The Denon Pearl Pro earbuds, priced at just $199, deliver an audio experience that punches far above its weight. This review dives into the surprisingly impressive sound quality offered by these IEMs, comparing them to significantly more expensive competitors like the Empire Ears Nemesis and Sony WF-700. We’ll explore whether their exceptional audio performance justifies overlooking some crucial design flaws. Prepare to be amazed by the detail and dynamic range these budget-friendly earbuds achieve, and equally surprised by some frustrating usability issues.This in-depth analysis assesses the Pearl Pro’s sound staging, richness, and overall fidelity, directly contrasting them with industry leaders. We’ll explore the significant discrepancies in audio quality when compared to established brands like Sony, highlighting where the Denon Pearl Pros excel and where they fall short. Ultimately, we’ll determine if the exceptional sound is enough to overshadow the shortcomings in design and connectivity, offering a final verdict on whether they represent truly unbeatable value at their price point.
Pros And Cons
- Wild value at $199
- Performs better than many custom IEMs costing upwards of $2000
- Completely wireless
- Some of the best audio quality in the under $200 market
- Excellent dynamic sound staging
- Outperforms every other $200 IEM tested
- Annoying button controls
- Slightest gesture can turn off noise cancellation
- Removing them from ears often disables Bluetooth connection
Read more: EPZ P50 In-Ear Monitor Review: A Breakout Performer?
Sound Quality and Performance
The Denon Pearl Pro earbuds, priced at a remarkable $199, deliver surprisingly high-quality audio. Their performance surpasses many custom in-ear monitors (IEMs) I've owned, including my previous Empire Ears Nemesis, which cost significantly more. The sound is incredibly detailed and dynamic, showcasing a level of fidelity rarely seen at this price point.
The Pearl Pros offer a clear advantage over other IEMs in the sub-$200 market. Their excellent dynamic sound staging sets them apart from the competition, surpassing everything I've tested in this category. This makes them a strong contender for audiophiles on a budget.
Comparison with Sony WF-700
A direct comparison with the Sony WF-700 reveals a substantial difference in audio quality. The Denon Pearl Pros offer a significantly richer and more detailed sound. The Sony earbuds, while previously my favorites, now sound comparatively lacking after switching between the two. This difference is so noticeable that it initially felt like there might be an issue with my Sony set.
This is a surprising result considering Sony's reputation for quality audio products. However, the Denon Pearl Pros demonstrably provide a superior listening experience at a fraction of the cost of high-end Sony models.
Control Issues and Connectivity
Despite its exceptional audio, the Denon Pearl Pro has some shortcomings. The button controls are poorly designed, too sensitive, and easily triggered accidentally. This can lead to unintentional noise cancellation toggling or complete Bluetooth disconnections.
This connectivity issue is particularly frustrating when using the earbuds with a TV, for example. Simply removing the earbuds from your ears can cause the Bluetooth connection to drop, interrupting media playback. This is a significant drawback that needs improvement.
Conclusion and Verdict
The Denon Pearl Pro earbuds offer exceptional sound quality for their price point, easily outperforming much more expensive IEMs. The audio is rich, detailed, and dynamically balanced, delivering a truly immersive listening experience. However, the problematic button controls and Bluetooth connectivity issues are significant drawbacks.
Despite these flaws, the outstanding audio performance makes the Denon Pearl Pros a compelling option. If you prioritize sound quality above all else and can tolerate the occasional inconvenience, these earbuds are well worth considering, especially if you find a good used deal.