The Aiaiai TMA-2 Allround Preset is the cheapest available option in the modular headphone system. The balanced and powerful sound of the S01 deserves some merit, however those after higher levels of wearing comfort should probably invest in a pair of alternative ear cushions.
The Allround Preset of the TMA-2 Modular Headphone System aims to offer a quality basic system for all listening situations and everyday applications. It’s currently the cheapest option of all available presets from Aiaiai.
With its modular TMA-2 system, Aiaiai is bringing a fresh and innovative approach to the market. The customer currently enjoys a choice of 22 individual components that can be put together to form a complete system. This catalogue of products includes four loudspeakers, four headbands, seven ear cushions and seven cables. If you don’t want to put your own bespoke system together, you can choose one of the ready-made presets also offered by the manufacturer.
System Components
The Allround Preset consists of the S01 loudspeaker driver, the H01 headband, the E01 ear cushions and the C01 connection cable. The cable is a straight version, with integrated hands-free microphone, mini jack plug at both ends and boasts a length of 1.2 metres. However, the fact that the manufacturer has chosen this cable for all-round use is a little strange, due to a lack of mini jack adapter, yet the inclusion of a microphone not every user might see as essential. What’s more, the E01 is arguably not the most comfortable of options, with the E02 and E04 offering a much more suitable choice for longer listening sessions. The filling of the E01 isn’t that generous, while the microfibre covering doesn’t feel particularly supple. The H01 headband is also the slimmest and least padded of the available options from the series.
Sound
The sound capabilities of the S01 speaker element is convincing. Across the entire frequency range it delivers superior source reproduction, with a crisp transient display and a concise stereo image.
In my opinion, it’s not the wisest decision of the manufacturer to use weaker components like the E01 ear cushions and H01 headband as part of this Allround preset. It’s even more confusing when they’ve bundled in something as comparatively impressive as the C01 connection cable. However, maybe I’m wrong and music lovers have switched to mobile phones as their chief choice of audio player in recent years, with hands-free communication as important a requirement as anything else.
Technical specifications
- Ear couplingOver-ear
- Typeclosed
- Impedance33 ohms
- Sound pressure level (SPL)107,55 dB
- Pressure averaged from big and small head473,5 g
- Weight with cable173 g
- Weight without cable154 g
- Cable length145 cm
Special features
- Modular headphone system: all components are available separately, so that different scenarios are possible
