NF Audio NA2+ Review: A Deep Dive into Performance, Build, and Sound
According to NF Audio, their NA2+ IEM could be your next choice for professional-grade audio. But does it truly live up to the hype? Let's take a closer look.
A month ago, I was fortunate to receive the NF Audio NA2+ for review, courtesy of NF Audio. Huge thanks to them for providing the unit! As a professional audio brand targeting musicians and audiophiles, the NA2+ promises great things, but can it deliver? Welcome back to Treble Well Xtended, and let's start by discussing the build and design.
Build & Design
At $169, the NF Audio NA2+ boasts a durable, lightweight metal aluminum shell, designed to last. The matte finish ensures it remains fingerprint-free, a small but appreciated detail that adds to its premium feel.
The unboxing experience is reminiscent of opening a vintage CD case, offering a unique touch. Inside, you'll find the IEMs, a cable, six pairs of balanced silicone tips, and a sturdy carrying case. Overall, the packaging is top-notch. However, the cable feels somewhat flimsy for the price range. I’ve encountered sturdier cables even in cheaper models, which is a minor downside here.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, the NA2+ excels, allowing for extended listening sessions without discomfort. While the silicone tips provided are adequate, I believe foam or hybrid tips would enhance the overall experience, especially for improving sound isolation and comfort, as I'll explain later in the sound section.
Specifications
Here’s a quick rundown of the key specs:
Driver: Dual-cavity dynamic driver
Frequency Response: 9Hz - 40kHz
Sensitivity: 107dB/mW
Max SPL: 125dB
Impedance: 32Ω
Sound Insulation: 25dB
Connector: 3.5mm, with a 2-pin 0.78mm silver-plated OFC cable
The single dynamic driver is easy to drive and pairs well with an affordable DAC.
Sound Performance
Now, onto the most important aspect: sound quality. The NF Audio NA2+ brings a unique tuning, designed for resolution rather than simply following market trends. It strikes a good balance between bass and mids, with treble that sparkles. Let’s break it down:
Bass
The bass on the NA2+ is punchy and well-controlled. It’s not overwhelming, but tight and fast, with good sub-bass presence. It leans on the leaner side, delivering clean and detailed bass. I found the NA2+ particularly impressive when listening to drum-heavy tracks, where it managed to bring out the smallest nuances of each hit.
Mids
The mids are forward and natural, allowing vocals and instruments to shine. The treble’s inherent brightness adds an extra layer of clarity to the mids, making them ideal for listeners who enjoy detail retrieval. However, I did notice a slight sharpness in the timbre of string instruments, which might not suit everyone’s taste.
Treble
The treble is where the NA2+ truly stands out. Crisp, extended, and airy, it carries a lot of energy, particularly in the upper mids and lower treble. It’s bright but never harsh or sibilant. That said, those sensitive to treble or who prefer smoother tuning may find it a bit too sharp for long listening sessions. Personally, I wouldn’t use the NA2+ for extended listening, but rather for analyzing fine details in tracks.
As a detail monster, the NA2+ excels in technical performance, offering resolution comparable to much more expensive IEMs like the Blessing 3. The elevated treble contributes to this, though some texture in the lower frequencies is slightly compromised. The soundstage is impressively wide, with precise imaging and great instrument separation, even in complex tracks. Listening to "Wanderlust" by AK was a pure joy, with each element of the song presented cleanly and with clarity.
Market Comparison
In terms of competition, there aren’t many single dynamic driver IEMs in this price range that match the NA2+. To provide context, let’s compare it to the Supermix 4 and MP145:
Build Quality: All three are excellent in construction, but the real difference lies in sound.
Bass: The MP145 wins here with a fuller bass response, while the Supermix has impressive sub-bass, though it’s a bit overemphasized. The NA2+ has a thinner, more controlled bass response.
Mids: The MP145 offers the best balance, but for vocal clarity, the Supermix 4 shines. The NA2+ provides a cleaner midrange, especially for those who appreciate technical detail.
Treble: The NA2+ is the brightest of the three, suited for treble-heads. The MP145 provides a more balanced treble, while the Supermix has a smoother, less intense high-end.
In terms of technical performance, the NA2+ easily surpasses its competitors.
Verdict
Overall, the NF Audio NA2+ is a solid IEM, particularly at the $169 price point. Its neutral-bright tuning, punchy bass, detailed mids, and extended treble make it a great choice for those seeking a clean, technical sound. I’d rate it a 3.5 out of 5 stars, and it’s definitely recommended for audiophiles who prioritize detail and clarity over a warmer or more laid-back sound.
If the cable quality were improved and the treble slightly refined, this could easily be a top contender in the under $200 market. That said, the NF Audio NA2+ is still an excellent performer, especially for those who appreciate technical prowess in their IEMs.
If you enjoyed this review, don’t forget to subscribe to Treble Well Xtended for more in-depth IEM reviews and audiophile content. And if you want to be part of the TWX audiophile community, consider joining through the Join button.
