Empire Ears Legend X SE VS FATFreq Grand Maestro
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Empire Ears Legend X SE and FATFreq Grand Maestro use 2DD+5BA and 1DD+8BA+4EST driver setups respectively. Empire Ears Legend X SE costs $2,400 while FATFreq Grand Maestro costs $3,334. FATFreq Grand Maestro is $934 more expensive. FATFreq Grand Maestro holds a decisive 1.5-point edge in reviewer scores (7.1 vs 8.6). Empire Ears Legend X SE has slightly better bass with a 0.3-point edge, FATFreq Grand Maestro has better treble with a 0.5-point edge, FATFreq Grand Maestro has significantly better dynamics with a 2.5-point edge, Empire Ears Legend X SE has significantly better details with a 1.3-point edge and Empire Ears Legend X SE has better imaging with a 0.8-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Empire Ears Legend X SE | FATFreq Grand Maestro |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8 | 7.8 |
| Mids | 7 | 6.8 |
| Treble | 7 | 7.5 |
| Details | 8 | 6.8 |
| Soundstage | 7.1 | 9 |
| Imaging | 8 | 7.3 |
| Dynamics | 6 | 8.5 |
| Tonality | 7.2 | 8.2 |
| Technicalities | 7.2 | 8.1 |
Empire Ears Legend X SE Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.1Generally Favorable
FATFreq Grand Maestro Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.6Excellent
Reviews Comparison
Empire Ears Legend X SE (more reviews)
Empire Ears Legend X SE reviewed by Precogvision
7.2
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Empire Ears Legend X SE reviewed by Crin
7
Reviewer Score
Crin Youtube Channel
FATFreq Grand Maestro (more reviews)
FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Jays Audio
9.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
FATFreq Grand Maestro aims squarely at a refined, sub-boosted tuning rather than a crude bass cannon. The bass quality shows real pedigree—excellent control, quick decay, and that clean, floor-shaking sub-bass rumble without smearing the mids. Treble reaches higher with better extension than typical basshead fare, and overall resolution, separation, and balance feel “endgame” in polish. For listeners who want muscular low-end that still plays nice with vocals and air, this tuning reads as a mature, high-performance take on “bass + hi-fi.”
But for pure basshead cravings, Grand Maestro doesn’t go overboard—it’s a bassy set, not a “basshead or bust” one. Compared with FATFreq’s own Scarlet Mini (or Maestro Mini), it brings less sheer quantity and “skull-rattle,” trading slam for finesse; next to ultra-dark hammers like HBB Hades, it’s far more balanced and controlled. The catch is diminishing returns: while the Grand Maestro is the most refined and technically capable among these bass-tilted options, those chasing maximum pound-for-pound slam may find better value in the Minis, and those wanting reckless low-end excess will still gravitate to sets like Hades. For most non-basshead audiophiles, though, Grand Maestro’s blend of sub-bass authority and top-end refinement hits the sweet spot.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Jaytiss
9.3
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Yifang
8.5
Reviewer Score
FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Smirk Audio
7.7
Reviewer Score
FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Nymz
6.5
Reviewer Score
FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Head-Fi.org
9.5
* score rescaled + normalized
FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Web Search
9
Reviewer Score
The FATFreq Grand Maestro offers a highly adaptable sound signature through its NOAH modules and vocal switches, enabling four distinct tuning profiles. The black NOAH module emphasizes sub-bass "slam," while the blue variant provides tighter "rumble" control; combined with the vocal switch, these allow shifts from a bass-forward signature to a more mid-centric presentation. Bass is deep and authoritative but avoids midrange bleed, while the treble—handled by electrostatic drivers—delivers clarity without sibilance or fatigue.
Technically, it excels in imaging precision and creates an immersive, three-dimensional soundstage that positions instruments with remarkable specificity. However, its large shell size may challenge those with smaller ears, and it demands power-hungry sources—often requiring high-gain amplification to reach full potential. The deluxe package includes both NOAH modules and an upgraded cable, enhancing its tuning flexibility.
Empire Ears Legend X SE Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+5BA
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Brand: Empire Ears Top Empire Ears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $2,400
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FATFreq Grand Maestro Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+8BA+4EST
Tuning Type: Neutral, Basshead
Price (Msrp): $3,334
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Empire Ears Legend X SE User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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FATFreq Grand Maestro User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!
Empire Ears Legend X SE Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
5.7Gaming Grade
B-FATFreq Grand Maestro Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.6Gaming Grade
B+Empire Ears Legend X SE Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- The tonal character feels settled and versatile, with just a few gentle bumps. You can listen for hours without fatigue.
Average Technical Grade
A-- The presentation feels orderly, balancing workable detail retrieval with acceptable imaging cues. It keeps momentum without smearing transients.
FATFreq Grand Maestro Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- Tuning feels refined, blending frequencies with convincing realism and engagement. Transitions between registers feel effortless.
Average Technical Grade
A+- Layering is confident and precise, backed by imaging that locks elements firmly in place. Micro-details peek through without sounding forced.
Empire Ears Legend X SE User Reviews
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