FlipEars Legion VS Punch Audio Martilo
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
FlipEars Legion and Punch Audio Martilo use 1DD+1EST+1BC and 2DD+2BA+1Planar driver setups respectively. FlipEars Legion costs $849 while Punch Audio Martilo costs $329. FlipEars Legion is $520 more expensive. FlipEars Legion holds a slight 0.1-point edge in reviewer scores (7.7 vs 7.6). Punch Audio Martilo has better bass with a 0.5-point edge, Punch Audio Martilo has slightly better treble with a 0.3-point edge, Punch Audio Martilo has significantly better dynamics with a 2-point edge and Punch Audio Martilo has better soundstage with a 0.5-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | FlipEars Legion | Punch Audio Martilo |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7.5 | 8 |
| Mids | 7 | 7 |
| Treble | 6.8 | 7 |
| Details | 7.5 | 7.6 |
| Soundstage | 7 | 7.5 |
| Imaging | 7.5 | 7.6 |
| Dynamics | 7 | 9 |
| Tonality | 7.7 | 7.5 |
| Technicalities | 7.3 | 7.2 |
FlipEars Legion Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.7Strongly Favorable
Punch Audio Martilo Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.6Strongly Favorable
Reviews Comparison
FlipEars Legion reviewed by Jaytiss
7.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
FlipEars Legion stakes its identity on a bold, mid-bass–driven fun signature with a bone-conduction twist. The shell is huge and may challenge small ears, the 2-pin sockets are deeply recessed, and the stock 4.4 mm cable and premium case feel thoughtful and upscale. On the graph, there’s a notable dip through the mids that can sound a touch hollow, plus energy around 4 kHz and 8 kHz that adds bite and sparkle; in practice the set delivers big slam, airy extension, and surprisingly solid imaging for a BC-assisted tuning. A light EQ nudge to the upper-mids/lower-mids tightens tonality and pushes technicals up a tier.
Positionally, Legion reads as a “fun daily driver” rather than a sterile studio tool. Compared with similar BC-flavored sets, it feels more controlled than the Z Empire “party” tuning, and markedly more coherent than cheap experiments like KB Ear KBO2. Against safer picks, Monarch Mk I remains the clean, glassy option, while ThieAudio Origin is a safer all-rounder; Legion, however, brings deeper sub-bass and livelier presence with more character. Versus Triton, Legion’s upper-air/presence has better flow; versus the high-ticket Muse, Legion trades a bit of refinement for long-session comfort, dodging fatiguing 6 kHz glare.
Overall, this is an engaging, charismatic tribid that rewards listeners seeking bass heft, contrast, and BC texture without descending into chaos. It’s not the safest first $800 pick given the mid dip and fit quirks, but as a statement piece from FlipEars it feels well priced, well built, and easy to recommend to those prioritizing musical thrill over strict neutrality—especially with a touch of EQ to tidy the mids.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Buy FlipEars Legion on audio46
Ad
Price: $869
Buy FlipEars Legion on audio46
Punch Audio Martilo reviewed by Jaytiss
8.6
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Punch Audio Martilo steps in as a new-brand debut with a confident package: a hybrid array (planar + BAs + DDs), a metal nozzle, proper venting, and a recessed 2-pin socket set into a shell that sits securely thanks to an anti-tragus catch. The faceplate gives off AFUL Performer 7 vibes, the included cable is supple with clear R/L markings, and the textured carry case plus two tip sets round out a thoughtful accessory kit. Priced around $329—with occasional deep discounts during big Linsoul sales—build and accessories feel dialed in for the bracket.
Sonically, this is a bassy set that still behaves like an all-rounder. The bass shelf rises from roughly ~150 Hz, bringing weight and warmth without turning podcasts and vocals into mud; upper-mids are present yet controlled, minimizing shout, while mid-treble energy keeps things crisp. Female vocals avoid huskiness, note weight is satisfying, and the tuning strikes a balanced, fun profile that works across genres. On the graph it hugs a safe line, then sprinkles in extra low-end for flavor—bass-head friendly, but not a blunt instrument.
In A/Bs, it addresses the AFUL Explorer’s softness with more bass and mid presence, and compared to similarly priced Kiwi Ears Astral (the safer neutral pick), Martilo offers the spicier, more engaging option. Against “specialist” bass sets like Deuce or Quantum, Martilo feels cleaner in the mids, less abrupt in its slam, and more universally usable; versus warmer bass champs (e.g., Mega 5 Bass), it trades some warmth for clarity and refinement. This isn’t sterile “audiophile-neutral”—it’s audiophile-fun done with taste. Scoring reads like: bass (10/10), note weight (10/10), mids (9/10), with surprisingly solid highs, stage, and imaging for the money. Not flawless, but distinctive, well-tuned, and easy to recommend—especially for listeners who want real bass without sacrificing everyday versatility.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Buy Punch Audio Martilo on Linsoul
Ad
Price: $329
Buy Punch Audio Martilo on Linsoul
FlipEars Legion reviewed by Jays Audio
7
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Punch Audio Martilo reviewed by Jays Audio
7.5
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
FlipEars Legion reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.3
* score rescaled + normalized
Punch Audio Martilo reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.5
* score rescaled + normalized
FlipEars Legion reviewed by Web Search
8
Reviewer Score
The FlipEars Legion makes a commanding entrance with its striking Roman legionnaire-inspired design, featuring jewelry-cast rose-plated brass faceplates hand-painted by master artisans in Bulacan, Philippines, ensuring each unit is a unique masterpiece. While the substantial resin housings may challenge smaller ears, the included Eletech Baroque tips and pliable cable contribute to a surprisingly secure and comfortable fit over time. Unboxing feels luxurious, with a premium leather case and meticulous packaging underscoring FlipEars' commitment to craftsmanship.
Sonically, the Legion leverages its innovative tribrid driver system to deliver thunderous, tactile bass via a custom dynamic driver and EarQuake bone conduction unit, creating visceral sub-bass rumble without muddying the midrange. The midrange remains lush and articulate, presenting vocals with natural warmth and instruments with rich texturing, while the SPARK electret tweeter adds refined, fatigue-free sparkle to the highs. This synergy results in a cohesive, immersive sound signature that prioritizes musical engagement over analytical sharpness, making complex tracks feel both powerful and nuanced.
Technically, the Legion punches above its price point, boasting a holographic soundstage with precise instrument placement and exceptional layering that rivals models costing twice as much. Its imaging is pinpoint accurate, rendering subtle ambient cues and dynamic shifts with effortless clarity, while the bone conduction driver enhances physicality and depth without sacrificing control. Though its bass-forward tuning might not suit treble purists, the Legion excels as a reference-grade all-rounder for those seeking technical prowess paired with relentless musicality.
Punch Audio Martilo reviewed by Web Search
8
Reviewer Score
The Punch Audio Martilo delivers a powerful bass experience that dominates its signature, featuring a substantial 14dB sub-bass boost. This emphasis creates visceral, physical rumble, especially in electronic or hip-hop tracks, yet avoids overwhelming the lower mids due to a precise 200Hz crossover. While the dual dynamic drivers generate impressive slam and texture, a slight bloom can occasionally creep into the low-mids on very busy tracks, though it generally maintains better control than many bass-focused rivals.
Surprisingly, the midrange retains clarity and naturalness despite the bass foundation, handled competently by the Knowles balanced armatures. Vocals, both male and female, sound full-bodied and avoid the huskiness or recession common in bass-heavy tunings, while instruments like guitars retain decent texture. The planar magnetic driver contributes a smooth, non-fatiguing treble with adequate air and detail retrieval, though it doesn't quite reach the sparkle or ultimate extension of dedicated electrostatic tweeters.
Technical performance is solid for its price and tuning goal, offering a wide soundstage with good depth and effective layering, particularly impressive given the bass quantity. Imaging is precise enough for accurate placement of instruments. While the bass is the star, the overall presentation manages to avoid being a one-note experience, offering a fun yet reasonably balanced listen that works across more genres than typical basshead sets.
FlipEars Legion (more reviews)
FlipEars Legion reviewed by Audio Amigo
8
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
FlipEars Legion brings serious boutique flair: a wax-sealed letter, a plush leather case, and a premium 4.4 mm cable set the tone, while the hand-finished brass faceplates (rose-gold plated, enamelled by a jeweler) scream showpiece. The resin shells feel rock-solid and quite hefty (~12 g each), yet the earhooks distribute weight well for multi-hour sessions. Fit skews large—small ears will struggle, and shallow seals blunt the bone conduction effect. Accessories are minimal but tasteful (L-size Baroque tips, cable tie), fitting the boutique vibe. Build, finish, and the whole Spartan aesthetic? Sub-Zero cool.
Under the hood, Legion is a tribrid: custom dynamic for lows, a bone-conduction driver active through bass/mids, and a custom electret tweeter up top. The signature is unapologetically V-shaped. Bass is the star—tactile, rumbly, and subwoofer-like without boom or weird BC artifacts; kick drums and EDM drops thump with grinning authority. Lower mids gain pleasing warmth and body, while center-mids can sit a touch pushed back on acoustic and vocal-centric tracks. Treble is crisp and airy, smooth yet detailed, avoiding fatigue while keeping cymbals and harmonic sheen lively. Staging benefits from BC with a wider, more separated image and engaging depth when the recording allows.
Put simply, this is the polished, modern take on that classic fun V-tune: all the excitement, far fewer compromises. For EDM, hip-hop, pop, rock and anything bass-forward, Legion is a party in the ears and a compelling endgame choice at its $850 pre-order tier. Those chasing neutral mids, analytical focus, or small-ear ergonomics should look elsewhere; everyone else gets glorious low-end slam, smooth sparkly highs, and boutique craftsmanship that feels special. On the Audio Amigo scale: “This is brilliant.”
Audio Amigo Youtube Channel
FlipEars Legion reviewed by Smirk Audio
7.5
Reviewer Score
Punch Audio Martilo (more reviews)
Punch Audio Martilo reviewed by Bad Guy Good Audio
7.9
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Punch Audio Martilo hits the brief for bass-centric listeners. The tuning kicks up from ~200 Hz, driving a potent low end, then rides a flat porch through the mids with a gentle ear-gain that crests around 3 kHz before easing off. It mirrors the well-known Kiwi Ears collab curve but with a touch more upper-mids energy for cleaner, clearer vocals. At $279 with the card (and still competitive around $320), this set undercuts many rivals and, for libraries heavy on rock and hip-hop, feels purpose-built.
The hybrid stack—2DD + 2 BA (branded) with a planar on top—keeps the upper-mids sensible and lets the treble play from roughly 5 kHz+ without glare. Personal preference might lean to EST or a high-end BA super-tweeter, but here the planar’s implementation stays out of trouble by avoiding an overcooked 1–3/4 kHz shelf. Result: strong slam, stable mids, and treble that’s present yet subordinate to the preceding bands—focused on transparency rather than flash.
Beyond sound, the packaging and cable show real forethought—distinct from the usual cookie-cutter unboxings—and the overall execution reads like a brand finally dedicated to the low-end community. With more models in the pipeline (including a budget single DD and a planar+DD combo), Martilo arrives as a market shaker for bass lovers seeking muscle without muddying the mids. For the asking price, it’s an easy recommendation to audition—especially if the playlist is built on rhythm sections and big grooves.
Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking
Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube ChannelPunch Audio Martilo reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
2025-07-25
7.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Boom — time for bass. Punch Audio’s Martilo is a tribrid (2×8 mm DD + 2 BA + 1 micro planar) coming in around $330. The package is stacked: sturdy square case, extra filters, multiple tip sets, and a genuinely excellent modular 3.5/4.4 cable that lays flat, has no microphonics, and a firm chin slider. The shells are ergonomic with venting, metal nozzles with a proper lip, and a small nozzle diameter (5.9/5.0 mm) that helps seal; comfort and passive isolation are both strong.
Sonically, this is unapologetically bass-focused without being bass-only. Expect massive sub-bass depth and a punchy mid-bass, yet the low end stays tight, controlled, textured and doesn’t bleed. Mids retain clarity with non-shouty presence, while treble is crisp, smooth, non-fatiguing with decent extension (not ultra-airy). For a bass-heavy set, technical performance is solid: detail is good, and imaging/separation keep busy tracks coherent and energetic.
Against Hisenior’s Mega5EST Bass Plus, Martilo hits harder, feels more engaging, and offers better vocal clarity — and it steamrolls on value at the lower price. Compared with Xenns Tea Pro, the Tea Pro is a bass-lover all-rounder that spotlights vocals/instruments more; Martilo goes full bass-head with bigger rumble and impact. Ideal for listeners who crave deep slam but still want clarity, comfort, and great accessories; not for neutral/reference chasers. Final verdict: 4/5 — it truly punches above its price.
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelPunch Audio Martilo reviewed by Z-Reviews
7.2
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
The Punch Audio Martilo shows up screaming BASSHEAD on the box, but the tuning is smarter than that. A hybrid stack—2×8 mm DD + 2×BA + 1 planar—delivers bass that hits when the track calls for it, then gets out of the way. The surprise is the huge soundstage: airy, wide, borderline cinematic, so pianos, crowds, and live recordings feel expansive rather than claustrophobic. Low 9 Ω impedance and easy efficiency keep the power demands chill, though a low-impedance cable is recommended.
Tip rolling matters. With thin-wall silicone (e.g., Dunu S&S) the stage opens up and balance feels right; foams and some wide-bore options can push treble into a slightly sharp zone on certain tracks. Tonality reads clean and natural—warm-adjacent without a blanket—so everyday music stays unbloated, while proper sub-bass test tracks pressurize with that “firm hand on the chest,” not a sledgehammer.
Build is solid: thick, comfy modular cable with swappable plugs, flashy red shells, and a comically oversized box for a modest accessory set (silicone + foams). Street price around $330 lands in the sweet spot—easily justifying $375 by ear. Think “poor man’s Mega 5 EST Bass Plus”: similarly satisfying slam and stage, with the pricier set showing a touch more upper-mid/treble refinement. Not just for bassheads—more like a full-range thrill ride that lets music breathe and hit when it should.
Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
Punch Audio Martilo reviewed by Tim Tuned
5.5
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
FlipEars Legion Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+1EST+1BC
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost, Basshead
Brand: Flipears Top Flipears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $849
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Punch Audio Martilo Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+2BA+1Planar
Tuning Type: Basshead
Price (Msrp): $329
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
FlipEars Legion 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!
Punch Audio Martilo 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!
FlipEars Legion Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.4Gaming Grade
BPunch Audio Martilo Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7Gaming Grade
A-FlipEars Legion Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Tuning feels well executed, keeping a natural flow across the spectrum. Switching genres feels seamless.
Average Technical Grade
A-- Technical chops are reliable, pairing tidy separation with a soundstage that stays conservative. Micro-detail is decent, though never spotlighted.
Punch Audio Martilo Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- You get a polished tonal profile that stays natural from bass through treble. Subtle tuning choices keep things engaging.
Average Technical Grade
A-- Technical chops are reliable, pairing tidy separation with a soundstage that stays conservative. Micro-detail is decent, though never spotlighted.
FlipEars Legion User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewPunch Audio Martilo User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewFind your next IEM:
IEM Finder Quiz
newIEM Comparison Tool
newVS