FATFreq Grand Maestro VS qdc Emperor
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
FATFreq Grand Maestro and qdc Emperor use 1DD+8BA+4EST and 1DD+10BA+4EST driver setups respectively. FATFreq Grand Maestro costs $3,334 while qdc Emperor costs $2,900. FATFreq Grand Maestro is $434 more expensive. FATFreq Grand Maestro holds a clear 0.6-point edge in reviewer scores (8.6 vs 8). qdc Emperor has better bass with a 0.5-point edge, qdc Emperor has significantly better mids with a 1.2-point edge, qdc Emperor has better treble with a 0.8-point edge, FATFreq Grand Maestro has better dynamics with a 0.5-point edge, qdc Emperor has significantly better details with a 1.5-point edge and qdc Emperor has better imaging with a 0.8-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | FATFreq Grand Maestro | qdc Emperor |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7.8 | 8.3 |
| Mids | 6.8 | 8 |
| Treble | 7.5 | 8.3 |
| Details | 6.8 | 8.3 |
| Soundstage | 9 | 9 |
| Imaging | 7.3 | 8 |
| Dynamics | 8.5 | 8 |
| Tonality | 8.2 | 8 |
| Technicalities | 8.1 | 8.5 |
FATFreq Grand Maestro Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.6Excellent
qdc Emperor Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8Very Positive
Reviews Comparison
FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Yifang
8.5
Reviewer Score
qdc Emperor reviewed by Yifang
8
Reviewer Score
FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Smirk Audio
7.7
Reviewer Score
qdc Emperor reviewed by Smirk Audio
7.8
Reviewer Score
FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Head-Fi.org
9.5
* score rescaled + normalized
qdc Emperor reviewed by Head-Fi.org
7.5
* score rescaled + normalized
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 Nymz
6.5
Reviewer Score
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 Emperor (more reviews)
qdc Emperor reviewed by Shuwa-T
8.7
Reviewer Score
FATFreq Grand Maestro Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+8BA+4EST
Tuning Type: Neutral, Basshead
Price (Msrp): $3,334
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qdc Emperor Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+10BA+4EST
Tuning Type: n/a
Brand: QDC Top QDC IEMs
Price (Msrp): $2,900
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FATFreq Grand Maestro User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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qdc Emperor User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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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 Emperor Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.8Gaming Grade
B+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 Emperor Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- You get a polished tonal profile that stays natural from bass through treble. Subtle tuning choices keep things engaging.
Average Technical Grade
S-- The presentation is crisp and expansive, handling complex passages with impressive ease. Low-level details remain audible in quiet passages.
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