Forte Ears Macbeth VS Subtonic Storm
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Forte Ears Macbeth and Subtonic Storm use 5BA+4EST+2BC and 5BA+2EST+2SLAM driver setups respectively. Forte Ears Macbeth costs $4,000 while Subtonic Storm costs $5,200. Subtonic Storm is $1,200 more expensive. Subtonic Storm holds a clear 0.7-point edge in reviewer scores (8.5 vs 9.2). Subtonic Storm has better bass with a 0.6-point edge, Subtonic Storm has better mids with a 0.8-point edge, Subtonic Storm has slightly better treble with a 0.4-point edge, Subtonic Storm has significantly better dynamics with a 1.5-point edge, Subtonic Storm has better soundstage with a 0.5-point edge, Subtonic Storm has better details with a 0.9-point edge and Subtonic Storm has slightly better imaging with a 0.3-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Forte Ears Macbeth | Subtonic Storm |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8.3 | 8.9 |
| Mids | 8 | 8.8 |
| Treble | 8.5 | 8.9 |
| Details | 8.8 | 9.7 |
| Soundstage | 9 | 9.5 |
| Imaging | 8.8 | 9 |
| Dynamics | 8 | 9.5 |
| Gaming capabilities | 7 | 7.9 |
Forte Ears Macbeth Aggregated Review Score
Forte Ears Macbeth Average Reviewer Scores
Subtonic Storm Aggregated Review Score
Subtonic Storm Average Reviewer Scores
Forte Ears Macbeth Details
Driver Configuration: 5BA+4EST+2BC
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Price (Msrp): $4,000
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Subtonic Storm Details
Driver Configuration: 5BA+2EST+2SLAM
Tuning Type: Neutral with bass boost
Price (Msrp): $5,200
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Forte Ears Macbeth User Review Score
Forte Ears Macbeth Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Subtonic Storm User Review Score
Subtonic Storm Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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Forte Ears Macbeth 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-Subtonic Storm Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.9Gaming Grade
AForte Ears Macbeth Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- Refined execution with coherent frequency integration. Natural timbre reproduction and engaging presentation. Strong versatility.
Average Technical Grade
S-- Excellent clarity and detail. Precise imaging and expansive soundstage. Manages complex passages with minimal smearing and good transient speed.
Subtonic Storm Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
S- Exquisite technical mastery. Flawless frequency integration with captivating presentation. Sets new standards in tonal execution.
Average Technical Grade
S- Reference-tier precision. Effortlessly resolves micro-details, with holographic staging and lightning-fast transients. Masterful control even in the most chaotic tracks.
Forte Ears Macbeth Reviews
Forte Ears Macbeth reviewed by: Smirk Audio
8.3
Reviewer Score
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Forte Ears Macbeth reviewed by: Shuwa-T
8.7
Reviewer Score
Feels like a remastered VX in terms of clarity and staging The tonality is too off for regular listening, timbre is also off in general
Subtonic Storm Reviews
Subtonic Storm reviewed by: Smirk Audio
8.8
Reviewer Score
World-class resolution and layering. Extreme, almost exaggerated dynamics. Staging is large but not class-leading.
Subtonic Storm reviewed by: Jays Audio
10
Reviewer Score
The best IEM I've ever heard. Best timbre. Super natural. TOTL tech. It's just good. That's all. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Most IEMs inevitably introduce flaws that shatter musical immersion—be it harsh treble, shouty vocals, or unbalanced bass. These imperfections act as chains, binding the listener and preventing that elusive state of pure, uninterrupted freedom within the music. While the OG EJ07 came close, even it faltered on certain tracks, its forward vocals becoming a jarring distraction when pushed hard. The Subtonic Storm, however, shatters this pattern entirely.
Contrary to its name, the Storm represents the eye of the hurricane—a sanctuary of pure, effortless sound. It liberates the music from tuning flaws, presenting it naturally and tranquilly. There are zero distractions or attachments holding the listener back, enabling deep introspection and complete immersion, as if conversing directly with the singer or instrument. This profound, intangible quality—achieving that free state—is why it's considered the best IEM, offering unmatched resolution, separation, and imaging, albeit at an astronomical $5,000 price point.
Value-wise, the Storm is undeniably terrible; the KZ ASF ($250) gets you 80% there, and the Monarch MKII ($1,000) delivers 95%. It's a luxury item, justified only by its unique, unmeasurable ability to dissolve worldly distractions and forge total oneness with the music. Crucially, it's not for everyone: Bass heads, background listeners, or those enjoying J-pop/K-pop/EDM will find far better value elsewhere under $300. Only those deeply seeking musical transcendence, with ample disposable income, should even consider it. For everyone else, stay away—you simply don’t need it.
Subtonic Storm reviewed by: Tim Tuned
9
Reviewer Score
The most extraodinary normal sounding IEM ever. Amazing all-around big and heavy shell Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Subtonic Storm reviewed by: Precogvision
9.1
Reviewer Score
Easily at the top for resolution and dynamic contrast, accompanied by rigid transients and pinpoint layering. Precogvision Youtube Channel
Subtonic Storm reviewed by: Gizaudio Axel
9
Reviewer Score
The most detailed IEM I’ve ever heard. Exceptional resolution, neutral sound signature. Hard to drive.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
Subtonic Storm reviewed by: Shuwa-T
9.3
Reviewer Score
Comment: TOTL tuning with TOTL technicalities to boot. Perfectly tuned, unparalled detail retrieval, staging, imaging, and proper holographic background as a cohesive package The price I guess
Subtonic Storm reviewed by: IEMRanking AI
9.5
Reviewer Score
The Subtonic Storm delivers a balanced sound signature characterized by a generous sub-bass boost, neutral midrange, and an elevated, articulate treble response. Its standout feature is the implementation of proprietary SLAM drivers—custom balanced armatures handling separate sub-bass and mid-bass frequencies—which produce exceptional slam and texture rivaling dynamic drivers. The treble exhibits deliberate, controlled peaks between 5-15kHz, contributing to vividness without harshness, though some listeners may note a slight roll-off past 16kHz.
Technically, the Storm sets a high bar with class-leading dynamics, micro-detail resolution, and driver coherence across its hybrid array. Staging offers strong width and depth but lacks a cohesive center image. Ergonomically, the titanium shells are bulky and heavy, causing fatigue during extended use, and the stock cable is often criticized for stiffness. Additionally, its low sensitivity demands powerful amplification, limiting portability.
Forte Ears Macbeth User Reviews
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