Brise Audio Fugaku VS PMG Audio Apx SE
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Brise Audio Fugaku and PMG Audio Apx SE use 2DD+5BA+1MEMS and 1DD+8BA+1Rectangular Planar+1Round Planar driver setups respectively. Brise Audio Fugaku costs $16,999 while PMG Audio Apx SE costs $6,000. Brise Audio Fugaku is $10,999 more expensive. Both score 9.1 from reviewers. Brise Audio Fugaku has significantly better bass with a 1-point edge, Brise Audio Fugaku has significantly better dynamics with a 1.3-point edge, Brise Audio Fugaku has slightly better details with a 0.3-point edge and PMG Audio Apx SE has slightly better imaging with a 0.3-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Brise Audio Fugaku | PMG Audio Apx SE |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 9.5 | 8.5 |
| Mids | 8.3 | 8.3 |
| Treble | 8 | 8 |
| Details | 9.3 | 9 |
| Imaging | 8.3 | 8.5 |
| Dynamics | 9.8 | 8.5 |
| Tonality | 8.7 | 8.1 |
| Technicalities | 9.4 | 8.9 |
Brise Audio Fugaku Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
PMG Audio Apx SE Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Brise Audio Fugaku Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+5BA+1MEMS
Tuning Type: harman
Price (Msrp): $16,999
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PMG Audio Apx SE Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+8BA+1Rectangular Planar+1Round Planar
Tuning Type: Warm U-shaped
Price (Msrp): $6,000
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Brise Audio Fugaku User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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PMG Audio Apx SE User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Brise Audio Fugaku Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.7Gaming Grade
APMG Audio Apx SE Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.2Gaming Grade
A-Brise Audio Fugaku Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
S-- Highly polished technical execution. Excellent frequency synergy creates an immersive experience. Enhances musical content.
Average Technical Grade
S- Outstanding resolution and control. Effortlessly retrieves micro-details, with holographic staging and fast transients. Handles complexity with poise.
PMG Audio Apx SE Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- Refined execution with coherent frequency integration. Natural timbre reproduction and engaging presentation. Strong versatility.
Average Technical Grade
S-- Excellent clarity and detail. Precise imaging and expansive soundstage. Manages complex passages with minimal smearing and good transient speed.
Brise Audio Fugaku Reviews
Reviewed by: Smirk Audio
8.9
Reviewer Score
Reviewed by: Precogvision
2025-09-17
8.7
Reviewer Score
Brise Audio Fugaku stands out immediately for its bass: incredibly deep, dynamic, and explosive, with attacks that feel like notes appear from thin air and a tight, non-lingering decay. It’s the kind of presentation that can be called best-in-class bass for any IEM, a must-hear experience even if the overall package doesn’t justify its $16,000 price tag.
Beyond the low end, the tuning falls into a Harman-esque mold—a clean midrange with a 3 kHz pinna region and a slightly elevated 3–5 kHz—while the treble carries extra energy, especially past 15 kHz. Those highs arrive with multiple distinct peaks that aren’t the most refined; they can overlap and create auditory masking, subtly shaving perceived micro-detail. In short: a technically solid, relatively conventional mid/treble wrapped around an absolutely world-class bass that steals the show.
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Reviewed by: IEMRanking AI
2025-07-16
9.7
Reviewer Score
The Brise Audio Fugaku represents a radical departure from conventional IEM design, functioning as an integrated portable audio system rather than standalone earphones. Its core innovation lies in relocating the entire active crossover network to an external dedicated amplifier, bypassing traditional passive filters housed within earpieces. This architecture enables direct driver amplification via a proprietary 7-pin cable and multi-amp configuration, theoretically minimizing signal degradation and distortion.
Sonically, the system delivers an expansive, speaker-like presentation with exceptional micro-detail retrieval and separation, particularly in vocals and treble regions. The tuning leans neutral-bright with a gentle W-shape, featuring controlled bass that extends deeply without overwhelming midrange clarity. However, its extreme resolution and transient speed can create listener fatigue during extended sessions, while the proprietary ecosystem limits compatibility with third-party sources or cables.
Practical compromises emerge in portability due to the mandatory amplifier and dual-device stack (DAP + amp), alongside a six-hour battery life that necessitates frequent charging. The titanium earpieces offer secure fit via integrated TPE ear hooks, but the non-standard cable termination eliminates aftermarket cable options. While the system achieves remarkable technical performance, its astronomical price positions it as a niche solution for uncompromising enthusiasts willing to trade convenience for fidelity.
PMG Audio Apx SE Reviews
Reviewed by: Z-Reviews
10
* score normalized
Reviewed by: Bad Guy Good Audio
8.9
Reviewer Score
Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking
Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube Channel
Reviewed by: Smirk Audio
8.5
Reviewer Score
Brise Audio Fugaku User Reviews
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