I/O Sogno VS Yu9 Que

I/O’s Sogno lands as a more Harman-esque, musical follow-up to the Vol with a punchy, dimensional bass that’s quick in attack and decay, slightly forward mids, and an upper end that can be nudged down with the right tips (stock tips run a touch brighter). Resolution is solid and the stage isn’t huge, but it never feels congested. The unboxing is class-leading for the $400 bracket: an all-resin shell with a beautiful faceplate, an interchangeable-termination cable, hard case with removable foam, pouch, and five full sets of tips. Fit is snug and lightweight, though the lower protrusion can cause minor irritation after ~4 hours.

For competitive gaming, tip choice is everything thanks to the “fish-mouth” nozzle. TW40 tips work well in Valorant, while third-party AZLA SednaEarfit ORIGIN tame the hot 2–4 kHz band in Apex and COD so gunfire doesn’t mask shuffles, climbs, and utility cues. With the ORIGIN tips, separation, verticality, and imaging lock in nicely; microdetail and depth read (front/back/over/under) still leave a little on the table, keeping Sogno at a strong B on the Wallhack-Certified tier list—on the cusp of B+ with perfect synergy. Footsteps and positional cues remain clear even while shooting, bass stays controlled, though aerial killstreaks in COD can sound a bit abrasive. Net: an excellent music-first IEM that crosses over well for ranked play if you roll the right tips.

Fresh Reviews original ranking

I/O Sogno aims for big “perceived value” at $400: a robust, watch-style carry case, an unusually rich ear-tip kit (multiple five styles neatly boxed, including foam and wide-bore variants), and a swappable-termination cable (3.5mm to 4.4mm) with tidy hardware and standard recessed 2-pin. The shell mirrors the Volare—medium-large with a longish nozzle—and the semi-custom shape sits securely enough but feels a bit wedge-like, not deeply locked behind the anti-tragus. Build and accessories are excellent for the price; comfort is fine, if a touch chunky.

Sonically it’s very Harman-compliant: a mostly sub-bass lift, leaner mids with forward vocals, and a treble that follows the target’s gentle roll-off. That tuning makes the Sogno sound dry and somewhat narrow/congested; cymbals and hi-hats lack shimmer (a slightly “plasticky” timbre), and staging isn’t especially open. Versus Volare, Sogno is less warm and less airy; versus Truthear Nova it hits a bit harder down low but remains similarly clinical; and value pressure comes from cheaper sets like the 7Hz Zero. In direct comparison, Moondrop × Crinacle Dusk (also below this price) feels miles ahead in technicalities and overall engagement. A solid, accessory-rich Harman option, but not quite the “dream” its name suggests—overall 3/5.

Super* Review original ranking

The YU9 Que sports a premium, durable resin shell in pure black with a metallic-feeling faceplate and a comfortable design featuring an anti-tragus catch. While the build itself feels handsome and unique, the included cable is criticized as wimpy and unpleasant, with a strong suggestion to upgrade it. Accessories are deemed solid, including a nice selection of tips and a particularly praised case with a soft, luxurious interior.

Sonically, the YU9 Que earns immense praise for its exceptional tuning, described as clean, resolute, and non-fatiguing. It delivers strong, textured bass that avoids being overwhelming, coupled with extremely well-done upper mids. While not class-leading in technicalities like micro-detail or instrument separation, its tonal balance is considered sophisticated and reminiscent of far more expensive sets like the Annihilator, even surpassing the Monarch MKII in tuning preference. It's highlighted as a fantastic all-rounder with a smooth, agreeable signature suitable for long listening sessions.

Despite its modest single dynamic driver + 3BA configuration and $49 price point, the YU9 Que is declared a very special and unique IEM, worthy of the hype it received. The review concludes it's a price leader and a highly competent package from a small brand, offering outstanding value and a beautiful, well-executed design that makes it an easy recommendation for those seeking a smooth, non-fatiguing sound.

Jaytiss original ranking

Yu9’s Que lands as a “safer Annihilator”: a warmer, scaled-back take that pushes ample sub-bass while keeping the rest tastefully controlled. The low end feels liquidy and bouncy, underpinning an aggressive 1–3 kHz rise with a gentle 3–5 kHz taper, so vocals sit upfront and crisp yet remain remarkably smooth thanks to the extra low-end warmth. Treble is slightly scooped around 5–6 kHz and then climbs in small, well-placed peaks out to ~15–18 kHz, yielding excellent extension that feels on par with sets like Moondrop Variations in this range.

What makes it pop is the value proposition: at $400, the overall resolution, tonal balance, and staging read far pricier—more like the $700–800 bracket. With its engaging sub-bass lift, lucid mids, and airy yet controlled top end, Que comes off as a polished, crowd-friendly tuning that still excites detail chasers. If momentum holds, this looks like the next big thing around the $400 mark.

Precogvision original ranking