Periodic Audio MG — younger in lineup from USA

Another try with Amercian brand — Periodic Audio. Just several days ago I have shared the review of their flagship model — Beryllium. This take is on Magnesium — the least expensive IEMs in the lineup of this ambitious USA brand. Similar single dynamic driver structure but the diapragm is now utilizes magnesium content alloy (96%) instead of beryllium foil. Design, packaging and build quality is totally the same, therefore, this review would deposit some text from the previous one. Moreover, the comparison between MG and BE is inevitable despite totally different price segments.

Periodic Audio MG technical specifications:

• Type: single dynamic driver IEMs
• Diaphragm: high magnesium content alloy (96% Mg)
• Magnets: N48H
• Frequency Response: 20Hz — 30kHz
• Impedance: 32Ω
• Sensitivity: 101dB SPL@1mW
• Peak SPL: 121dB
• Power handling: 200mW continuous
• THD: <1%@1mW
• Shell material: polycarbonate + Metal-Injected-Molded grade 304 stainless steel logo caps + chemically etched grade 316 stainless steel grilles
• Cable: 1.5m, integrated, 3,5mm audio jack

Graphs:

You can buy Periodic Audio BE IEMs at official store 

Packaging, design and build quality:

Periodic Audio made similar design of the boxes for all their IEMs —  box contains graphical representation of IEM structure at the one side and full description at the bottom. AFR graphs are hidden behind the top folding cover.

Box compartment consists of the paper inlet with special opening that secures IEMs and protective case at place. All of the accessories are located inside the case.

One paragraph from the previous review which is also true for MG: couple of words about the quality of the box and storage case — yes, those do raise some questions for a person who got used to extremely good quality of packaging of IEMs from Chinese and Korean manufacturers. As far as I know, people from Periodic Audio do care much more about the resulting sound and build quality of IEMs instead of focusing on the additional accessories. The main quality question addresses pretty thin aluminum storage case that doesn’t have secure locking mechanism and won’t last long. On the other hand — the rest of the accessories look perfectly well, box is not that visually attractive but does the job of protecting the product during the transportation. Let’s say that we see two different approaches: either to provide visually attractive packaging to move the stock despite sound characteristics or to put an accent on the quality of sound which is the most important for IEMs.

Box contents:

• Periodic Audio MG IEMs
• Storage case
• 6 pairs of silicone eartips
• 2 pairs of memory foam eartips
• 3.5mm -> 6.6mm adapter
• 3.5mm -> 2 X 3.5mm L+R plane adapter

I have already mentioned some confusion about finding such accessory as 2×3.5mm plane adaptor. I believe that during a flight people are more likely to use the cheap disposable earphones, provided by the cabin crew instead of plugging their expensive stuff into poor and noisy audio outputs.

Good choice of eartips, made of medical grade silicone and uretanes.

Caps with brand logo are made of 304 stainless steel and really add a lot to the overall design of MG IEMs.

Shells are made of polycarbonate for zero resonance and extra strength to resist mechanical damages. All shell elements are perfectly aligned and neatly assembled with very small spaces between parts.

Cable is 1.5 meter long, covered with black silicone and ending with 3.5mm straight plug in rubber housing.

The cable is integrated, which is a kind of a drawback. However, it has good banding protection from IEMs side and looks pretty durable, in general, to live long and happy life. Nevertheless, I would still recommend to pay some extra attention to it during use as there is no chance to exchange the cable.

Fit:

MG IEMs are quite comfortable, thanks to low weight (only 9.3g for both) and quite a choice of eartips. Fit is secure and tight, so the IEMs are unlikely to fall out while walking or exercising. Pretty good and comfortable fit common for various IEMs with bullet-like shape.

Sound quality:

MG IEMs were tested on Hizdizs AP80 and HiBy R6Pro DAPs

Lows and midbass:

As in case with BE, MG bass is similarly well-developed, distinct and precisely contoured. The extension feels to be a little bit lower while the whole range is a bit more tight and congested. Presence of bass is neither too much nor too small — good balance and amount. Layering with other frequencies is very good, lows don’t tend to mix with mids. In overall, lows are quite close to the presentation in a flagship model with a little bit chopped of the exnetion and openess. Again, MGs are not oriented towards bassheads as the lows are rather more accurate than accented. Very similar to the performance of BE but with even less emphasis on bass.

Midbass is powerful and energetic. Drums sound natural. No lack of air or dynamics, no influence is spotted from the treble part which results in accurate and non-distractive sound in some tracks susceptible to excessive drum gain.

Mids and vocals:

In contrary to BE, MG shine with its mids. This range sound very natural, more exposed and having very good presence in sound picture. Timbre is on slightly warmer side, sound is rich and thick. Male and female vocals don’t have much difference in gain and perceived similarly exposed, while female vocals don’t feel distructing and shouting at higher volume levels. Most of the resolution is also focused in mids, resulting in good texturing and detalization of voices and instruments. In comaprison to BE, MG do sound less detailed and more muted. One of the reasons is that treble range is not that bright and elevated, thus, not adding imaginary sharpness to mids. But if to avoid the direct comparison with its more expensive sibling — MG are performing good in this respect.

Treble:

MG treble also differs from BE performance — it doesn’t overwhelm with the details — sounds pleasing, moderately clear, and transparent. Treble here is not so emphasized and less crisp in overall. This make MG more neutral and flat in sound, with more compact scene. Presence of treble is totally fine, just the extra accent is not made on this range and the sound of it is less bright, vivid and extended.

Soundstage:

Imaginary soundstage is only moderate in terms of depth and width. Some stage shrinkage (in comparison to BE) is due to less volumetric lows and less extension and clarity of treble. Instrument and range separation is still good and help to get the distinctive sound with good layering.

Sound in overall:

Periodic Audio MG sound can be described as well-balanced, sounding quite calm and complete, with reasonably textured bass, exposed mids and accurate treble. These IEMs sound more natural but less engaging than BE. This makes MG more universal for different music genres. Best performance was spotted with classic rock and electronic music.

Compared to Anew U1:

Anew U1 are also based on single dynamic driver, have neutral tonality with good resolving potential. MG do sound brighter and more engaging, while Anew U1 are like being lifeless in the direct comparison. Lows are more textured and having more accent in MG while the treble is brighter as well. Resolution in mids feels to be slightly higher in Anew U1 but MG do not suffer from the shouting female vocals as U1 do in which case it might be a problem with for people susceptible to lower treble peaks.

Conclusion:

Second take on IEMs from USA did not disappoint either. Similarly good performance of both Periodic Audio units in the respective price segments. MG sound impresses with accurate and textured bass, decent layering, good balance, smooth and comfortable perfromance. Build quality is very good. In overall, Periodic Audio MG is a good example of universal IEMs with natural sound and a pinch of expressive juice. The last, but not the least is the low price point which makes MG a great bargain for people that seek for a good dynamic driver IEMs.

You can buy Periodic Audio BE IEMs at official store