NF Acous NA20 Review: Musical Earbuds at $119 Offering Exceptional Sound

Explore the NF Acous NA20 earbuds delivering rich bass and musical warmth in a highly competitive $100-$150 price range.

Introduction to NF Acous NA20

Hey there! Today, we’re diving into the NF Acous NA20, a fresh release from NF Acous Audio (formerly NF Audio), priced at about $119. I was pretty excited to check these out, mainly because the $100–$150 bracket is bustling with fierce competition in the audio world, making any standout product a real gem.

Another reason? NF Acous has always been a brand I respect, and I haven’t listened to their stuff for a while. These NA20s fall under their "Musical Series" of in-ear monitors, and I was itching to hear what magic they brought to the table.

About NF Acous

I’ve had some experience with NF Acous/NF Audio's in-ear monitors, spending time with models like the NFAudio NM2+, NFAudio NM2, NFAudio NA2+, and NFAudio NA2. Even though it’s been years, these models could still compete well today.

NF Audio was founded in 2014 by Felix Yang, a 17-year-old whose passion ignited from a pair of Hi-Fi in-ear monitors. That spark led him into mixing and recording, eventually building a brand focused on delivering excellent sound quality.

In 2024, the brand refreshed itself as NF Acous, breathing new life into their legacy.

Brand Vision

NF Acous aims to "Create the best acoustic experience for every stage." Their mission revolves around professionalism, artistry, diversification, and international outreach. They promise to keep innovating, exploring emerging markets, and building a strong distribution system so that every mood finds a home and every sound a loyal fan.

The Competition

The $100–$150 market is crowded with killer IEMs. The NF Acous NA20 stands out with its sound signature that’s energetic, smooth, and deeply musical — perfect for those who savor emotional connection with music.

These earbuds aren't for everyone due to their distinct tonal personality, but they truly shine for listeners chasing that specific warmth and vibrancy.

Test Gear Used

• Shanling UP6
• Shanling UA6
• Ifi Go Blu
• EPZ TP50
• Shanling HO
• Fiio JM21
• IBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2
• Shanling M6 Ultra
• Fiio Q15

Packaging & Accessories

Unboxing Experience

The box is almost square (about 15 x 12.7 x 7.6 cm), with a stylish amber sleeve and black accents featuring the earbuds and product specs. NF Acous always nails a unique unboxing vibe, and this one is no exception.

Inside, you find two smaller magnet-secured boxes: one holding the case and manual, the other containing the earbuds nicely nestled in a foam-padded “CD-like” cardboard layer. Underneath are the accessories — silicone tips in four sizes (XS to L) and a 6.35mm to 3.5mm adapter.

This creative packaging sets a premium tone well above average for the price.

Stickers Surprise

NF Acous threw in a cool sticker pack — a delightful bonus for early buyers!

Ear Tips

The included silicone tips are white, shallow-fit with wide nozzles — decent but not perfect for everyone. For my ears, I needed firmer flanges for a better seal, so I swapped in tips similar to KBear 07, which fit perfectly.

The stock tips still make sense, especially for this style of earbud.

Carrying Case

The case is small and pocket-friendly, snugly fitting the earbuds and the included cable. It’s black fabric-covered, zippered, and has a mesh pocket inside. Just don’t expect to fit extra cables or accessories here.

Cable

The provided cable is ultra-thin, rubbery, and sticky-feeling — functional but not stunning in looks. It’s a 2-pin QDC style terminating in a 3.5mm jack, made from OFC 6N copper with gold plating.

I swapped in an Artti modular cable with a 4.4mm balanced connection for better source matching and aesthetics. Despite the looks, the stock cable works well, especially given the earbuds' lightweight design.

Build Quality, Design & Fit

Build & Materials

NF Acous uses tough polycarbonate resin for the shells and faceplates, making these earbuds feather-light and perfect for long listening sessions. The angled nozzles and ergonomic design ensure a comfortable, secure fit.

Two vents on each earbud help balance pressure, and the 2-pin QDC connectors, while functional, might not be everyone's favorite.

Overall, the build is practical, professional, and durable. The polycarbonate is scratch-resistant and solid but not flashy.

Aesthetic Appeal

The design is one of the most attractive in this price category — a clear amber resin shell showing off the internals, with elegant gold aluminum accents framing the panels and nozzles.

It's simple, stylish, and avoids gaudy embellishments. These earbuds look seriously cool when worn — classy and understated.

Internal Components

NF Acous equipped the NA20 with a new dynamic driver, the MCL2-100M with a beryllium coating. Although details are scarce, it sounds clean, organic, and well-controlled.

The earbuds feature a dual acoustic chamber with Selective Reflection Adjustment (SRA) technology that reduces internal reflections via five damping meshes and two tuning foams to balance pressure. This tech adds punch to bass and clarity to highs, maintaining overall dynamic balance.

Fit & Comfort

Once I found the right tips, the NA20s fit like a dream. They're light, compact, and designed to stay comfortable during marathon listening or on-stage use.

These are among the most comfortable IEMs I've tried recently, thanks to their ergonomic shape and ultra-lightweight polycarbonate shells.

Amplification Needs and Source Pairing

With 32 Ohm impedance and 109 dB sensitivity, the NA20s are easy to drive. I tested them with various low-powered devices including cheap 3.5mm DAC dongles and smartphones, all delivering satisfying volume and dynamics.

For best performance, powering them with quality sources like Shanling M6 Ultra or Fiio Q15 enhances bass tightness, clarity, and smoothness, especially in the highs.

Neutral to warm sources pair best, while overly bright or bland sources are less ideal.

Sound Impressions

Note: The earbuds were burned in over four days to tame brightness and improve control.

Single Dynamic Driver Magic

Single dynamic driver earbuds hold a special place in many hearts, offering organic tonal balance with cohesive sound often unmatched by hybrids or multi-driver setups.

The NA20 embodies this tradition with a smooth, musical tuning that prioritizes emotion and groove over analytical precision.

Tonal Character

The sound signature is warm and V-shaped: boosted bass and treble with slightly recessed mids. The bass is deep and authoritative but not muddy, while the highs sparkle without harshness.

The mids are intimate, smooth, and lush, extracting emotion especially well in vocals.

“The NA20 are all about emotions and musicality—smooth yet dynamic with just the right touch of sparkle.” – Reviewer

Bass Performance

The bass region is prominent with about 13-14 dB lift, delivering a satisfying, punchy low end that feels both rich and clean.

• The sub-bass provides tactile rumble without overwhelming other frequencies.
• The mid-bass adds fullness and impact but can occasionally feel a bit bloated.
• Bass decay is natural with a smooth attack and tight sustain.

Tracks like Bazzi’s "Can We Go Back to Bed" showcase the bass’s presence and clarity without muddiness.

Midrange Insights

The mids are plush, warm, and inviting with excellent emotive qualities. Male vocals sound authentic and commanding, while female vocals are clear though sometimes slightly dry or thin.

Some high mids can be a bit sibilant or sharp on certain tracks, but overall, the midrange flows beautifully with good presence and decent resolution.

The NA20’s mids don’t aim for precision engineering but excel at musical engagement.

Treble and High Frequencies

The highs are bright yet smooth, not harsh but grazing the edge of sharpness at times. The treble extension adds air and sparkle, enhancing the overall soundstage openness.

Though not the most detailed or fastest highs, they complement the warm sound, making the NA20 pleasant for long listening without fatigue.

Tracks like Lindsey Stirling’s "Evil Twin" reveal nicely rounded and clear treble notes with a natural timbre.

Soundstage, Separation & Detail

• Soundstage: Above-average width and height with good depth, creating an immersive yet intimate feel.
• Separation: Generally good but can struggle with busy tracks, especially bass-heavy ones.
• Imaging: Precise placement of instruments with clear front-to-back layering.
• Detail Retrieval: Solid for the price, shines on simpler tracks, and holds up well for a single driver.

Are NF Acous NA20 Worth It?

In a market flooded with excellent single-driver IEMs like Dunu Kima 2, Simgot EA500LM, Fiio FD15, and others in the $100-$200 range, the NA20 stands out with its musical tuning.

For just $119, they bring:

• Lightweight, durable build with great comfort.
• Warm, engaging sound with powerful bass and smooth mids.
• A soundstage that feels both intimate and expansive.
• A unique amber aesthetic that’s eye-catching and elegant.

If you want a bass-forward, musical IEM that’s easy to drive and comfy to wear, NF Acous NA20 is a solid pick.

Ratings Summary (out of 10)

Aesthetics & Build

• Build Quality: 8.9
• Looks: 9.3
• Comfort/Fit: 9.8
• Accessories: 9.3
• Overall: 9.3

Sound Quality (vs. similar priced single-driver IEMs)

• Timbre: 9.3
• Bass: 9.3
• Mids: 9.3
• Treble: 8.8
• Technicalities: 8.4
• Musicality: 9.8
• Overall: 9.2

Final Thoughts on NF Acous NA20

Explaining these earbuds can be tricky because they cater to specific preferences. Yes, they have some quirks like occasional sibilance or a slightly V-shaped sound, but their biggest strength lies in their smooth, emotional musicality.

They aren’t meant to be analytical or reference monitors but rather musical companions that make you want to keep listening, dancing, or relaxing with your favorite tracks.

If you crave warm, bass-rich sound with enough sparkle and comfort for hours, the NF Acous NA20 is definitely worth considering.

• What type of driver do the NA20 use? They feature a single dynamic driver with a beryllium coating, designed for smooth, organic sound.
• Are these easy to drive with smartphones? Absolutely, they work well even with low-power devices like smartphones and cheap DAC dongles.
• How is the fit and comfort? Very comfortable and lightweight, suitable for long listening sessions.
• Do the NA20 come with different ear tips? Yes, four sizes of silicone tips are included to help achieve a proper seal.
• What kind of music suits the NA20 best? They excel with genres emphasizing warmth and musicality, such as pop, jazz, and acoustic.

Ready to elevate your listening experience? Shop your favorite album cover poster and more at Architeg Prints to complement your music setup!