Excellent resolution and dynamics. Female vocals are extremely forward and the bass too elevated. Prototype demo unit from CanJam NYC 2025. Cons: Price, tuning.

Smirk Audio original ranking

Smirk Audio Head-Fi Profile

- Smirk Audio

Exceptional detail, high-quality bass, balanced tonality, and excellent timbre. The bass has a fast decay. Endgame-level detail paired with great tonality.

Gizaudio Axel original ranking

Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel - Gizaudio Axel

The Softears Enigma offers a distinctive take on summit-fi audio with its warm, bass-forward signature that prioritizes musicality over analytical precision. Its low-end delivers pronounced mid-bass impact and sub-bass rumble, creating a visceral foundation, while the natural midrange avoids vocal shoutiness—though lower-mids can occasionally veil complex passages. Treble remains smooth and non-fatiguing, extending adequately without excessive sparkle, resulting in a cohesive if relaxed presentation.

Technically, the Enigma excels in staging width and imaging precision, offering an immersive listen, though it doesn’t quite match the absolute micro-detail retrieval of some competitors. The lightweight aluminum shells ensure comfort despite their size, and the inclusion of both a standard cable and a premium Effect Audio hybrid cable adds flexibility. While the elaborate puzzle-box unboxing with accessories like an aluminum shell replica is impressive, the case’s bulk limits portability.

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- IEMRanking AI