DISCLAIMER: Warbler Audio provided me with the Prelude in return for my honest opinion. I am not personally affiliated with the company in any way, nor do I receive any monetary rewards for a positive evaluation. The review is as follows.
Warbler Audio is a Turkish in-ear manufacturer, relatively unknown until their sky-rocket to stardom throughout the back end of 2017. Finally making their debut in a review written by our very own jelt2359, it wasn’t long before talk of their premiere product – the Prelude – spread like wildfire. It ranked 4th overall on flinkenick’s Ranking the Stars TOTL shootout, and quickly became a favourite amongst midrange enthusiasts worldwide – all the result of six years in R&D and one, exceptionally-tuned balanced-armature driver. To revisit the Prelude’s long and arduous birth; you can read Jason’s interview with the company here. But history aside, the Prelude has been impactful for a reason: A fusion of vintage sensibilities and modern technique, resulting in an IEM that captures both methodical skill and timbral beauty.
Warbler Audio Prelude
- Driver count: One balanced-armature driver
- Impedance: N/A
- Sensitivity: N/A
- Key feature(s) (if any): N/A
- Available form factor(s): Custom acrylic IEM
- Price: $1099
- Website: www.warbleraudio.net
Build and Accessories
Warbler Audio’s Prelude arrives in a Peli 1010 case alongside a Linum BaX cable, cleaning tool and desiccant. Like I’ve expressed before, this is the bare minimum as far as packaging and accessories are concerned. I attribute the lack of flair to Warbler Audio’s infancy. But, considering the impressive build quality they’ve achieved with their debut, I’d love to see them apply the same discipline towards visual presentation. Branding has become as important as ever nowadays, with many companies worldwide offering spare cases, soft pouches, microfibre cloths, etc. I appreciate Warbler Audio’s immense focus towards sound, but presentation is something much worth considering down the line.
Despite their workmanlike approach towards packaging, Warbler Audio have certainly flexed their muscles in build. My Prelude is an exceptionally-crafted piece; bested only by a select few in my collection. Apart from the multitude of colours available on their webpage, Warbler Audio allow customers to pick from a wide variety of woods among other miscellaneous materials – such as the one on their Instagram page here. I opted for Padauk wood faceplates and glittered black shells, topped off with Warbler Audio’s sterling silver logo; a gorgeous combo if I may say so myself. The only knack I have with regards to build is a lack of symmetry between the left and right units, but that could be attributed to the quality of my ear impressions. Plus, I can hardly call it a fault if fit and finish are perfect either way.