FATFreq Grand Maestro VS Fir Audio KR5

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

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FATFreq Grand Maestro and Fir Audio KR5 are in-ear monitors. FATFreq Grand Maestro costs $3,334 while Fir Audio KR5 costs $2,999. FATFreq Grand Maestro is $335 more expensive. FATFreq Grand Maestro holds a decisive 1.7-point edge in reviewer scores (8.6 vs 6.9). FATFreq Grand Maestro has better bass with a 0.8-point edge, FATFreq Grand Maestro has better mids with a 0.8-point edge, FATFreq Grand Maestro has significantly better treble with a 1.5-point edge, FATFreq Grand Maestro has significantly better soundstage with a 1.5-point edge, Fir Audio KR5 has significantly better details with a 1.3-point edge and FATFreq Grand Maestro has slightly better imaging with a 0.3-point edge.

Insights

Metric FATFreq Grand Maestro Fir Audio KR5
Bass 7.8 7
Mids 6.8 6
Treble 7.5 6
Details 6.8 8
Soundstage 9 7.5
Imaging 7.3 7
Dynamics 8.5 6.9
Tonality 8.2 6.3
Technicalities 8.1 7.5
Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough Fir Audio KR5 reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

FATFreq Grand Maestro Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Nymz
Smirk Audio
Yifang
Jays Audio Jaytiss Head-Fi.org Web Search

Average Reviewer Score:

8.6

Excellent

Fir Audio KR5 Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Shuwa-T

Average Reviewer Score:

6.9

Cautiously Favorable

Reviews Comparison

FATFreq Grand Maestro (more reviews)

FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 9.5 Reviewer Score
S Tuning
S Tech
YouTube video thumbnail
The best basshead set. That is all. EXPENSIVE. If you just want bass HBB Punch way better value.
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 original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel

FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 9.3 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A+ Tech
Is one of those sets that can do it all. Very impressive.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: A- Treble: A+ Dynamics: S Soundstage: S

FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Yifang

Yifang 8.5 Reviewer Score
S- Tuning
S- Tech
check links for more info:

Yifang original ranking

Yifang Youtube Channel

FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Smirk Audio

Smirk Audio 7.7 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A Tech
check links for more info:

Smirk Audio original ranking

Smirk Audio Head-Fi Profile

Bass: S- Mids: A Treble: A Dynamics: A+ Details: A Imaging: A

FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Nymz

Nymz 6.5 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
B Tech
See Maestro SE but with worse bass.

Nymz original ranking

Nymz Website

Bass: A- Mids: B Treble: A- Details: B Imaging: A-

FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 9.5 * score rescaled + normalized
7 community members have rated the FatFreq Grand Maestro at an average of 5.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Masterpiece.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Web Search

uses AI-Search to turn user, reddit and head-fi reviews into clear, concise summaries.
Web Search 9 Reviewer Score
S Tuning
S Tech

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.

Fir Audio KR5 (more reviews)

Fir Audio KR5 reviewed by Shuwa-T

Shuwa-T 6.9 Reviewer Score
B Tuning
A Tech
Comment: Silver model tested. W-shaped tuning with excellent clarity; detail-focused iem Midbass hump can interfere with the midrange on crowded tracks

Shuwa-T original ranking

Shuwa-T Website

Bass: A- Mids: B Treble: B Soundstage: A Details: A+ Imaging: A-

FATFreq Grand Maestro User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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Fir Audio KR5 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!

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

6.6

Gaming Grade

B+

Fir Audio KR5 Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

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

Gaming Score

5.6

Gaming Grade

B-

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.
Bass A
The bass hits with conviction, offering both punch and clarity. It reaches low with confidence and control.
Mids B+
Expect a confident midrange that keeps details audible without harshness. Acoustic arrangements sound engaging.
Treble A
Expect effortless extension and clarity that keep the top end sparkling yet smooth. Layering in upper registers is impressive.
Dynamics S-
The presentation feels expansive, letting micro and macro dynamics breathe. There's a sense of limitless headroom.
Soundstage S
Spatial cues extend effortlessly in every direction, wrapping you in a boundless sonic dome. Every direction feels accessible.
Details B+
Finer gestures snap into focus without sounding clinical or forced. Layering holds strong across genres.
Imaging A-
You can literally point to where sounds originate across the stage. You can point to where sounds originate.
Gaming B+
Respectable environmental presentation favors atmosphere over precision. Detects obvious directional cues while conveying game world ambiance. Bad value-to-cost for gaming purpose - not recommended

Fir Audio KR5 Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

B
  • Tonality is generally agreeable, though a few bumps remind you of its limits. Certain tracks spotlight its tonal quirks.

Average Technical Grade

A
  • Overall technical control is strong, presenting instruments with clarity and sensible staging. Textures are portrayed with satisfying clarity.
Bass A-
Expect a commanding bass response that reaches deep without clouding the mix. There's both slam and nuance in equal measure.
Mids B
The mids are articulate and well-balanced, lending body to instruments. Instrument layering remains stable.
Treble B
Highs sound lively and extended while remaining controlled. Detail retrieval keeps shimmer intact.
Soundstage A
You hear both the breadth and the altitude of the mix, anchored by accurate positional cues. Immersion improves across genres.
Details A+
The tiniest inflections pop into view as if spotlit within the mix. Low-level details feel magnified yet natural.
Imaging A-
Each element locks into a steady coordinate even as the mix grows dense. Imaging holds even during busy segments.
Gaming B-
Moderate spatial presentation conveys general directionality. Suitable for casual play where precision isn't critical. Bad value-to-cost for gaming purpose - not recommended

FATFreq Grand Maestro User Reviews

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Fir Audio KR5 User Reviews

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