Nightjar Acoustics Singularity

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Introduction​

If you haven't heard of Nightjar Acoustics and the man behind it by now, now's a good time to get to know them.

Based in Singapore, Nightjar is arguably one of the best in-ear cable brands at the moment and is behind the cables for the renowned Subtonic STORM.

Chang, Nightjar's sole proprietor, is also part of the Subtonic team and it's in large part due to his passion and expertise that both Subtonic and Nightjar are flourishing.

Despite Nightjar's success, its pace of innovation hasn't stagnated. A few months ago, Nightjar unveiled its first in-ear, and the subject of today's review—the Nightjar Singularity.

The Nightjar Singularity used for this review is a personal unit.

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Unboxing​

The Nightjar Singularity is a single dynamic driver in-ear that retails for $1,300 USD.

The unit being reviewed is the launch edition with the upgraded stock cable, the 4-wire Vanguard (stock is 2-wire), which cost an additional $390.

The launch edition, now sold out, had a limited run of 100 units. Its faceplates showcase a polished 24k gold-plated ring and it comes packaged in a handsome Nightjar-branded bamboo box.

The unboxing experience is filled with character and has a sophisticated feel. The bamboo box adds a distinct touch and it's immediately apparent that a lot of passion and attention to detail went into the unboxing experience as a whole. Major plus points to Nightjar here.

The stock cable, Vanguard, is also super premium feeling. Both the 2-wire and 4-wire variants have great ergonomics and eye-catching, quality hardware. The termination is swappable between 4.4mm, 3.5mm, and 2.5mm plugs which come included.



Inside the box is the following:

• A pair of Singularities
• Nightjar Vanguard cable (2-wire stock, 4-wire for the upgraded cable)
• Metal puck case
• 4.4mm, 3.5mm, and 2.5mm swappable plugs
• Microfiber cloth
• Warranty card
• Subtonic house and Divinus Velvet eartips
• Nightjar stickers

Comfort​

The Singularity shells are small and lightweight weighing just 7 grams apiece. Its nozzles are on the shorter side, measuring 6.2mm wide and 4mm long.

The smaller nozzles can be a good or a bad thing. On one hand, it shouldn't be bothersome to listeners with smaller ear canals, but achieving a good seal can be challenging.

If you can get a good seal, the Singularity is comfortable enough for all-day use making it ideal for extended listening sessions, travel, and work.

Shell weight: 7g (each)
Nozzle width: 6.2mm
Nozzle length: 4mm

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Sources​

These are the main sources I used during the review process:

• iBasso DX320MAX Ti
• CMA Eighteen Master
• Shanling M9+

The Singularity is easy to drive so there shouldn't be an issue running it on any source. It sounds pretty good off an Apple dongle.

I tested Singularity using lossless files from Tidal and Pentaconn Coreir brass eartips. I elected for the Coreir brass tips because I found slightly accentuates the treble. I'll go over this in more detail in the sound impressions.

Sound Impressions​

Lows​

Measurements were taken on my personal IEC-711 clone coupler.

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The frequency response of the Singularity is L-shaped with a well-supported midrange, and a linear, unintrusive treble that some may find a tad dark-leaning.

Pre-listen, I anticipated being overwhelmed by the lows based on the measurements and this was the case, at least initially.

After getting more listening in I realized that while the Singularity does undoubtedly have a bass-forward signature, it coalesces well with the rest of its sound. For a bass-heavy signature, the FR still manages to sounds pretty balanced which may sound like a contradiction, but trust me when I say it just works.

Singularity has great bass quality by most metrics. It extends deep and can growl and slam with authority. The bass has a good weight with a softer initial edge. It's well-textured, fairly dynamic, and has a satisfying decay and dynamic driver "bounce".

As indulgent as the bass can be, it's not without issues. Singularity's lows are characterized by a warm, thick timbre that can occasionally come across a touch boomy or wooly. I also thought the bass could benefit from more agility and definition to go along with its muscularity, as well as better edge definition.

That said, I found Singularity's bass to be well-executed overall and I think the majority of people will find it enjoyable.

Mids​

Singularity's midrange is tokened by the same rich, lush timbre that permeate its lows. Both female and male vocals come across well-bodied, maybe a touch thick, especially on sources that already impart a generous note weight.

Vocals are overall pleasant but could benefit from more incisiveness and "breathiness". The midrange is fairly resolving but I felt that the perception of resolution could sound masked at times due to its thicker note weight.

Microdetails on stringed instruments like cellos and violins sounded a bit masked as well, though they had a pleasant timbre and solid microdynamics.

While sheer resolution is not the Singularity's forte, vocals and instruments in the midrange have an intangible enjoyability thanks to Singularity's excellent timbre.

Highs​

The treble on the Singularity can be characterized as neutral to slightly dark-leaning. It has a defined yet slightly rounded transient attack that could use more incisiveness, and is fatigue-proof all at once.

The treble is perceptibly peak-free with good extension but does have a gentle roll-off in the uppermost reaches of the treble. Due to its good extension, upper harmonics are well-captured preventing it from sounding overly dark or compromising timbre.

Overall, I found Singularity's treble to be serviceable and somewhat unremarkable. This isn't necessarily a bad thing considering many in-ears in Singularity's price range and higher are often littered with problematic peaks.

Even so, I would have liked a little more treble vibrance, airiness, and sustain. I found the treble polite and mostly complementary to Singularity's lows and mids.

Swapping to Pentaconn Coreir brass eartips helped give a subtle boost to treble presence and openness, but ultimately, Singularity's treble largely plays it safe.

Detail and Imaging​

As mentioned, I don't think resolution is a strength of the Singularity. I think the resolution is pretty good for its price point but I felt that some details sounded masked due to its thicker note weight.

Staging also comes across a bit intimate, though it opens up considerably on more powerful sources. Singularity scales pretty impressively as the quality of sources improve, perhaps more so than most other in-ears that I've heard.

Tonality​

Singularity has a tonality that emphasizes the low end but in a way that still manages to sound cohesive and balanced.

The note weight is slightly thicker than normal so I’d caution using it with sources that are already very thick and warm, like the HiBy RS6, that may push Singularity into muddy territory.

To my ears, Singularity shined the most on neutral/neutral-bright sources which I found played back most, if not all, of my music very well.

Dynamics​

Singularity has solid macrodynamic and microdynamic performance for its price bracket. To illustrate this, here's a test track that I use to test microdynamics:


On this track, Singularity clearly renders the microdynamic fluctuations among the string bows.

For macrodynamics, I like to use this track:



At the track's beginning, there is a gradual crescendo that begins from the onset of the two bass notes, peaking at the 2:06 mark. Then, it gets quiet again until a sudden dynamic surge at about 2:31.

The Singularity reproduces these macrodynamic swings very well. It won't give you Subtonic Storm or Annihilator-level dynamics but it's certainly not lacking in this regard.

Strengths And Shortcomings​

Here are some strengths and shortcomings of the Singularity:

Strengths:

• Rich, textured bass.
• Lush timbre.
• Safe yet engaging tuning.
• Great build, stock cable, and accessories.
• Lightweight and comfortable.
• Fatigue-free and genre-agnostic.

Shortcomings:

• Could be more resolving and incisive.
• May lack some treble vibrance for some.
• Some may find the tuning too safe.
• Minor bass boom/wooliness.

Intangibles​

Intangibly, I find Singularity's timbre very pleasant to listen to, especially for longer sessions. Its combination of great tuning, excellent timbre, and slightly rounded transients mean that it's largely genre-agnostic and free of fatigue.

The timbral and tuning qualities of Singularity are such that they won't unduly grab at you for attention, making them a good choice for more relaxed listening sessions and for work.

As a point of comparison, a set like the Annihilator that has an aggressive tuning and sound may get fatiguing or distracting quicker.

Broadly speaking, Singularity's timbre reminds me of the timbre of the 7th Acoustics Supernova which has garnered much acclaim. Both these sets sport relatively safe tunings as well.

If great timbre and competent tuning are high on your index, Singularity and the Supernova are both sets you should give some thought to.

Pro-Tip​

Having owned the Singularity for quite some time by now, I noticed that a lot of the timbral characteristics I mentioned originate from the stock Vanguard cable which has a creamy and smooth sound signature.

It's a very distinct sound and full of character, but if you wanted to try to achieve a tighter bass, added dynamics, or more clarity, you can always try some cable-rolling. A reason why you might try this is if you find Singularity in its stock configuration overly thick and smooth for your tastes.

Personally, I keep the stock Vanguard cable on, but I enjoy swapping cables now and again depending on my mood and playlist.

Comparisons​

Monarch MK3​

The Monarch MK3 is the successor to the immensely popular Monarch MK2, improving upon an already great product with slightly improved techs and a more engaging tuning. It is, in my opinion, one of the benchmarks at the $1k USD mark.

So, how does the Singularity stack up?

Starting with the bass, both sets have good texturing abilities and ample punch but suffer from some leading edge softness. It's been some time since I've heard the Monarch MK3 but I remember its transient edge feeling slightly bloated as well. I think Singularity's bass does a better job with feeling coherent with the rest of the frequency spectrum, whereas the Monarch MK3's feels a little more disjointed in comparison.

The midrange on the Monarch MK3 sounds more forward compared to Singularity's. Both sets have a nice midrange timbre, the Monarch's sounding sweeter and euphonic, and the Singularity's sounding thicker and honeyed. I hear the Monarch's midrange to be slightly more resolving with a more natural vocal decay, whereas Singularity's vocal decay seems to end prematurely.

The treble region of the Monarch MK3 is what I'd consider to be slightly elevated compared to neutral. It's resolving but plagued by a sense of forced detail, etch, and tizziness. On the other hand, Singularity's treble tuning is more neutral and reserved than the Monarch's. There's still plenty of detail with decent transient definition and extension.

Overall, I think the Monarch MK3 is better on paper, possessing superior techs and better value for money, but I think Singularity is a more refined product overall due to its relative lack of tuning flaws, better coherence, and better build/accessories.

7th Acoustics Supernova​

I first heard about the Supernova in Precogvision's review about a year or two ago where they were hailed as a set with near-immaculate timbre and coherency.

Since Singularity is a set that I also consider to have similar strengths, I thought these two sets would be fun to compare despite their $500 discrepancy in MSRP.

From memory, Supernova's bass had more of a mid-bass focus with good punch and bass dynamics. Singularity's bass is more balanced between sub-bass and mid-bass and slightly more textured, though its bass has a softer leading edge.

Both sets have a thicker, smooth timbre in the midrange. Supernova's vocals feel slightly recessed compared to Singularity's which sound like they're placed neither back or forward. Because of their smoothness, I see both the Supernova and Singularity as sets that can be used for hours on end with minimal fatigue.

Both sets have a mostly even, well-extended treble, with Supernova's having a touch more liveliness and sparkle compared to Singularity's.

Supernova has surprisingly good stereo imaging and sounds particularly wide. Singularity's separation and imaging are decent, if somewhat unspectacular.

Supernova's Achille's heel is its resolution which suffers from over-smoothing and some transient smearing, particularly in its midrange. Singularity isn't particularly resolving for its price either, but it does manage to be more resolving than Supernova by a decent margin.

Overall, these two sets are closer than their prices would dictate. Both sets offer some similar things, and Supernova is definitely a better value for money. But if you don't mind shelling out for a better build, stock cable, and resolution, Singularity may be worth a look.

Coming soon: comparisons to Symphonium Titan and Elysian x Effect Audio Pilgrim Noir

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Conclusion​

So, how does Nightjar's inaugural IEM fare against the best of the current kilobuck crop? Quite well I think.

While Singularity isn't likely to blow away those accustomed to top-tier techs around the $1-1.5k USD price range, it's an in-ear that I feel understands what it's trying to accomplish and doesn't abandon it all in the single-minded pursuit of resolution at all costs.

What Singularity is is an in-ear with a distinct Nightjar sound—a thoughtful balance of timbre, tuning, and good technicalities, all housed in a quality build, and crafted with passion and a clear vision.

All said, I think Singularity is a successful debut from Nightjar, establishing them as not only a cable company but as one of the few companies that can craft both cables and in-ears at the highest level.

Currently, Nightjar is a few prototypes into its sophomore effort, Singularity's big brother—the Duality. The latest prototype possessed the familiar Nightjar sound but with an even bigger bass and much improved techs.

It's clear that Nightjar is a company with a rising star. One that has already accomplished so much in a short span and that we can expect to keep pushing the envelope. I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for what they have in store next.

What's Next​

• Next up, I'll be reviewing the Soranik MEMS-3S, a unique IEM that utilizes MEMS technology.
• Then, I'll be working on a shoot-out between the Tanchjim Kara, AFUL MagicOne, and Truthear Nova.
• Finally, I have future reviews planned for the Melodic Artification Alter Ego and the Elysian x Effect Audio Pilgrim Noir, and an impressions post of the Symphonium Titan.

There are many things ahead. Thank you and stay tuned!

Hello everyone, and thank you for joining me. Today, I'll be reviewing the highly-praised single-DD driver iems, Nightjar Acoustics Singularity. These iems have been widely praised in the community. Nightjar released the first batch of iems in July 2023, and they sold out very soon. There have been more batch releases since then. I had the opportunity to borrow these IEMs from a friend for a few days, and it's worth noting that they had been used extensively before I received them, ensuring they were properly burned in. All these things I am going to mention in this review are totally my thoughts and not influenced by anything.


Rating Criteria:

I want to lay out my rating criteria before we start off. For me, the primary criterion for evaluating audio gear is its intrinsic value rather than its price tag. A higher price doesn't always correlate with superior quality, and similarly, a low-priced product can give enough listening pleasure for it to be called outstanding. I consider the build, features, and, most importantly, the impact on the listening experience. The fundamental purpose of audio gear is to enhance the listening experience. So for me, this degree of enhancement in the listening experience is a key determinant in rating a product.

Rating below 4: I really won't be posting reviews of such items unless someone has asked for them.
Rating of 4: The product is good, and some users may find it more satisfactory, but it does come with a few caveats, such as price, fit, etc.
Rating of 4.5: The product is excellent and comes with an easy recommendation, reflecting its high quality and overall positive attributes.
Rating of 5: This product can be deemed groundbreaking, a trendsetter, and an eye-opener and deserves a spot on everyone's list due to its exceptional features and outstanding performance.


Configuration (from the website):



Design, build, fit:

Singularity is a work of art. From the box to accessories to the iems and cable, everything speaks highly of the craftsmanship that Nightjar has put in. The bamboo box in which these iems come is so beautiful and special. Then comes the beautiful metal case, which has a very nice finish with ample space inside. There is a very decent collection of eartips, notably the Divinus Velvet Eartips, which also come with these iems.

The cable is something very special again, which is priced at 500 USD, and it pairs very well with the iems too. It's on a thinner side and tangles easily, though. I would have preferred it just a bit stiffer.

The iems are quite small, having a metal body that feels really sturdy. The nozzle lies on the shorter side and is angled slightly. Some people may have some fit issues. The eartip selection is important, as I felt it pairs well with some eartips with solid insertion to hold the iems in the ear properly. I paired them with the Azla SednaEarfit Light eartips, which give a proper fit with a decent amount of isolation. Notably, these tips also open up these iems more than the Divinus Velvet tips. Additionally, the Coreir brass tips help open up the sound as they give extra energy to the upper mids and treble region.

Additionally, there is a vent present on the iems which mitigates pressure buildup. I encountered no issues of pressure buildup during my time with them. I also never encountered any driver flex in these iems.



Sound Analysis:

Singularity boasts a highly musical and timbre-perfect sound. The sound has a warm signature that is very natural and rich in tonality, something that can align with everyone's preferences. There is a very good amount of bass, some great mids and a very coherent sound, which makes it quite pleasant. The smaller shells and non-fatiguing nature of sound help with long sessions.

Bass:

The bass is quite special on these iems. There is speed, impact, and a powerful bass, which goes really deep. The quantity is quite massive for a single DD iem. It's not a basshead level of bass, but there is surely a good amount of bass there, which can satisfy someone's hunger. There is a boosted bass, so this bass may perceived as not very crisp and precise, but it fits well in regards to a DD bass definition.

There is no bass bleeding into the mids, but the boosted bass does add to the overall richness in the sound. There is a noticeable subbass rumble, which makes the bass a lot more enjoyable. One good thing is that despite the heavy bass, there is no listening fatigue as I find with some other bass-heavy iems. This bass is just the right amount, quite enjoyable, a pure bliss. I find it quite incredible.

Mids:

The mids on Singularity are very special. They are sweet and natural, perfectly positioned—neither far behind nor too upfront. Mids have good weight and gains from the lower end, especially the lower mids. The vocals are rich. Both male and female vocals are quite open and lush.

The string instruments also sound very rich. The upper mids are quite controlled, and the extension of the string instruments is very smooth and pleasant with enough body. It does not have any sharpness up top, which makes it quite non-fatiguing to listen to.


Treble:

The treble on these iems is not quite a highlight. It lacks a bit of energy and air in this frequency range, resulting in a more laid-back and relaxed treble response. I am not much of a treble head so this quantity is just enough to me. Importantly, there's an absence of undesirable sharpness and sibilance, making these IEMs well-tuned and safe in that regard. It's worth noting that, despite the robust bass, it doesn't overshadow the treble, maintaining a balanced and clear audio profile without any sense of darkness.

The selection of ear tips can significantly impact the perception of treble. For a better treble experience, the Coreir Brass tips are the ideal choice, as they add a subtle boost of energy and openness to the upper frequencies. The sound dispersion is notably improved when using these tips.



Source Synergy:

Singularity is quite easy to drive. It has a good synergy with the sources I tried, LPGT and Earmen Angel. However, to my surprise, the Angel has a better synergy with these iems than the LPGT. Angel has a slightly bright profile and is quite powerful, both of which are added advantages for the IEMs. Angel adds a bit to the missing treble airiness in Singularity. The sound is more open and spacious, too. I absolutely liked their pairing with Angel. One thing to add is that these iems open up quite a lot with additional power. Paired with the Aroma A100TB amp, they opened up a lot with a massive, larger-than-life-like sound.

With the Astell&Kern SP3000, these iems sound quite open, as the dap adds a lot to the soundstage. The pairing with this dap is better than with the LPGT.

Cable pairing:

The included cable with these iems is truly exceptional, and I believe it requires no alterations or enhancements. Nightjar also manufactures some good-quality cables, and they have demonstrated their cable expertise with these iems, ensuring an optimal pairing. The default cable exhibits outstanding synergy, and its market value of 525 USD signifies its superiority over cables offered by many other iems manufacturers.


Technicalities:

The soundstage on Singularity is above average, if not very impressive. There is a good sense of spaciousness in the sound, and with some powerful sources, there is quite an improvement, and the stage spreads out far and wide. Imaging on these iems is quite nice, and you can position instruments easily. The resolution and clarity are very impressive too. The notes sound clean and crisp. I think for an iem of this price, the technicalities are more than impressive.


Comparision:

Sennheiser IE900:

IE900 is another much-respected single-DD iem. I find both of them equally good fitting. IE900 is weightless and simply disappears in the ears. With the right eartips, they stick quite nicely and easily inside the ears. Initially, while using the IE900, I had this sensation of the iems popping out quite often because I did not have the best-fitting eartips on it.

Both of these iems have different sound flavors to offer. Singularity has clearly a lot more bass (boom) than the IE900. IE900 has a good amount of bass but is not as overwhelming as Singularity. It's bass is crisp and precise. It has more energetic tuning with some spice up top. Mids and treble are more relaxed on Singularity.

Softear Twilight:

Twilight is another great single-DD iem. It boasts a timbre-perfect sound signature. Though it looks a bit bigger than Singularity, thanks to its super lightweight design, it's quite easy to use. The shape, though very unorthodox, does not bother me much.

Both of these iems are quite similar in their sound presentation. They have an almost similar technical presentation too. The big difference is obvious with the huge bass impact Singularity has. Mids and treble are equally relaxed on both of these iems. With the right amount of bass on the Twilight and more forward mids, as well as the significant price difference, it becomes tough to pick a winner between the two.






Conclusion:

When I tried the Sony IER-Z1R, it almost reminded me of Singularity. The sounds on these two are quite different, but somehow I related a few things. The bass on both of these iems is too good and equally satisfying, and they both are very musical iems. And for the people who have a fit issue with the Z1R, they can really find peace with the Singularity and not miss much.


To be honest, this iem has its own league. It stands out in the crowd of single DD iems with its massive bass and a very pleasant timbre. It feels like it has been tuned and designed following a rule book, keeping fun aspects in mind. It does not sound like a totl killer, nor will it give you a super wow kick in the beginning. It will grow on you. You can wear them comfortably for hours without any fatigue, which is what I really like about them. The overall package provides a very satisfying ownership experience. These iems have everything to be one's favorite. It's quite impressive of Nightjar to build something like Singularity, which gives a good insight into what one can expect from future releases. I rate these iem 5/5.

If the opening scene would be a spaceship landing on a desert-barren planet where, inside a derelict bazar partially drowned by sandstorms, a wooden box would be dug out of the sand, carefully set on a table and opened to reveal the Nightjar Acoustics’s Singularity — they’d be right at home.

While the IEMs have been paid at retail price out of the author’s pocket, I would nonetheless like to send my heartfelt thanks to Zeppelin & Co. for making this purchase possible — thank you so much guys!


The object — Equally ancient and futuristic in design, the Singularity are understated yet elegantly crafted IEMs one cannot help but feel are special.

The IEM have a nice heft to them and have an artisanal, handcrafted, flair that is a joy to hold — not to mention the choice of materials for this launch edition.

Having learned to appreciate thin and flexible cables, the 2-wire Vanguard cable with multiple terminations is not only a perfect match for the Singularity but also among the very few bundled IEM cables that strike a balance in terms of flexibility, looks and quality.


Fit & Comfort — The shells are small enough with well-rounded corners to fit most. The nozzles are however on the short and thick side. Although they did end-up providing a decently comfortable fit, they lean more towards Oriolus (usually a no-go here) than Campfire Audio (usually perfect).

The vents ensure a genuine pressure-free listen, even on bass-heavy tracks though one might be surprised to read what follows on this particular topic.

Tips used: Subtonic House Tips — note that tips will impact the sound a significant extent in this case and impressions can strongly differ in-between listeners


Sound — The Singularity present an engaging yet relaxing but especially, musical, natural yet articulate, and fatigue-free listen with one of the most natural timbre and soundstage heard to date.

Textures are present but will vary depending on how the track was mastered which is somewhat of an underappreciated quality. While the low-end emphasis is there, it does not hit anywhere near what graphs might imply. If the Singularity's low-end makes you ponder, the take here is that its quality is likely going to impress you more than its quantity. In that regard, the Singularity can surprisingly be genre-agnostic.

As the cable allows for swapping terminations, the following differences have been noted using sources with similar single-ended and balanced implementations: balanced sounds tighter and more controlled all the while remaining a relax listen whereas single-ended sounds less controlled and more relaxed.

Files / Sources used: CD-quality FLAC bought from Qobuz & Tidal HiFi streaming / Sony ZX507, NW-WM1AM2 (Direct Source: On) & Aune M1p


Conclusion — There’s IEMs you listen to and compare to others and there’s IEMs you just listen to. The Nightjar Acoustic Singularity distinctly fall into the latter category.

The wooden box and metal case of the launch edition are, for the price, just the cherry on top rounding up a boutique audiophile product with a sound I foresee many will hunt down in a certain online bazaar years down the line.

The Singularity are pure bliss and a genuinely singular IEM — hats off Nightjar Acoustics!