Softears Enigma VS Nightjar Duality
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Softears Enigma and Nightjar Duality use 2DD+6BA+4EST and 2DD driver setups respectively. Softears Enigma costs $3,699 while Nightjar Duality costs $3,000. Softears Enigma is $699 more expensive. Softears Enigma holds a clear 0.8-point edge in reviewer scores (9 vs 8.1). Softears Enigma has significantly better mids with a 1.3-point edge, Softears Enigma has significantly better treble with a 1.4-point edge, Nightjar Duality has slightly better dynamics with a 0.4-point edge, Softears Enigma has significantly better soundstage with a 1.3-point edge, Softears Enigma has significantly better details with a 1-point edge and Softears Enigma has significantly better imaging with a 1.3-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Softears Enigma | Nightjar Duality |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 9 | 9 |
| Mids | 8.6 | 7.3 |
| Treble | 8.7 | 7.3 |
| Details | 9 | 8 |
| Soundstage | 8.8 | 7.5 |
| Imaging | 9 | 7.8 |
| Dynamics | 8.8 | 9.3 |
| Tonality | 8.8 | 8.1 |
| Technicalities | 9.5 | 7.5 |
Softears Enigma Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
9Outstanding
Nightjar Duality Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.1Very Positive
Reviews Comparison
Softears Enigma reviewed by Head-Fi.org
9
* score rescaled + normalized
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Price: $3,699
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Nightjar Duality reviewed by Head-Fi.org
7.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Softears Enigma (more reviews)
Softears Enigma reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
9
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Softears Enigma comes dressed to impress: a lavish multi-layer unboxing with neatly organized compartments, UC/foam/silicone tips, a premium leather travel case, cleaning tools, an aluminum earpiece model, and even a build-it cube with screwdriver. The package includes a soft-touch cable marked “Enigma” and an Effect Audio ConX cable for swappable terminations. The shells look exquisite under a glass cover, and despite a larger 6.4 mm nozzle, the fit settles into a deep seal that’s comfortable for hours with average isolation. It’s a 12-driver tribrid (2DD+6BA+4EST) priced around $3,699, and it absolutely presents like it.
Tonally, Enigma lands balanced—call it neutral with a slight bass boost and a pronounced mid-range focus. Bass is a standout for its clean, tight, and textured delivery: fast attack, medium decay, and enough weight to add fullness without stealing the spotlight. The mid-range takes center stage with natural timbre, proper note weight, and excellent vocal rendering—male voices get a touch of warmth while female vocals feel airy and extended. Treble is detailed and precise with a hint of sparkle; turn it up and it can edge slightly forward, yet it stays non-fatiguing and keeps the whole tonality in check.
Technical chops are firmly top-tier: effortless resolution, exceptional separation and layering, and above-average yet natural soundstage with precise imaging—even dense tracks remain micro-detailed. Versus the Elysian Annihilator 2023, Enigma is the more balanced, mid-centric listen (clean, supportive bass; refined treble) while Annihilator swings v-shaped and “fun” with bigger bass/treble emphasis. Recommended for listeners who crave mid-range clarity, realistic timbre, and endgame detail across genres; not ideal for bassheads, v-shape seekers, or those wanting overly warm/lush vocals. Final verdict: 4.5/5—near-perfect coherence and detail with a mature, musical balance.
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelSoftears Enigma reviewed by Web Search
8.9
Reviewer Score
The Softears Enigma is a flagship tribrid IEM using a 12-driver array (2DD+6BA+4EST) with a hybrid 5-way/4-way crossover and an aluminum shell; the package also includes a premium Effect Audio cable. Street pricing centers around $3,699 USD and multiple reviews note the surprisingly comfortable fit despite the larger shells.
Tonal reports describe a warm-leaning, neutral-with-bass-boost balance: essentially an RSV-like midrange with extra low-end weight and smooth lower treble, extending well up top. Show impressions from Precogvision characterize it as “RSV with a dynamic driver and some extra bass,” which aligns with long-form reviews calling the Enigma warm, full, and balanced rather than aggressive.
Technical performance is a strong suit: reviewers note clean separation, high detail retrieval, and stable imaging; the EST tweeters can benefit from capable sources, while isolation is average. Factoring in its high MSRP, the Enigma’s execution is impressive but its value proposition is challenged by lower-priced alternatives (including Softears’ own RSV) that deliver broadly similar tonality at a fraction of the cost.
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 reviewed by Smirk Audio
8.3
Reviewer Score
Nightjar Duality reviewed by Shuwa-T
7.8
Reviewer Score
Softears Enigma Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+6BA+4EST
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: Softears Top Softears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $3,699
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Nightjar Duality Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD
Tuning Type: Basshead
Price (Msrp): $3,000
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Softears Enigma User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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Nightjar Duality User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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Softears Enigma Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.7Gaming Grade
ANightjar 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
BSoftears Enigma Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
S-- Tonal balance reaches a highly refined state, sounding seamless from lows to highs. Everything locks together with satisfying coherence.
Average Technical Grade
S- The technical ceiling is high here, revealing fine gradations without breaking composure. Every instrument carves out its own pocket in the mix.
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.
Softears Enigma User Reviews
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