Fiio FH19 VS SymphonyEars PRE5TIGE

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Build and accessories are a clear win: a sturdy, comfortable, slightly translucent shell with MMCX connectors, a plush 8-wire cable terminating in 4.4 mm, and a premium magnetic case. As a 10-BA set around $1,000, it wears a tasteful black-and-silver faceplate and seals well without pressure issues. There’s a bass switch that nudges mid-bass upward; useful for taste, but not essential.

Sonically it’s a warm-tilted, cohesive presentation: male vocals come through full and rich, female vocals can sound a touch husky, and the mids avoid shout. Treble is clean and pleasant with a bit of 5–6 kHz energy that stays in check; overall clarity is good, though there’s slight hiss and the mid-bass can feel a little loose/flabby rather than tight. Stage and detail are solid, making this arguably one of FiiO’s better efforts, but the value is mixed—graded a strong A4 / S-: recommended if it suits the tonality, yet tough at retail amid fierce competitors; far more compelling on the used market or after a thorough demo.