Penon Serial VS Punch Audio Martilo

IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side

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Penon Serial and Punch Audio Martilo use 3DD and 2DD+2BA+1Planar driver setups respectively. Penon Serial costs $300 while Punch Audio Martilo costs $329. Punch Audio Martilo is $29 more expensive. Punch Audio Martilo holds a decisive 1.4-point edge in reviewer scores (6.2 vs 7.6). Punch Audio Martilo has significantly better bass with a 2.1-point edge, Punch Audio Martilo has significantly better mids with a 1.7-point edge, Punch Audio Martilo has significantly better treble with a 2.4-point edge, Punch Audio Martilo has significantly better dynamics with a 5-point edge, Punch Audio Martilo has significantly better soundstage with a 1.3-point edge and Punch Audio Martilo has significantly better details with a 2.9-point edge.

Insights

Metric Penon Serial Punch Audio Martilo
Bass 6 8.1
Mids 5.3 7
Treble 4.7 7.1
Details 4 6.9
Soundstage 6 7.3
Imaging 4 7.6
Dynamics 4 9
Tonality 5.1 7.5
Technicalities 4.3 7.2

Penon Serial Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

6.2

Mixed to Positive


Punch Audio Martilo Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

7.6

Strongly Favorable


Reviews Comparison

Penon Serial reviewed by Bad Guy Good Audio

Bad Guy Good Audio 7.1 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
C+ Tech
Pleasing tonality. great timbre, scales up, great sense of dynamics Caps look like Bill Cosby sweater.

Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking

Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube Channel
Bass: A- Mids: A- Treble: A-

Punch Audio Martilo reviewed by Bad Guy Good Audio

Bad Guy Good Audio 7.9 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A- Tech
Youtube Video Summary

Punch Audio Martilo hits the brief for bass-centric listeners. The tuning kicks up from ~200 Hz, driving a potent low end, then rides a flat porch through the mids with a gentle ear-gain that crests around 3 kHz before easing off. It mirrors the well-known Kiwi Ears collab curve but with a touch more upper-mids energy for cleaner, clearer vocals. At $279 with the card (and still competitive around $320), this set undercuts many rivals and, for libraries heavy on rock and hip-hop, feels purpose-built.

The hybrid stack—2DD + 2 BA (branded) with a planar on top—keeps the upper-mids sensible and lets the treble play from roughly 5 kHz+ without glare. Personal preference might lean to EST or a high-end BA super-tweeter, but here the planar’s implementation stays out of trouble by avoiding an overcooked 1–3/4 kHz shelf. Result: strong slam, stable mids, and treble that’s present yet subordinate to the preceding bands—focused on transparency rather than flash.

Beyond sound, the packaging and cable show real forethought—distinct from the usual cookie-cutter unboxings—and the overall execution reads like a brand finally dedicated to the low-end community. With more models in the pipeline (including a budget single DD and a planar+DD combo), Martilo arrives as a market shaker for bass lovers seeking muscle without muddying the mids. For the asking price, it’s an easy recommendation to audition—especially if the playlist is built on rhythm sections and big grooves.

Bass: A+ Mids: A- Treble: A-

Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking

Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube Channel
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Penon Serial reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 5.3 Reviewer Score
C- Tuning
C- Tech
Lacks in bass, low pinna gain, but overall not bad, just expensive.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: C+ Treble: C- Dynamics: C- Soundstage: B

Punch Audio Martilo reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 8.6 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A- Tech
BASS
Youtube Video Summary

Punch Audio Martilo steps in as a new-brand debut with a confident package: a hybrid array (planar + BAs + DDs), a metal nozzle, proper venting, and a recessed 2-pin socket set into a shell that sits securely thanks to an anti-tragus catch. The faceplate gives off AFUL Performer 7 vibes, the included cable is supple with clear R/L markings, and the textured carry case plus two tip sets round out a thoughtful accessory kit. Priced around $329—with occasional deep discounts during big Linsoul sales—build and accessories feel dialed in for the bracket.

Sonically, this is a bassy set that still behaves like an all-rounder. The bass shelf rises from roughly ~150 Hz, bringing weight and warmth without turning podcasts and vocals into mud; upper-mids are present yet controlled, minimizing shout, while mid-treble energy keeps things crisp. Female vocals avoid huskiness, note weight is satisfying, and the tuning strikes a balanced, fun profile that works across genres. On the graph it hugs a safe line, then sprinkles in extra low-end for flavor—bass-head friendly, but not a blunt instrument.

In A/Bs, it addresses the AFUL Explorer’s softness with more bass and mid presence, and compared to similarly priced Kiwi Ears Astral (the safer neutral pick), Martilo offers the spicier, more engaging option. Against “specialist” bass sets like Deuce or Quantum, Martilo feels cleaner in the mids, less abrupt in its slam, and more universally usable; versus warmer bass champs (e.g., Mega 5 Bass), it trades some warmth for clarity and refinement. This isn’t sterile “audiophile-neutral”—it’s audiophile-fun done with taste. Scoring reads like: bass (10/10), note weight (10/10), mids (9/10), with surprisingly solid highs, stage, and imaging for the money. Not flawless, but distinctive, well-tuned, and easy to recommend—especially for listeners who want real bass without sacrificing everyday versatility.

Mids: A- Treble: A- Dynamics: S Soundstage: A

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel

Penon Serial reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 8.3 * score rescaled + normalized
8 community members have rated the Penon Serial at an average of 4.4/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Excellent.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Punch Audio Martilo reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 8.5 * score rescaled + normalized
16 community members have rated the Punch Audio Martilo at an average of 4.5/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Penon Serial (more reviews)

Penon Serial reviewed by Fresh Reviews

Fresh Reviews 5.5* * The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming Score

Penon Serial reviewed by Nymz

Nymz 4 Reviewer Score
C- Tuning
C- Tech
Two units, both have audible channel imbalance. Stage width is average but lacks height and depth. Treble is on the darker side with some 5k energy. Mid bass is a bit too much but good slam. Shows incoherence signs.

Nymz original ranking

Nymz Website

Bass: C+ Mids: C- Treble: D Details: C- Imaging: C-

Punch Audio Martilo (more reviews)

Punch Audio Martilo reviewed by Gizaudio Axel

Gizaudio Axel 7.5 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
A- Tech
Great basshead set with strong technical chops. Great value, fun, and engaging without sacrificing clarity. Boosted, clean, and textured bass. Mids are surprisingly clear for a bassy set. Treble’s smooth and non-fatiguing. The bass might be too much for some.
Youtube Video Summary

Boom — time for bass. Punch Audio’s Martilo is a tribrid (2×8 mm DD + 2 BA + 1 micro planar) coming in around $330. The package is stacked: sturdy square case, extra filters, multiple tip sets, and a genuinely excellent modular 3.5/4.4 cable that lays flat, has no microphonics, and a firm chin slider. The shells are ergonomic with venting, metal nozzles with a proper lip, and a small nozzle diameter (5.9/5.0 mm) that helps seal; comfort and passive isolation are both strong.

Sonically, this is unapologetically bass-focused without being bass-only. Expect massive sub-bass depth and a punchy mid-bass, yet the low end stays tight, controlled, textured and doesn’t bleed. Mids retain clarity with non-shouty presence, while treble is crisp, smooth, non-fatiguing with decent extension (not ultra-airy). For a bass-heavy set, technical performance is solid: detail is good, and imaging/separation keep busy tracks coherent and energetic.

Against Hisenior’s Mega5EST Bass Plus, Martilo hits harder, feels more engaging, and offers better vocal clarity — and it steamrolls on value at the lower price. Compared with Xenns Tea Pro, the Tea Pro is a bass-lover all-rounder that spotlights vocals/instruments more; Martilo goes full bass-head with bigger rumble and impact. Ideal for listeners who crave deep slam but still want clarity, comfort, and great accessories; not for neutral/reference chasers. Final verdict: 4/5 — it truly punches above its price.


Gizaudio Axel original ranking

Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel

Punch Audio Martilo reviewed by Paul Wasabii

Paul Wasabii 7.5 * Score computed by IEMRanking.com
A- Tuning
A- Tech
Sub-bass-boosted hybrid with clean female vocals and quick, non-bloated low end, but a hard mid-bass dip leaves male vocals thin and genre flexibility limited. A small mid-bass EQ lift (about 2-3 dB) helps restore body and perceived resolution. Fast, clean sub-bass with clear vocals and minimal BA/planar harshness. Pronounced mid-bass dip hollows lower mids, limits impact and air; benefits from light EQ.
Youtube Video Summary

Martillo is a hybrid (dual DD, two BA, one planar) tuned as a sub-bass-boosted U-shape with roughly 14 dB lift and a hard mid-bass drop. The low end hits like a quick hitter—fast, clean, and free of boom—while the sharp cut through the mid-bass keeps the presentation uncluttered and lets vocals come through clearly.

Mids favor female vocals with notable clarity, but lower mids and male voices sound thinner due to the deep mid-bass dip; timbre skews a bit digital and body is reduced. Treble avoids harsh BA/planar timbre and is generally clean, yet not especially airy; smoothing and a touch more body would improve naturalness.

Stage is wide with some height, yet depth and dimension are flatter around the midrange gap. A small EQ lift of about 2-3 dB in mid-bass fills in body, improves transparency, and broadens genre flexibility. As tuned, Martillo suits pop and dance where sub-bass drive matters, while listeners seeking weighty mid-bass impact may want that EQ or a different flavor.

Bass: A+ Mids: A- Treble: A- Soundstage: A- Details: B+

Paul Wasabii original ranking

Paul Wasabii Youtube Channel

Punch Audio Martilo reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 7.5 Reviewer Score
S- Tuning
A Tech
Cheaper, and slightly more energetic HBB Punch with slightly less mid-bass and slam. Endgame "balanced" basshead. Imaging feels sharper than Punch, but treble is not as smooth, aside from that very similar tech and low-end.

Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel

Punch Audio Martilo reviewed by Z-Reviews

Z-Reviews 7.2 * score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary

The Punch Audio Martilo shows up screaming BASSHEAD on the box, but the tuning is smarter than that. A hybrid stack—2×8 mm DD + 2×BA + 1 planar—delivers bass that hits when the track calls for it, then gets out of the way. The surprise is the huge soundstage: airy, wide, borderline cinematic, so pianos, crowds, and live recordings feel expansive rather than claustrophobic. Low 9 Ω impedance and easy efficiency keep the power demands chill, though a low-impedance cable is recommended.

Tip rolling matters. With thin-wall silicone (e.g., Dunu S&S) the stage opens up and balance feels right; foams and some wide-bore options can push treble into a slightly sharp zone on certain tracks. Tonality reads clean and natural—warm-adjacent without a blanket—so everyday music stays unbloated, while proper sub-bass test tracks pressurize with that “firm hand on the chest,” not a sledgehammer.

Build is solid: thick, comfy modular cable with swappable plugs, flashy red shells, and a comically oversized box for a modest accessory set (silicone + foams). Street price around $330 lands in the sweet spot—easily justifying $375 by ear. Think “poor man’s Mega 5 EST Bass Plus”: similarly satisfying slam and stage, with the pricier set showing a touch more upper-mid/treble refinement. Not just for bassheads—more like a full-range thrill ride that lets music breathe and hit when it should.


Z-Reviews original ranking

Z-Reviews Youtube Channel

Punch Audio Martilo reviewed by Tim Tuned

Tim Tuned 5.5 Reviewer Score
B- Tuning
A- Tech
Strong bass, fun overall mids need improvement for the price

Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Bass: A+ Mids: A- Treble: A-

Punch Audio Martilo reviewed by Web Search

uses AI-Search to turn user, reddit and head-fi reviews into clear, concise summaries.
Web Search 8 Reviewer Score
S- Tuning
A Tech

The Punch Audio Martilo delivers a powerful bass experience that dominates its signature, featuring a substantial 14dB sub-bass boost. This emphasis creates visceral, physical rumble, especially in electronic or hip-hop tracks, yet avoids overwhelming the lower mids due to a precise 200Hz crossover. While the dual dynamic drivers generate impressive slam and texture, a slight bloom can occasionally creep into the low-mids on very busy tracks, though it generally maintains better control than many bass-focused rivals.

Surprisingly, the midrange retains clarity and naturalness despite the bass foundation, handled competently by the Knowles balanced armatures. Vocals, both male and female, sound full-bodied and avoid the huskiness or recession common in bass-heavy tunings, while instruments like guitars retain decent texture. The planar magnetic driver contributes a smooth, non-fatiguing treble with adequate air and detail retrieval, though it doesn't quite reach the sparkle or ultimate extension of dedicated electrostatic tweeters.

Technical performance is solid for its price and tuning goal, offering a wide soundstage with good depth and effective layering, particularly impressive given the bass quantity. Imaging is precise enough for accurate placement of instruments. While the bass is the star, the overall presentation manages to avoid being a one-note experience, offering a fun yet reasonably balanced listen that works across more genres than typical basshead sets.


Penon Serial User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

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Punch Audio Martilo User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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Penon Serial Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

4.6

Gaming Grade

C

Punch Audio Martilo Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

7

Gaming Grade

A-

Penon Serial Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

C+
  • The tuning leans easygoing, yet occasional unevenness nudges it away from greatness. A bit of EQ polish can smooth things nicely.

Average Technical Grade

C-
  • Textural information blurs together, making the stage feel pinched and gray. Instrument edges blur together frequently.
Bass B
You get a lively bass response that balances energy with discipline. It balances punch with respectable control.
Mids C+
The region sounds agreeable overall, delivering clarity without flashiness. Slight warmth keeps things easy-going.
Treble C
Highs are present enough yet carry a bit of grain and splash. Busy mixes can still feel a bit splashy.
Dynamics C-
It maintains a steady dynamic profile that neither offends nor inspires. Swells arrive but lack drama.
Soundstage B
You can map the ensemble with confidence thanks to solid spacing and coherent depth layering. Ambient effects feel believable.
Details C-
Nothing sounds offensive, yet nothing is etched sharply enough to captivate detail lovers. It's fine for casual listening sessions.
Imaging C-
You can tell where things generally sit, though exact locations feel blurred. Center vocals sit mostly where expected.
Gaming C
Minimal environmental definition provides only general audio cues. Suitable for games where positioning isn't critical. Value-to-cost may not be optimal for gaming-focused users.

Punch Audio Martilo 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-
  • Technical chops are reliable, pairing tidy separation with a soundstage that stays conservative. Micro-detail is decent, though never spotlighted.
Bass A+
Expect a gripping low-end presence that marries clarity with visceral impact. Dynamic swings land with thrilling force.
Mids A-
The mids sound lush and articulate, capturing emotion effortlessly. Strings and keys shimmer with realism.
Treble A-
It provides outstanding treble finesse, balancing brightness and control gracefully. It's engaging yet remarkably controlled.
Dynamics S
The presentation feels lifelike, translating every swell and attack flawlessly. The presentation feels startlingly lifelike.
Soundstage A-
The stage stretches in every direction, carving out clear three-dimensional pockets for each player. Placement accuracy impresses from the start.
Details B+
Good resolution with clear articulation of nuances that keeps complex passages intelligible. Micro-details pop without sounding forced.
Gaming A-
Good fundamental spatial awareness for most gaming scenarios. Handles basic positioning well but may lack nuance in complex situations. Value-to-cost may not be optimal for gaming-focused users.

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