Fiio FD 15 VS SoftEars Studio 2

IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side

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Fiio FD 15 and SoftEars Studio 2 are in-ear monitors. Fiio FD 15 costs $150 while SoftEars Studio 2 costs $170. SoftEars Studio 2 is $20 more expensive. Fiio FD 15 holds a decisive 2.9-point edge in reviewer scores (7.3 vs 4.4). Fiio FD 15 has significantly better mids with a 4.5-point edge, Fiio FD 15 has significantly better treble with a 1.5-point edge, Fiio FD 15 has significantly better dynamics with a 2-point edge and Fiio FD 15 has significantly better soundstage with a 2-point edge.

Insights

Metric Fiio FD 15 SoftEars Studio 2
Bass 7.3 3
Mids 7 2.5
Treble 6 4.5
Details 7.3 3
Soundstage 7 5
Imaging 7.3 4
Dynamics 5 3
Tonality 6.3 4.8
Technicalities 6 4.9
Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough Fiio FD 15 and SoftEars Studio 2 reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

Fiio FD 15 Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Jaytiss

Average Reviewer Score:

7.3

Generally Favorable

SoftEars Studio 2 Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Precogvision
Jaytiss
Jays Audio

Average Reviewer Score:

4.4

Unfavorable

Reviews Comparison

Fiio FD 15 reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 7.3 Reviewer Score
B Tuning
B Tech
Balanced and even. Solid set that is mid focused.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: A- Treble: B Dynamics: C+ Soundstage: A-

SoftEars Studio 2 reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 4 Reviewer Score
C- Tuning
C+ Tech
Sound underwater.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: E+ Treble: C+ Dynamics: D Soundstage: C+
YouTube video thumbnail

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SoftEars Studio 2 (more reviews)

SoftEars Studio 2 reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 6 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
B+ Tech
HIGH VOLUME SET (at least 75dbs+). Warm, comfy, vintage-like sound with great immersion. Vocals are somehow still clear at higher volume and not overly dark. Not very good tech to $$ value wise, but very unique sounding. Would not recommend for mid to lower volume listening as it'll sound too dark, congested, and "low-res". Needs scaling.

Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel

SoftEars Studio 2 reviewed by Precogvision

Precogvision 3.2 Reviewer Score
D Tuning
D Tech
Plasticky and lo-res. Upper-midrange sounds scooped out which contributes to large imaging but nothing else commendable about this.

Precogvision original ranking

Precogvision Youtube Channel
Bass: D Mids: D Treble: C- Dynamics: D Details: D Imaging: C-

Fiio FD 15 User Review Score

Average User Scores

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SoftEars Studio 2 User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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Fiio FD 15 Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

6.1

Gaming Grade

B

SoftEars Studio 2 Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

4.9

Gaming Grade

C

Fiio FD 15 Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

B
  • A mostly enjoyable signature keeps things listenable despite a handful of quirks. It handles most playlists without major complaints.

Average Technical Grade

B
  • An honest, middle-of-the-road performance preserves structure without chasing micro-detail. It's respectable for everyday listening sessions.
Mids A-
Midrange performance is excellent, with natural timbre and great detail. Vocals feel lifelike and full-bodied.
Treble B
Treble is articulate and clean, adding excitement without harshness. It adds sparkle without harshness.
Dynamics C+
Dynamic performance is decent, delivering respectable macro swings with limited nuance. There's a fair amount of macrodynamic swing.
Soundstage A-
Excellent spatial presentation that is wide, deep, and tall with precise instrument placement. Width, depth, and height all feel expanded.
Gaming B
Decent spatial awareness for fundamental positioning. Creates satisfying atmosphere in story-driven games while handling basic directional cues.

SoftEars Studio 2 Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

C
  • Tonality remains inconsistent, with uneven peaks and dips that disrupt musical flow. You'll constantly notice peaks or dips pulling focus.

Average Technical Grade

C
  • Textural information blurs together, making the stage feel pinched and gray. Instrument edges blur together frequently.
Bass D
The bass sits quietly in the background, providing only faint support. Live recordings lose their stage thump.
Mids D-
The mids come across papery and weak, draining warmth from the mix. Acoustic tracks sound brittle and distant.
Treble C
The top end sounds acceptable but lacks the smoothness of higher tiers. Air is hinted at more than delivered.
Dynamics D
Dynamics sound noticeably compressed, muting contrast between quiet and loud. Transients feel blunted and slow.
Soundstage C+
It pushes sound outward confidently while leaving height development as an unfinished idea. Height remains subtle but detectable.
Details D
The overall picture is serviceable yet stripped of the tiny flourishes that add realism. Layering lacks consistent clarity.
Imaging C-
Center information lands in the right area but not with laser focus. Separation is adequate for casual listening.
Gaming C
Minimal environmental definition provides only general audio cues. Suitable for games where positioning isn't critical.

Fiio FD 15 User Reviews

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SoftEars Studio 2 User Reviews

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