Overview

CVJ Medusa is a 149 USD single dynamic-driver in-ear monitor featuring a 10 mm beryllium-plated diaphragm, dual magnets, dual chambers and a semi-open, CNC-machined aluminum shell [1]. The cable includes interchangeable 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm plugs, and the connector is 0.78 mm 2-pin [1]. CVJ positions Medusa as a flagship single-DD model in its range, distributed globally via Linsoul.

Scientific Validity

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There are currently no credible third-party measurements (FR/THD/IMD, isolation, etc.) published for Medusa. The product page lists only general claims such as “minimizes distortion” and “crystal-clear imaging” without numeric test data or conditions [1]. In the absence of independently verified FR deviation (±dB) across 20 Hz–20 kHz or distortion levels under typical IEM listening SPLs, Medusa’s audible transparency cannot be substantiated. Therefore the score is set below average pending independent lab data.

Technology Level

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A beryllium-plated diaphragm, dual-magnet motor and dual-chamber semi-open shell are established engineering approaches aimed at reducing breakup modes, improving control and managing internal pressure. Machined metal construction and the modular 3.5/4.4 mm cable are well executed for the price. However, none of these are category-leading innovations in 2025; similar implementations are common among peers.

Cost-Performance

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Current market price of Medusa: 149 USD [1].
Per our methodology, we select the single cheapest equal-or-better alternative by user-visible functions and measured performance across classes.

• Comparator: 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 (detachable 2-pin IEM), regular 24.99 USD [3] + required 4.4 mm balanced 2-pin cable (Tripowin Jelly) 32.39 USD [4] to normalize Medusa’s included balanced plug.
• Equivalence note: Zero:2 provides the same core function (wired IEM playback with detachable 2-pin cable); third-party databases show balanced, target-conforming FR on B&K 5128/IEC60318-4 rigs, meeting or exceeding neutrality-focused baselines [5]. With measurements available for Zero:2 while Medusa has none, Zero:2 is judged equal-or-better on measured fidelity.

CP calculation (USD):
(24.99 + 32.39) ÷ 149 = 0.385 → rounded to 0.4

Reliability & Support

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Distribution via Linsoul provides a 1-year warranty for IEMs and 3-month warranty for cables/adapters [7]. This is industry-average coverage. Long-term field reliability data specific to CVJ remains limited; service infrastructure is typical of Chinese direct-to-consumer brands.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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Medusa’s materials and acoustic structures are directionally rational for improving control and comfort (semi-open pressure management). However, non-publication of independent measurements and reliance on marketing descriptors reduce confidence that the design is being validated against audibility-relevant metrics. The approach appears pragmatic but insufficiently measurement-driven in public documentation.

Advice

If you prioritize proven fidelity per measurement, start with the 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 and add a basic 4.4 mm cable if needed; you’ll obtain target-conforming tonality at a fraction of Medusa’s price [3][4][5]. If you specifically want a metal shell and bundled 3.5/4.4 mm plugs, Medusa’s hardware bundle is attractive, but we recommend waiting for independent FR/THD data before purchase. Well-documented mid-priced alternatives also exist (e.g., TruthEar Nova), but those do not change the CP outcome because cheaper, measured-transparent options are available.

References

[1] Linsoul – “CVJ Medusa | Flagship Dynamic Driver In-Ear Monitors”, https://www.linsoul.com/products/cvj-medusa (accessed 2025-08-23). Key specs: 10 mm DD, 0.78 mm 2-pin, 3.5/4.4 plugs.
[3] Linsoul – “7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2”, regular price shown 24.99 USD, https://www.linsoul.com/products/7hz-x-crinacle-zero-2 (accessed 2025-08-23).
[4] Tripowin – “Tripowin Jelly IEM Cable (2-pin 0.78 mm, 4.4 mm)”, current price 32.39 USD, https://tripowin.com/products/tripowin-jelly (accessed 2025-08-23).
[5] Crinacle / Hangout.Audio – “5128 IEM Graph Database & Tool”, https://graph.hangout.audio/iem/5128/ (accessed 2025-08-23).
[7] Linsoul – “Return Policy & Warranty”, 1-year IEM / 3-month cable coverage, https://www.linsoul.com/pages/return-policy-and-warranty (accessed 2025-08-23).

(2025.8.23)