Packaging is pretty good given the price. Paying 37 SGD (promotional price) for it, I think it is not bad, much better than the blister packagings used in cheap in-ears and earbuds.
Accessories is really amazing at the price, in fact it beats a lot of IEMs many times the price in terms of accessories. It comes with 3 pairs of silicone tips (one mounted on the PL-30 itself), 3 pairs of foam tips, a pair of bi-flanges (which I liked using), a shirt clip, a pair of over-the-ear guides, and a hard case. Amazing value, for a 37SGD IEM.
It looks very discreet, and very unassuming, since the material used is matte rubberized plastic, which I think it will get sticky with time. Some of you might think the design seems strange, but it is so because it is an over the ear design, and this design allows it to say comfortable in the ear for long periods.
With this kind of unconventional design at budget level, is it comfortable? Well yes, in fact I slept with it in my ears often, and it doesn't hurt at all. The over the ears design spreads the weight over the ear, allowing for extended periods of listening.
Build quality is about average for the PL-30. While the rubberized body feels good, it might get sticky with time. Strain reliefs are good, and it ends with an L-plug at the end. The biggest issue to me is the bass knobs (the main gimmick of this earphone), which seem to be a little loose and might get worse with time if one fiddles with it a lot.
Isolation is below average due to the shallow fit. I prefer the bi-flanges since it gives me the best fit on this shallow-fitting IEM. Yes, I believe it works well on public transport, but not exactly on long flights where sometimes engine noise becomes unbearable. If you are looking for something more isolating I suggest you look elsewhere.
With regards to the sound, this is the earphone that truly allowed me to find out my desired sound signature. Bass is pretty tight at that price point. It is also accurate as well, but not much impact, unlike my sister's PL-11. Bassheads stay away, this IEM will definitely not satisfy your bass cravings. Turning the bass knob has little effect on the bass, only increasing the impact slightly, giving it a warmer signature.
The mids are forward and smooth, being quite balanced with a bit of warmth when the bass knob is turned. It isn't as forward or dominant as say the PL-50, but definitely not recessed as compared to the PL-11. In fact, the mids are what I like about this IEM, and is what defines my desired sound signature.
Treble is laid back, with little sparkle. It is not harsh nor sibilant, allowing me to listen to music for extended periods.
Soundstage is said to be amazing at the price, being large and airy at that price. Being large, positioning is fairly accurate and seperation is good at the price.
Yes, I like this IEM, and I believe it is a good choice for people on a tight budget., but with the E30 introduced and the PL-30 being retired, I believe more people will favor the more pleasant E30 over the PL-30.
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