shows the specifications and description of the iem. At the back of the package, there are information on the company. There is a plain white box inside the package. It contains the iem and a gold case with the contents – pack of tips, headphone adapter and flight adapter.

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IEM Build & Design

The Magnesium has a matte black shell with a vent at the top. It has a circular shape. At the back of the iem, there is a silver faceplate with the Periodic logo. The nozzle is straight with mesh for earwax prevention. It is interesting to see the mesh is being used to differentiate between left and right. The left and right mesh is black and red respectively. The iem is light weight and it sits in my ears comfortably.

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Cable Build & Design

The cable is not braided and it is black in colour. It is not detachable and there is strain relief. There is no memory wire area section and the cable is rather flexible. There is no chin slider and the y-splitter is black in colour. The jack is 3.5mm gold plated straight with a black rubber coated housing. There is the brand name printed on the housing.

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Sound Analysis

Lows

The Magnesium has moderate sub-bass quantity and the extension is fairly good. There is a nice depth. The sub-bass reproduction may not be the most authoritative but it does its job well. There is a nice impact present. The bass decay is quick and it has the element of agility. Rumble is expressed smoothly. The mid-bass has great quantity and it contributes to a weighted slam. There is an appropriate amount of warmth. The bass texture is smooth and it is able to provide a soothing feeling. The bass definition is clear. The bass does not have an authoritative presentation but it is able to present itself well with its warmth and focus. There is a musical feeling with a clean attack.

Mids

The midrange has good details retrieval and it is able to present itself with finesse. It is netiher thick nor thin. The lower mids has a moderate amount of body and male vocals are presented generally well without dry or nasal feeling. The upper mids has a good amount of forwardness and female vocals are presented in a straightforward manner with intimacy. The warmth contributes to the portrayal of the vocals reproduction and it allows them to sound in a controlled manner whilst still maintaining the liveliness. The details retrieval is good. The execution on the midrange is solid.

Highs

The treble has a moderate extension and it takes on a slightly bright approach. There is no sibilance and harshness. The Magnesium is able to demonstrate a smooth execution of its treble. The amount of air rendered is great and it gives an airy feeling. There is moderate crisp and little sparkle. The body is moderate and coupled with the air, it is able to give a light expression at the top end. There is a good standard of details retrieval.

Soundstage

The soundstage has a good natural expansion and the width magnitude is moderate. The depth is fairly suitable with a moderate amount of space rendered. There is slight congestion when tackling busier tracks.

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Comparisons

Periodic Audio Magnesium vs TFZ Exclusive King

The Magnesium has less sub-bass quantity than the King. The sub-bass extension on the King is greater. The King is able to deliver more impact. The bass decay on both is similar while the bass texture on the Magnesium takes on a smoother approach. The mid-bass of the King has slightly more quantity than the Magnesium and the slam has extra weight. The Magnesium is more relaxing to listen to for long listening session. The Magnesium has a tinge of warmth which contributes to the musicality. Each bass note on the King is articulated with a stronger hit. The lower mids on the Magnesium has slightly more quantity than the King and male vocals sounds fuller. The upper mids on the Magnesium has a little more forwardness and female vocals are expressed in an intimate manner.  The King takes on a brighter approach and it has better definition. The treble on the King has slightly more extension than the Magnesium but the amount of air rendered by the Magnesium is greater. There is an airier presentation on the Magnesium. There is no sibilance and harshness on both. Lastly, the Magnesium has a more natural expansion. The magnitude is around the same and King has the better depth.

Periodic Audio Magnesium vs Advanced M4

The Magnesium has more sub-bass quantity than the M4 and the extension on both is similar. The Magnesium is able to produce a fuller performance. The bass decay on the M4 is slightly quicker while the bass texture on the Magnesium is rendered more smoothly. The mid-bass of the Magnesium has extra body and it is able to produce a more impactful slam. The Magnesium is able to bring out more musicality yet still retaining a strong technical aspect.  Each bass note on the M4 is articulated with a clean hit. The extra warmth from the Magnesium creates a soothing bass presentation. The lower mids on the Magnesium has extra body than the M4 and it is able to tackle male vocals more effectively. The upper mids on both is equally forward. The Magnesium has the edge with more quantity. It sounds fuller. The treble on the M4 is extended better with crisp. The Magnesium demonstrates finesse and has a greater amount of air. There is no sibilance and harshness. Treble body on the Magnesium is more. In terms of soundstage, Magnesium has a more natural expansion with a greater width. The depth on the M4 is slightly better.

Periodic Audio Magnesium vs Mee Audio Pinnacle P2

The Magnesium has more sub-bass quantity than the P2. The P2 has a greater extension and its sub-bass reproduction has a better engagement. The bass decay on the P2 is quicker while the Magnesium has a smooth bass texture. The bass definition on both is approximately the same. The mid-bass on the Magnesium has more body than the P2 and the slam has a weighted feel to it. Each bass note on the P2 is expressed with a quicker attack. The lower mids on the Magnesium has more quantity and it is able to tackle male vocals with ease. The upper mids on the P2 has extra forwardness and female vocals are presented with more intimacy. The treble on the P2 is extended with crisp and the amount of air rendered on the Magnesium has more quantity. The P2 displays slight sparkle. Lastly, for the soundstage, the Magnesium expands with naturalness. The magnitude of the width on both is around the same. The depth on the P2 is rendered with a greater amount of space.

Conclusion

The Magnesium is Periodic Audio’s entry level iem and it does not disappoint with its warm and detailed presentation. It is able to provide a smooth sound with an execution of great finesse. The combination of air and warmth is able to achieve a good balance. The Periodic Audio Magnesium is a great iem that ensures a fatigue-free listening session.

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