qdc Anole VX VS FATFreq Grand Maestro
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
qdc Anole VX and FATFreq Grand Maestro use 10BA and 1DD+8BA+4EST driver setups respectively. qdc Anole VX costs $2,500 while FATFreq Grand Maestro costs $3,334. FATFreq Grand Maestro is $834 more expensive. FATFreq Grand Maestro holds a clear 0.7-point edge in reviewer scores (7.9 vs 8.6). FATFreq Grand Maestro has significantly better bass with a 1-point edge, qdc Anole VX has significantly better mids with a 1.2-point edge, FATFreq Grand Maestro has significantly better dynamics with a 3.5-point edge, FATFreq Grand Maestro has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge, qdc Anole VX has significantly better details with a 2.3-point edge and qdc Anole VX has better imaging with a 0.6-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | qdc Anole VX | FATFreq Grand Maestro |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 6.8 | 7.8 |
| Mids | 8 | 6.8 |
| Treble | 7.4 | 7.5 |
| Details | 9 | 6.8 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 9 |
| Imaging | 7.8 | 7.3 |
| Dynamics | 5 | 8.5 |
| Tonality | 7.7 | 8.2 |
| Technicalities | 8.5 | 8.1 |
qdc Anole VX Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.9Strongly Favorable
FATFreq Grand Maestro Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.6Excellent
Reviews Comparison
qdc Anole VX reviewed by Yifang
8
Reviewer Score
FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Yifang
8.5
Reviewer Score
qdc Anole VX reviewed by Nymz
7.2
Reviewer Score
FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Nymz
6.5
Reviewer Score
qdc Anole VX (more reviews)
qdc Anole VX reviewed by Super* Review
9*
* score rescaled + normalized
qdc Anole VX reviewed by Shuwa-T
8.4
Reviewer Score
qdc Anole VX reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
8
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channelqdc Anole VX reviewed by Tim Tuned
7.5
Reviewer Score
qdc Anole VX reviewed by Precogvision
6.9
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
qdc’s Anole VX shows up with 10 balanced armatures, slick build, proprietary reinforced pins, and tuning switches—but the stock setting steals the spotlight for raw technical pop. Detail retrieval is exceptionally resolving, with crisp transients that edge out heavy hitters like the U12t. Bass carries typical BA traits—limited texture—yet still hits with slam and rumble, even before nudging the bass switch. It’s not neutral down low, and the immediate impression is sheer clarity and speed.
The quirks appear in spatial and tonal polish. Midrange imaging feels unusual—stage is wide and tall but lacks depth projection, so center vocals that should sit further back can feel oddly placed. Treble brings another wrinkle: on some electronic tracks, upper effects can turn rough or fatiguing, hinting at a peak interaction. Timbre remains recognizably BA-leaning—a touch plasticky and light in weight—but not artifact-ridden.
As a whole, the VX screams technical prowess—one of the most resolving IEMs around—yet the combination of BA timbre, shallow depth, and occasional treble grit makes the signature feel sterile. It dazzles at first listen with its high-res sheen, then settles into a precision instrument: impressive, incisive, and polarizing depending on tolerance for its textural and staging trade-offs.
Precogvision Youtube Channel
FATFreq Grand Maestro (more reviews)
FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Jays Audio
9.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
FATFreq Grand Maestro aims squarely at a refined, sub-boosted tuning rather than a crude bass cannon. The bass quality shows real pedigree—excellent control, quick decay, and that clean, floor-shaking sub-bass rumble without smearing the mids. Treble reaches higher with better extension than typical basshead fare, and overall resolution, separation, and balance feel “endgame” in polish. For listeners who want muscular low-end that still plays nice with vocals and air, this tuning reads as a mature, high-performance take on “bass + hi-fi.”
But for pure basshead cravings, Grand Maestro doesn’t go overboard—it’s a bassy set, not a “basshead or bust” one. Compared with FATFreq’s own Scarlet Mini (or Maestro Mini), it brings less sheer quantity and “skull-rattle,” trading slam for finesse; next to ultra-dark hammers like HBB Hades, it’s far more balanced and controlled. The catch is diminishing returns: while the Grand Maestro is the most refined and technically capable among these bass-tilted options, those chasing maximum pound-for-pound slam may find better value in the Minis, and those wanting reckless low-end excess will still gravitate to sets like Hades. For most non-basshead audiophiles, though, Grand Maestro’s blend of sub-bass authority and top-end refinement hits the sweet spot.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Jaytiss
9.3
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Smirk Audio
7.7
Reviewer Score
FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Head-Fi.org
9.5
* score rescaled + normalized
FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Web Search
9
Reviewer Score
The FATFreq Grand Maestro offers a highly adaptable sound signature through its NOAH modules and vocal switches, enabling four distinct tuning profiles. The black NOAH module emphasizes sub-bass "slam," while the blue variant provides tighter "rumble" control; combined with the vocal switch, these allow shifts from a bass-forward signature to a more mid-centric presentation. Bass is deep and authoritative but avoids midrange bleed, while the treble—handled by electrostatic drivers—delivers clarity without sibilance or fatigue.
Technically, it excels in imaging precision and creates an immersive, three-dimensional soundstage that positions instruments with remarkable specificity. However, its large shell size may challenge those with smaller ears, and it demands power-hungry sources—often requiring high-gain amplification to reach full potential. The deluxe package includes both NOAH modules and an upgraded cable, enhancing its tuning flexibility.
qdc Anole VX Details
Driver Configuration: 10BA
Tuning Type: Neutral
Brand: QDC Top QDC IEMs
Price (Msrp): $2,500
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FATFreq Grand Maestro Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+8BA+4EST
Tuning Type: Neutral, Basshead
Price (Msrp): $3,334
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qdc Anole VX User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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FATFreq Grand Maestro User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!
qdc Anole VX 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+FATFreq Grand Maestro Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.6Gaming Grade
B+qdc Anole VX Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- It presents a smooth, well-integrated tonal balance that plays nicely with many styles. It maintains natural timbre across the range.
Average Technical Grade
S-- This level balances openness and accuracy, showcasing excellent clarity across busy mixes. A great match for analytical listening sessions.
FATFreq Grand Maestro 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+- Layering is confident and precise, backed by imaging that locks elements firmly in place. Micro-details peek through without sounding forced.
qdc Anole VX User Reviews
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