HUM Reference and Lime Ears Incognita are in-ear monitors. HUM Reference costs $1,300 while Lime Ears Incognita costs $1,700. Lime Ears Incognita is $400 more expensive. Lime Ears Incognita holds a decisive 2.5-point edge in reviewer scores (6 vs 8.5). Lime Ears Incognita has significantly better bass with a 2.3-point edge, Lime Ears Incognita has significantly better mids with a 1.3-point edge, Lime Ears Incognita has significantly better treble with a 1.5-point edge, Lime Ears Incognita has significantly better soundstage with a 1.6-point edge, Lime Ears Incognita has significantly better details with a 1.1-point edge and Lime Ears Incognita has significantly better imaging with a 2.4-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | HUM Reference | Lime Ears Incognita |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 5.5 | 7.8 |
| Mids | 6.6 | 7.9 |
| Treble | 6 | 7.5 |
| Details | 7.5 | 8.6 |
| Soundstage | 6.5 | 8.1 |
| Imaging | 6 | 8.4 |
| Dynamics | 6 | 8 |
| Tonality | 6 | 8.2 |
| Technicalities | 6.1 | 8.2 |
HUM Reference Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
6Mixed
Lime Ears Incognita Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.5Very Positive
Reviews Comparison
HUM Reference (more reviews)
HUM Reference reviewed by Shuwa-T
HUM Reference reviewed by Crin
Lime Ears Incognita (more reviews)
Lime Ears Incognita reviewed by Jaytiss
Youtube Video Summary
Lime Ears Incognita arrives as part of the brand’s Power Trio with Terra and Maris, carrying a $1,700 tag and build that feels suitably premium. The shell isolates well, grips tips securely, and wears a striking, lava-flecked faceplate; the leather case looks and feels durable. The included cable on this sample appears non-final but is notably supple and well-behaved.
Sonically, the tuning hits that sweet overlap of impactful, detailed, and lively. Bass is rich and thick yet controlled—elevated without turning the mix muddy—while a tasteful dip around 4–5 kHz keeps upper energy in check and contributes to an easy, coherent tonality. Versus Terra, Incognita trims some “sparkle/air,” yielding a slightly more bass-forward and less fatiguing listen that still carries incisive detail and a fun swing.
Comparisons underline the balance: “graph twins” like the Jazier 61T can look similar but don’t match the Incognita’s resolution and texture; Truthear Nova and Binary Dino Quattro bring more upper-air energy with quirks; EM10 reads more V-shaped; Dunu Glacier impresses but can come off a bit shouty. At a similar tier, Symphonium × Elysian Europa trades blows, while Acoustics Lab Apostle offers extra sparkle and mid focus—Incognita counters with fuller low-end weight and a slightly V-leaning balance. With excellent fit, strong isolation, and a tuning that stays engaging without fatigue, Incognita stands out as a fantastic all-rounder that warrants a serious demo for veteran listeners.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Lime Ears Incognita reviewed by Paul Wasabii
Youtube Video Summary
Seven-driver advanced hybrid (2DD + 5BA) tuned as a shallower V: bass and treble sit just under the mids so the presentation reads vocal- and mid-centric. Lime Ears’ BA work shows uncommon resolution + timbre together, yielding clean articulation without plasticky tone. Compared with its siblings, this is the genuine “middle brother”—more balanced than Terra, not as weighty or deep as Maris, and aimed squarely at listeners who prioritize vocals and coherence.
The dual-DD bass is tidy—no bloat or boom—showing texture and a proper level with a lightly pulled-back sub-bass; mid-bass retains enough weight to keep vocals natural. Treble strikes a neutral, well-judged balance; higher-volume listening can make the mids come forward a touch, while lower volumes feel spot on. Stage has notable width and space, with precise imaging; overall depth and immersion trail the Maris, but separation and clarity remain high.
Paul Wasabii Youtube Channel
Lime Ears Incognita reviewed by Kois Archive
Kois Archive Youtube Channel
Lime Ears Incognita reviewed by Head-Fi.org
HUM Reference Details
Driver Configuration:
Tuning Type: Neutral
Price (Msrp): $1,300
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Lime Ears Incognita Details
Driver Configuration: 5DD BA
Tuning Type: n/a
Brand: Lime Ears Top Lime Ears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,700
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HUM Reference User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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Lime Ears Incognita User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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HUM Reference 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+Lime Ears Incognita Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.7Gaming Grade
B+HUM Reference Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B- Expect a friendly tonal balance that could use polish but remains inviting. Great for casual listening, less so for purists.
Average Technical Grade
B- Overall technicalities are acceptable, delivering enough clarity for casual sessions. Imaging is serviceable though not immersive.
Lime Ears Incognita 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+- A very capable technical display delivers articulate layers and poised imaging. It portrays reverbs and echoes with confidence.
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