TFZ My Love Edition - Does It Still Deserve Love?

Pros :
Charming design
Metal design for robustness
Good bass
Generous unboxing experience

Cons :
Occasional bass-bleeds
Harsh higher mids
Average and artificial soundstage
Occasional congestion

I got these pair at a bargained prize from one of the members of a certain audiophile group and this is only a personal review. This is not sponsored in any way. The TFZ My Love Edition has been around for quite a long time now but that won't stop me from reviewing this beauty. This is the Chroma Edition, a silver and metal textured IEM which is different from the other variants when it comes to the material used. The other variants are made of plastic.

/ packaging /

Package is the usual TFZ packaging with a red metallic accent bearing the model name. Unboxing this IEM is a worthwhile experience because despite these IEMs being cheap they certainly did not disappoint their consumers with their generosity. I hope some company would learn a thing or two from TFZ hahaha! Anyways, we have a pouch, 7 pairs of silicone ear tips, a clip, and a well-made cable. Back when TFZ IEMs are released, their cables are cut above the rest compared to their competitors using the braided copper cable. So owning a TFZ on the early 2018 and 2019 is one hell of a premium experience.

/ sound /

LOWS :
Deep-reaching bass with a very thick and warm texture.
Rating : 4/5

MIDS :
The midbass is warm and thick. Laid-back and non-fatiguing.
Rating: 3/5

HIGHS :
The highs are average with enough air and detail retrieval. The highs are quite forgiving and no sibilance are observed.
Rating : 3/5

Soundstage and Imaging:
Soundstage is average but sounds artificial, separation is also average. There are times that some instruments may sound messy and congested.
Rating : 3/5

How does it compare to IEMs around the same price range?
All I can say is that new IEMs are now leaning to U-shaped signature while others still mainstreamed the V-shaped signature with improved tuning. There are so many good releases lately especially from NICEHCK, KZ, and CCA. TFZ MLE is one of the few dark-sounding IEM compared to its competitors but can still compete despite its age. Is it still worth buying? Before I answer this, the MLE is priced at around 1700 - 1899 PHP (Shopee Philippines) at that price point, personally no. There are new
releases that offer better and flexible sound at less the price. At 1700-2000 PHP you're better off with a BQEYZ KC2 or HZ Sound Heart Mirror. If you can find a TFZ MLE at a bargained prize like I did, then yes it is totally worth the money.

COMPARISONS:
TFZ My Love Edition (2019) vs CCA CA10 (2022)
Winner : CCA CA10
CCA's flagship CA10 easily wins this comparison due to CCA having a matured tuning than the dark tuning of TFZ MLE.

TFZ My Love Edition (2019) vs KZ X HBB DQ6S (2022)
Winner : KZ X HBB DQ6S
Both are heavy on the lower frequency but the MLE bleeds more on the other frequencies than the KZ. KZ's mids are also more natural compared to MLE's forward midrange presentation which sounded artificial and unnatural.

TFZ My Love Edition (2019) VS HZSound Heart Mirror (2020)
Winner : Heart Mirror
Leaning to a more neutral signature, the Heart Mirror easily wins this one. The HM may lack in the lows department but it compensates with clear and detailed vocals and controlled treble. Very effective for critical listeners on a budget.

FINAL SCORE

It might seem that TFZ never won to any IEMs I compared these comparisons are to be taken with a grain of salt. Your miles may still vary depending on your preference. In terms of sound, the MLE is still unique on its own way and if you can find an MLE at a cheaper price it is definitely worth taking a shot.