Nightjar Duality VS Forte Ears Macbeth
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Nightjar Duality and Forte Ears Macbeth use 2DD and 5BA+4EST+2BC driver setups respectively. Nightjar Duality costs $3,000 while Forte Ears Macbeth costs $4,000. Forte Ears Macbeth is $1,000 more expensive. Forte Ears Macbeth holds a slight 0.4-point edge in reviewer scores (8.1 vs 8.6). Nightjar Duality has better bass with a 0.8-point edge, Forte Ears Macbeth has better mids with a 0.7-point edge, Forte Ears Macbeth has significantly better treble with a 1.2-point edge, Nightjar Duality has significantly better dynamics with a 1.3-point edge, Forte Ears Macbeth has significantly better soundstage with a 1.5-point edge, Forte Ears Macbeth has better details with a 0.8-point edge and Forte Ears Macbeth has significantly better imaging with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Nightjar Duality | Forte Ears Macbeth |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 9 | 8.3 |
| Mids | 7.3 | 8 |
| Treble | 7.3 | 8.5 |
| Details | 8 | 8.8 |
| Soundstage | 7.5 | 9 |
| Imaging | 7.8 | 8.8 |
| Dynamics | 9.3 | 8 |
| Tonality | 8.1 | 8.3 |
| Technicalities | 7.5 | 8.7 |
Nightjar Duality Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.1Very Positive
Forte Ears Macbeth Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.6Excellent
Reviews Comparison
Nightjar Duality reviewed by Smirk Audio
8.3
Reviewer Score
Forte Ears Macbeth reviewed by Smirk Audio
8.3
Reviewer Score
Nightjar Duality reviewed by Shuwa-T
7.8
Reviewer Score
Forte Ears Macbeth reviewed by Shuwa-T
8.7
Reviewer Score
Nightjar Duality reviewed by Head-Fi.org
7.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Forte Ears Macbeth reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.7
* score rescaled + normalized
Nightjar Duality (more reviews)
Nightjar Duality reviewed by Yifang
8.5
Reviewer Score
Nightjar Duality reviewed by Jaytiss
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Nightjar Duality presents as a $3,000 dual-dynamic IEM with a focus on premium build and ergonomics: a bespoke shell that seats comfortably, a recessed 2-pin, and user-tunable hardware via onboard switches and an included impedance adapter that can push bass even further. Packaging includes multiple thin, lightweight cables and even a powered dongle option. The craftsmanship feels boutique, and the faceplate aesthetic underscores its luxury positioning.
Tonally, this is a bass-forward set with two personalities: a “normal bass” configuration that retains balance and a “crazy bass” mode that becomes emphatically sub-heavy. Treble carries air and decent detail without chasing a hyper-analytical edge; mids are serviceable but a touch off, responding well to a bit of EQ. Overall dynamics hit hard, staging and clarity remain clean enough for the tuning goal, and the tuning reads as an enjoyable, romantic DD presentation—just not the final word in microdetail at this price.
In context, alternatives frame the value conversation: Grand Maestro is cited for stronger detail/air and driver refinement (though Duality fits better), while options like the Origin, Zen Magrid T Pro (~$500), Effect Audio Quantum, and even the budget Aether planar show that similar or complementary traits exist at lower brackets. Compared with sets such as Scarlet Mini or Maestro Mini, Duality’s bass shelf and presence balance feel more considered. Verdict: a unique, fun bass-head flagship with excellent design and ergonomics; the price is the hurdle, so demoing at events like CanJam is strongly advised before committing.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Nightjar Duality Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD
Tuning Type: Basshead
Price (Msrp): $3,000
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Forte Ears Macbeth Details
Driver Configuration: 5BA+4EST+2BC
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Price (Msrp): $4,000
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Nightjar Duality User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Forte Ears Macbeth User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Nightjar Duality Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.2Gaming Grade
BForte 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-Nightjar Duality Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- The tonal balance is polished and expressive, highlighting emotion without sacrificing accuracy. It keeps emotional weight without sacrificing accuracy.
Average Technical Grade
A- It delivers a confident technical showing with defined layers and satisfying clarity. You can follow backing vocals with relative ease.
Forte Ears Macbeth Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- You hear a mature integration of lows, mids, and highs that keeps music lifelike. Small tuning tweaks showcase expert restraint.
Average Technical Grade
S-- Clarity and detail leap forward, with precise imaging and an expansive stage. Orchestral works feel spacious and layered.
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