FAudio Minor VS Softears Studio 4

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Softears Studio 4 arrives as a 4×BA set at $450 with a surprisingly practical kit: a Pelican-style water-resistant case, cleaning brush, MoonDrop-style tips, and—occasionally—a 3.5 mm extension with a 6.3 mm adapter (availability seems inconsistent). The build is sleek piano-black with a light, no-nonsense cable that behaves well but omits a chin cinch. Medium, semi-custom shells fit flush and isolate strongly thanks to an unvented design; the smooth nozzle lacks a lip, so tip choice matters, and seal can break if pressed from certain angles.

Tuning targets a neutral presentation with a sub-bass lift and slightly lean lower mids—clean, lively, and a touch bright without straying into fatigue. Standout traits are the wide stereo image and pinpoint imaging that make mixes feel like they’re dancing around the head. Treble is smooth and extended (think S8-like refinement), while BA bass proves surprisingly sturdy. Drawbacks are modest: a bit of BA timbre, less micro-texture than class leaders, and lighter note weight. Against peers, Dunu SA6 offers warmer neutral tonality with superior texture; Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite plays thicker and more relaxed but less separated; Symphonium Meteor swings warm and bassy with a larger headstage and snappy treble. Verdict: a 4/5 for those who crave energetic neutrality, top-tier separation, and a studio-clean vibe that still feels fun.

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Starry Edition brings a fresh faceplate to the Softears Studio 4 without changing the tuning. The translucent, slightly large shell seals firmly and delivers strong isolation; the only nit is a modest nozzle lip that still holds tips fine. Packaging leans “studio”: compact Pelican-style case, extension cable, tips, 6.3 mm adapter, and a soft black cable that feels nice but lacks a chin slider and terminates in 3.5 mm.

Sonically, this 4BA set is about clarity, air, and top-end extension—described as among the best heard under $800. Vocals come through vivid, mids are clean, and bass has a mild shelf: tasteful impact without bloat, though it’s not a slam machine. Expect excellent imaging, space, and detail; a touch of EQ can add weight if desired. It can be a bit source-picky: low output impedance sources suit it best, while a 10 Ω adapter pushes more treble and trims bass in a less pleasing way.

Against peers, Studio 4 is praised over Softears Twilight for air/extension (while acknowledging Twilight’s smooth DD charm) and over Volume for overall technicalities despite the small price gap. Versus RSV, Studio 4 avoids the RSV’s slight bass “muffle” and undercuts it on price; compared with Monarch MKII, it delivers a similar tonal aim without the occasional grain. Sets like Kiwi Ears 4, Truthear Hexa, and Binary Acoustics D Quattro trade blows on bass quantity versus air, but Studio 4’s upper-air detail and coherence make it a standout. At an often-seen street of ~$368, it’s framed as a benchmark sub-$500 pick and earns a full recommendation for listeners chasing articulate treble, lifelike vocals, and refined balance.