Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass VS SymphonyEars PRE5TIGE
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass and SymphonyEars PRE5TIGE are in-ear monitors. Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass costs $599 while SymphonyEars PRE5TIGE costs $679. SymphonyEars PRE5TIGE is $80 more expensive. SymphonyEars PRE5TIGE holds a clear 0.7-point edge in reviewer scores (7.4 vs 8.1). Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass has significantly better treble with a 3-point edge, SymphonyEars PRE5TIGE has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge and SymphonyEars PRE5TIGE has significantly better soundstage with a 2.5-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass | SymphonyEars PRE5TIGE |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7 | 8.1 |
| Mids | 7 | 7 |
| Treble | 8 | 5 |
| Soundstage | 6 | 8.5 |
| Dynamics | 7 | 8 |
| Tonality | 7.3 | 7.1 |
| Technicalities | 7 | 5 |
Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.4Generally Favorable
SymphonyEars PRE5TIGE Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.1Very Positive
Reviews Comparison
Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass reviewed by Jaytiss
7.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass comes as a custom set with personalized shells and a straightforward Pelican-style case. The build is compact and comfortable with an easy tip-lip, though the color matching can look inconsistent in certain light and the stock cable feels a bit lackluster—thin, slightly stiff, and not as plush as expected at this tier.
Sonically, this is where it clicks: a tasteful bass shelf for proper foundation, pristine upper-mids for clarity, and airy EST extension that brings out detail without harshness. It tracks close to a personal target shaped by sets like the Elysian Annihilator and JM1—cleaner and more engaging than the stock Mega5-EST, which can feel like “clean water” to some. Comparisons paint the path here: the affordable Hexa shows the right upper-mid behavior; the Chopin is a fun benchmark under $200 with small quirks; Hype 4 offers a Mega-style tuning on a budget but with less bass; and Binary Dynaquattro scratches a V-shaped itch while being harder to drive. Mega5-EST +Bass blends these lessons into a punchy, articulate, and well-imaged presentation.
Value is strong for a custom with EST drivers under a grand—excellent channel matching, convincing technicalities, and a tuning that feels “just right” for modern music without turning strident. Caveats: the order process can be slow (think weeks) and communication runs through Hisenior/Facebook, so patience helps. Not the only answer at the price, but as a preference-targeted custom that adds the missing low-end weight to the original Mega5-EST’s clarity, this one earns an unapologetic S-tier.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Price: $589
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SymphonyEars PRE5TIGE reviewed by Jaytiss
2025-07-20
8.1
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass (more reviews)
Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass reviewed by Audio Amigo
8
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
Hisenior’s Mega5-EST +Bass takes the acclaimed Mega5 recipe and dials in a tasteful bass boost without upsetting the balance. The unboxing screams premium: a plush sheepskin Manta case, a chunky 4.4 mm Manta cable (nicely built, but heavy), shirt clip, multiple tips, and replaceable nozzle filters for longevity. The resin shells with metal nozzles feel sturdy and look flashy—mismatched shells add flair—while the semi-custom shape fits securely for most, though smaller ears may struggle with the shell size and nozzle girth. On paper it’s a tribrid (1DD + 2BA + 2EST), 24 Ω and >100 dB, so easy to drive; note that higher output impedance or a 15 Ω adapter tilts the FR warmer and bassier, turning it from warm-neutral into near basshead territory.
Sonically, this is bass-boosted neutral done right: sub-bass has real rumble, mid-bass hits with authority yet stays tight. The midrange is the star—rich and full without bloom, giving weight to male vocals while keeping female vocals smooth and clean; separation makes dense mixes effortless. Treble from the ESTs is airy and non-fatiguing, with “Goldilocks” sparkle that lets cymbals and harmonics pop without glare. Technical chops impress: fine detail retrieval, stable stereo separation, and a convincing 3D soundstage that places instruments with confidence—competitive with strong mid-fi performers and nibbling at the heels of pricier flagships.
In A/Bs, think of it as the “luxury performance” take on Kiwi Ears K4 (similar balance but smoother, more detailed, and punchier), richer and bassier than the Dunu x Gizaudio DaVinci (which pushes vocals a bit more), and far more all-rounder than the Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch (a true basshead set). The KZ EDC Pro echoes the general contour at a budget, but the Mega5-EST +Bass crushes it in refinement, texture, and resolution—as it should at $590. Value isn’t its calling card, but as a limited edition built on 2024’s crowd-favorite tuning—now with extra low-end fun and a killer accessory pack—this comfortably sits in the “this is brilliant” tier for anyone seeking a bass-tilted meta tuning that still nails mids, treble smoothness, and day-to-day listenability.
Audio Amigo Youtube Channel
Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass reviewed by Z-Reviews
8
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass takes the already clean, wide, crisp Mega5 tuning and pours a thick, buttery layer of low-end over it—think “Eris-sized” weight without muddying the mids. On bass-light tracks, the presentation stays tidy and balanced; when a track calls for slam, the sub-bass turns the room into a vibrating wooden shack (in a good way). The core technicalities—clarity, stage, and treble finesse—stick around, now backed by a warmer, more physical foundation that makes music feel more alive. For listeners who believe most gear is starving the soul of the music, this tuning argues for more bass normalization, not less.
Build and accessories are generous: a stylish case, multiple tip sets, spare filters, cloth, and a quality 2-pin cable. There’s a fit quirk—the nozzles feel a touch long, often sealing best when backed out slightly—but once seated, it’s rock solid. Big warning, though: skip any 4.4-to-3.5 “illegal” adapters and just choose the right termination up front; the balanced option is the move. Under the hood it’s a 1DD + 2BA + 2EST hybrid that clearly cranks the dynamic driver for that plush sub-bass shelf while keeping vocals articulate and highs smooth.
At $589 (vs. the original’s $549), the upcharge buys the “Bass+” ethos done properly: warmth, weight, and fun without trashing detail. It’s the kind of tuning that encourages long sessions and guilty grins—less about clinical reference curves, more about musical gravity. Call it a price-tag score of “589”: not a penny less than it sounds.
Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
8
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelHisenior Mega5-EST +Bass reviewed by Jays Audio
7
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass reviewed by Tim Tuned
6.5
Reviewer Score
Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass reviewed by Super* Review
6*
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
The Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass tweaks a proven formula with a flashier shell, a softer puck case in place of the Pelican box, and a thick-but-nice stock cable. The most eyebrow-raising extra is a 3.5→4.4 mm adapter that converts single-ended to balanced—an unusual direction that invites skepticism, even if the brand says it’s safe. Fit remains compact and comfortable with a medium nozzle and semi-custom contour; stock tips are serviceable, though shorter tips like SpinFit can improve seal for some. Aesthetically, the red-black motif reads a bit gaudy, but ergonomics and accessory quality are solid overall.
From ~300 Hz up the tuning mirrors the original Mega5-EST: a gently warm midrange, clean upper-mids, and neutral, well-behaved treble that avoids glare while keeping definition. The change is all down low: roughly a +5 dB bass boost that tilts upward from the lower mids rather than living purely in sub-bass. The result is hefty slam that doesn’t completely smear the picture, but it does shave away some micro-contrast and vocal texture; on bass-forward tracks the low end can turn a touch droning and distracting. Still, transient attack up top stays crisp, and the overall presentation remains coherent—just decidedly bass-first.
Versus the standard Mega5-EST, this edition trades nuance for weight; those who wanted “Mega5-EST, but more bass” get exactly that without wrecking the top end. Compared to a purpose-built warm set like the Symphonium Meteor, the Hisenior’s low end feels less integrated and less intentionally voiced, while Meteor’s treble has a bit of special sauce. Verdict: a 3/5—easy to enjoy and well-tuned above the bass shelf, but the extra low-end doesn’t feel necessary and slightly blunts what made the original so delicate and engaging.
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube ChannelHisenior Mega5-EST +Bass reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA+2EST
Tuning Type: Basshead
Brand: Hisenior Top Hisenior IEMs
Price (Msrp): $599
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SymphonyEars PRE5TIGE Details
Driver Configuration:
Tuning Type: n/a
Price (Msrp): $679
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Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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SymphonyEars PRE5TIGE User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.6Gaming Grade
B+SymphonyEars PRE5TIGE Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
5.1Gaming Grade
C+Hisenior Mega5-EST +Bass Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Tuning lands in a pleasing sweet spot with mostly coherent frequency integration. Tonality stays consistent from track to track.
Average Technical Grade
A-- It manages detail and layering well enough, even if the stage feels only moderately sized. You get a clear sense of left and right, if not depth.
SymphonyEars PRE5TIGE Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Expect an inviting tonal blend that adapts well to genres while staying largely composed. It strikes a nice blend of warmth and clarity.
Average Technical Grade
C+- Technical ability is serviceable, keeping basic detail intact across simpler tracks. It keeps up with acoustic tracks without much fuss.
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