1MORE Penta Driver P50 Review – Wired Earbuds with DLC Dynamic Driver & 4 Planar Diaphragm Drivers

I originally reviewed the 1MORE E1001 triple drive earbuds back in 2017 when wired earbuds were much more common.

While true wireless earbuds dominate the market, many audiophiles refuse to give up on their wired earbuds due to the improved audio quality that a wire provides vs the compression of Bluetooth.

1MORE is one of the few companies on the market that focuses on multi-driver earbuds. The benefit of multi-driver earbuds is that each driver will cater for different frequencies. Typically, you will have a  dynamic driver for the bass, while balanced armature drivers handle the mid and high frequencies.

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	1MORE Penta Driver Wired In-Ear Earphones, Hi-Res Certified...	No ratings yet	£169.99	Buy on Amazon

Specification

• Type: In-Ear      
• Product Weight: 21 g
• Cable Length: 1.25 m
• Control with MEMS Mic: Available
• Wire Material: Silver Plated Oxygen-Free Copper Wire 
• Plug: 3.5 mm Gold Plated
• Frequency Range: 20-40,000 Hz
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Sensitivity: 105 dB
• Rated Power: 5 mW

Five Drivers: DLC dynamic driver with 4 planar units

The primary attraction of the P50s is its five-driver configuration, where a single DLC dynamic driver is complemented by four planar units.

The four balanced armature drivers aim to provide an expansive soundstage. This technology claims to achieve remarkable instrument separation and aims to deliver a natural, lifelike audio representation.

This unique arrangement aims to deliver an unparalleled sound experience, covering a frequency range from 20Hz to 40kHz.

Cable, MMCX connectors & USB-C Adaptor

In contrast to the current trend of wireless earbuds, the P50s are wired using a 1.25m long cable made of silver-plated, oxygen-free copper.

The cable, equipped with MMCX connectors, allows for easy replacement if it ever gets damaged, or alternatively, you can upgrade to a better-quality cable.

Additionally, the earphones come with a USB-C adaptor, making them compatible with modern smartphones lacking a 3.5mm headphone jack.

1MORE Penta Driver P50 Unboxing, Design and Fit

Unboxing the P50s reveals not only the earphones but also a variety of accessories. You get an impressive selection of silicone and foam ear tips in different sizes, a USB-C adaptor, and a fabric-carrying pouch.

The P50s exhibit a sleek design with an over-ear configuration with 45-degree angled nozzles for a secure fit.

The earbuds are lightweight at just 21g and come with silicone and foam eartips in multiple sizes for comfort and noise isolation up to -28dB.

Getting a comfortable fit with the P50s might take a few tries, primarily due to the over-ear design.

However, once you get the hang of it, the earbuds sit securely with the ear hook design, preventing the earbuds from falling out, and the passive noise isolation enhances the listening experience.

1MORE Penta Driver P50 Sound Quality

During my time with the P50 earbuds, I used them with the included USB-C adaptor on my Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. I also used it with the Khadas Tea DAC Bluetooth headphone amplifier, and then on my PC, I used them with the FiiO K5 Pro Desktop DAC.

The sound quality of the P50s is, undoubtedly, their standout feature. The five-driver setup within each earbud delivers a balanced and dynamic sound, capturing details across different frequencies.

Clarity and Range

It may come as no surprise, but these don’t have the same sound profile as mainstream TWS earbuds, which often use a single driver. The notable difference is that the bass only stands out when needed and doesn’t overwhelm the other frequencies.  

However, the bass and sub-bass offer impressive depth, adding an energetic layer to the overall sound.

I found that the P50s excel in reproducing clear and detailed audio, thanks to the wide frequency range their five drivers cover. The high-end sounds are sharp without being harsh, while the mids and vocals are warm and detailed.

The planar diaphragm drivers do an exemplary job of reproducing instrumental details and vocal clarity.

Handling Different Genres

These earbuds can handle a variety of music genres with ease. Whether it’s the energetic beats of pop music or the intricate details of classical compositions, the P50s deliver an engaging sound experience. The expansive soundstage gives a sense of being enveloped by your songs, adding to the immersive audio experience.

Price and Alternative Options

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	1MORE Penta Driver Wired In-Ear Earphones, Hi-Res Certified...	No ratings yet	£169.99	Buy on Amazon

The 1MORE Penta Driver P50 are available to buy now from Amazon with an RRP of £169.99 / $169.99.

If that price is a bit steep for you, 1MORE also have the older triple or quad driver earbuds at more affordable price points:

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Earphones Hi-Res Headphones with...	No ratings yet	£69.99	Buy on Amazon
	1MORE Quad Driver In-Ear Earphones Hi-Res High Fidelity...	No ratings yet	£119.00	Buy on Amazon

• 1MORE Triple Driver is available for £70 with a £15 off voucher available at the time of writing.
• 1MORE Quad Driver is currently (and frequently) priced at £89.99 available on Amazon.

I am a bit out of the loop with wired earbuds, but some alternatives to consider are:

• Sennheiser IE 200
  • Well reviewed single driver wired earbuds
  • Around £130
  • Buy from Amazon
• FiiO FH5s
  • 2x balanced armature +2 dynamic driver High-Resolution in-Ear Earbuds which have unique 3 sound adjustment switches built into the earbud
• • Around: £220
  • Buy from Amazon
• Letshuoer S12 Pro
  • 14.8mm Planar Magnetic Driver
  • Around: £140
  • Buy from Amazon

Conclusion

The 1MORE Penta Driver P50 presents a compelling case for wired earbuds in a market dominated by wireless options. With a unique five-driver configuration, a comfortable fit, and impressive sound quality, these earbuds are worth considering for audiophiles that don’t want to spend several hundred pounds.

What I like about the 1MORE Penta Driver P50

• Impactful and detailed sound
• Comfortable and secure fit
• Replaceable cable and MMCX connectors
• Don’t have to worry about the battery dying

What I am less keen on

• The cable can tangle easily
• The over-ear design may take time to get used to

In conclusion, the 1MORE Penta Driver P50 wired earbuds offer an engaging listening experience, comfort, and the potential for longevity thanks to their replaceable cable.

I won’t be ditching my Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earbuds any time soon as I still prefer these for the gym, but I have found myself using the P50 earbuds quite a lot. I particularly like them while in the office, where I don’t have the music dialled up and can appreciate all the added detail that these penta-driver earbuds achieve.

James Smythe( Editor-in-chief )

I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.

As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.

In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.

I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.

Last update on 2024-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API