The Sound Rhyme SP01 didn’t immediately capture my attention when it crossed my radar. It is an entry level single dynamic driver earphone priced under 100 dollars, and the market at this price point is crowded with options from Simgot, Moondrop, and many other well known brands. Still, curiosity won and I decided to give it a chance. After several weeks of listening across different music styles, sources, and situations, I can confidently say that this little IEM has surprised me more than I expected. It is not just about features on paper, but the way it delivers music with warmth, natural timbre, and an engaging presentation.
In this review I will share my full experience with the SP01. We will go through the unboxing and accessories, the build and design, how it sounds with different tuning nozzles, how it compares to other sets I have, who I think it is for, and finally my verdict.
Sound Rhyme SP01
Unboxing Experience
Unboxing the SP01 was pleasant. The box is not luxurious, but the contents show that Sound Rhyme wanted to give users a complete package. Inside I found the earphones, a very good quality eight core silver plated crystal copper cable, and a proper selection of ear tips. There are two sets of silicone tips in different styles and three pairs of SpinFit style tips that give a secure and comfortable fit.
The highlight of the package is the tuning nozzle system. Sound Rhyme includes three different nozzles: balanced, warm, and clear. Each nozzle is built with quality threading, easy to swap, and comes with its own storage plate. Unlike many tuning gimmicks in the budget space, these actually change the sound in noticeable ways. Along with the nozzles, the box includes a cleaning brush, extra filters, and a compact carrying case. The case is a screw top puck design, lined with rubber inside, which holds the IEMs and accessories securely.
For an IEM in this price range, the overall unboxing felt generous and thoughtful. It gave me the impression that Sound Rhyme wanted users to enjoy the SP01 right from the start without needing extra purchases.
Sound Rhyme SP01 Accessories
Build Quality and Design
The SP01 is made of CNC machined aluminum alloy, and the shells are small, lightweight, and comfortable. They weigh only about six grams each, which makes them feel almost like earbuds in the ear. The compact design makes them suitable for long listening sessions without discomfort.
Visually, the IEMs are striking. They come with either a red or blue metallic faceplate that has a gem like sparkle under the light. The finish feels premium in the hand, more like a mid tier model than something under 100 dollars. The nozzles are short, which may cause fit issues for some, but with the right tips I was able to get a secure seal.
The included cable deserves a special mention. It is one of the best stock cables I have seen in this price range. The braiding is tight, the hardware is metal, and it has a good balance of flexibility and durability. It is available in both 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations, depending on what you order. I actually tested a few of my aftermarket cables on the SP01, but I often went back to the stock one because it already sounded excellent and handled well.
Overall the build and design of the SP01 show care and attention that is rare at this budget. It looks stylish, feels robust, and wears comfortably.
Sound Performance
The most important part of any IEM is how it sounds, and here the SP01 delivers a performance that is both musical and versatile. Its single 10mm driver is built with a dual material diaphragm, combining carbon nanotube and diamond like carbon. This hybrid diaphragm is unusual at this price and gives the SP01 a sound that stands out among generic single dynamic drivers.
General Sound Signature
The SP01 has a balanced W shaped tuning. It is not purely Harman inspired, nor overly V shaped. Instead, it brings bass, mids, and treble together in a way that feels cohesive and natural. The bass is authoritative yet controlled, the mids are expressive and musical, and the treble has sparkle without being fatiguing. What impressed me most was the timbre. Instruments sound organic, vocals come through with good weight, and there is no artificial sharpness.
The soundstage is bigger than I expected from such small shells. Imaging is accurate, with instruments placed clearly in the space. Technicalities such as resolution and detail retrieval are good for the price, even if not at the level of more expensive single dynamic sets.
Tuning Nozzles
The three nozzles give the SP01 different personalities.
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Balanced nozzle: This is the default option and my personal favorite. It gives the IEM a natural and cohesive sound with warmth and detail in good proportion. Bass has weight, mids are clean, and treble is smooth. It is the safest choice for most genres.
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Warm nozzle: This nozzle thickens the sound, bringing more mid bass presence and a softer treble. It works well with vocal focused tracks or sibilant recordings, and it makes long sessions relaxed. However, it can feel too laid back for energetic music.
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Clear nozzle: This one brightens the sound, pushing the upper mids and treble forward. It gives more sparkle, more air, and makes vocals sound more present. It is fun for technical listening but can become fatiguing with bright tracks.
The fact that these nozzles actually make noticeable changes is one of the reasons I enjoyed experimenting with the SP01. Depending on mood or genre, I could tailor the sound without changing IEMs.
Music Impressions
On rock and classic recordings, the bass drove the music with authority, while guitars and vocals had natural body. On pop and electronic tracks, the clear nozzle added sparkle and energy, though sometimes a bit too much for treble sensitive listeners. With acoustic and instrumental music, the balanced nozzle gave me the most satisfying timbre, with strings and pianos sounding lifelike.
What I appreciated most is that the SP01 never felt overly analytical or cold. It focuses on musicality and enjoyment, making it easy to listen for hours without fatigue.
Comparisons
To understand how the SP01 stands in the crowded budget market, I compared it with some other sets I own or have tried.
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Simgot EA500: The SP01 offers a smoother treble and bigger stage than the EA500, while still keeping good clarity. The EA500 has more bite in the upper mids, which some may prefer, but it can be fatiguing compared to the more natural timbre of the SP01.
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Simgot EW300: The EW300 has more impactful bass and slightly sharper treble detail, but the SP01 counters with better accessories, more versatile tuning, and a more relaxed and musical midrange.
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Kefine Delci: The Delci has a Harman inspired tuning with clean balance, but the SP01 feels more organic and fuller in body.
Other single dynamic drivers under 100: Many budget single DD sets focus on technicalities or Harman neutrality, but the SP01 sets itself apart with its musical warmth, nozzle flexibility, and premium build.
In direct comparisons, I often preferred the SP01 for casual listening, while the others sometimes excelled in detail or clarity but felt less inviting over long sessions.
Who Is This For?
The Sound Rhyme SP01 is for listeners who value musicality and natural timbre over sheer technical analysis. If you want an IEM that simply makes you enjoy your music without constant EQ or tip rolling, this one is an excellent choice.
It suits a wide range of genres, from pop to rock, acoustic to electronic, thanks to its versatile nozzles. However, if you are a basshead looking for massive sub bass rumble, or a treble head seeking extreme sparkle and micro detail, you might find it too polite.
For beginners in the hobby, the SP01 is also a great entry point because it gives you different sound profiles to explore without needing to buy multiple sets. For experienced audiophiles, it can serve as a relaxing all rounder with excellent value.
Conclusion / Final Verdict
After spending weeks with the Sound Rhyme SP01, I can say it has earned a place in my collection. What started as curiosity turned into genuine appreciation. It combines premium build, comfort, and thoughtful accessories with a tuning that focuses on what matters most: enjoying music.
The three nozzles give real flexibility, the stock cable is surprisingly high quality, and the shells are small enough to fit comfortably for long sessions. Its sound is not the most detailed or analytical in the price range, but it is among the most musical and natural.
In a market where new budget IEMs appear almost every week, the SP01 manages to stand out quietly. It is not perfect - fit can be tricky for some, and the clear nozzle may be too sharp - but overall it is one of the most enjoyable single dynamic driver sets under 100 dollars I have tried.
If you want a compact, comfortable, and versatile IEM that delivers music with warmth and soul, the Sound Rhyme SP01 is an easy recommendation.
Where to Buy
You can find the Sound Rhyme SP01 on:
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