FATFreq Grand Maestro VS qdc x MusicTeck Emperor SE

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

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FATFreq Grand Maestro and qdc x MusicTeck Emperor SE use 1DD+8BA+4EST and 1DD+10BA+4EST driver setups respectively. FATFreq Grand Maestro costs $3,334 while qdc x MusicTeck Emperor SE costs $3,200. FATFreq Grand Maestro is $134 more expensive. FATFreq Grand Maestro holds a clear 0.6-point edge in reviewer scores (8.6 vs 8). qdc x MusicTeck Emperor SE has slightly better bass with a 0.3-point edge, qdc x MusicTeck Emperor SE has significantly better mids with a 1.2-point edge, qdc x MusicTeck Emperor SE has better treble with a 0.5-point edge, FATFreq Grand Maestro has better dynamics with a 0.5-point edge, qdc x MusicTeck Emperor SE has significantly better details with a 1.3-point edge and qdc x MusicTeck Emperor SE has better imaging with a 0.8-point edge.

Insights

Metric FATFreq Grand Maestro qdc x MusicTeck Emperor SE
Bass 7.8 8
Mids 6.8 8
Treble 7.5 8
Details 6.8 8
Soundstage 9 8
Imaging 7.3 8
Dynamics 8.5 8
Tonality 8.2 8
Technicalities 8.1 8
Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough qdc x MusicTeck Emperor SE reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

FATFreq Grand Maestro Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Nymz
Smirk Audio
Yifang
Jays Audio Jaytiss Head-Fi.org Web Search

Average Reviewer Score:

8.6

Excellent

qdc x MusicTeck Emperor SE Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Smirk Audio

Average Reviewer Score:

8

Very Positive

Reviews Comparison

FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Smirk Audio

Smirk Audio 7.7 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A Tech
check links for more info:

Smirk Audio original ranking

Smirk Audio Head-Fi Profile

Bass: S- Mids: A Treble: A Dynamics: A+ Details: A Imaging: A

qdc x MusicTeck Emperor SE reviewed by Smirk Audio

Smirk Audio 8 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A+ Tech
check links for more info:

Smirk Audio original ranking

Smirk Audio Head-Fi Profile

Bass: A+ Mids: A+ Treble: A+ Dynamics: A+ Details: A+ Imaging: A+

FATFreq Grand Maestro (more reviews)

FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 9.5 Reviewer Score
S Tuning
S Tech
YouTube video thumbnail
The best basshead set. That is all. EXPENSIVE. If you just want bass HBB Punch way better value.
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 original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel

FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 9.3 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A+ Tech
Is one of those sets that can do it all. Very impressive.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: A- Treble: A+ Dynamics: S Soundstage: S

FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Yifang

Yifang 8.5 Reviewer Score
S- Tuning
S- Tech
check links for more info:

Yifang original ranking

Yifang Youtube Channel

FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Nymz

Nymz 6.5 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
B Tech
See Maestro SE but with worse bass.

Nymz original ranking

Nymz Website

Bass: A- Mids: B Treble: A- Details: B Imaging: A-

FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 9.5 * score rescaled + normalized
7 community members have rated the FatFreq Grand Maestro at an average of 5.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Masterpiece.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Web Search

uses AI-Search to turn user, reddit and head-fi reviews into clear, concise summaries.
Web Search 9 Reviewer Score
S Tuning
S Tech

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.

FATFreq Grand Maestro User Review Score

Average User Scores

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qdc x MusicTeck Emperor SE User Review Score

Average User Scores

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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

6.6

Gaming Grade

B+

qdc x MusicTeck Emperor SE Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

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

Gaming Score

6.5

Gaming 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.
Bass A
The bass hits with conviction, offering both punch and clarity. It reaches low with confidence and control.
Mids B+
Expect a confident midrange that keeps details audible without harshness. Acoustic arrangements sound engaging.
Treble A
Expect effortless extension and clarity that keep the top end sparkling yet smooth. Layering in upper registers is impressive.
Dynamics S-
The presentation feels expansive, letting micro and macro dynamics breathe. There's a sense of limitless headroom.
Soundstage S
Spatial cues extend effortlessly in every direction, wrapping you in a boundless sonic dome. Every direction feels accessible.
Details B+
Finer gestures snap into focus without sounding clinical or forced. Layering holds strong across genres.
Imaging A-
You can literally point to where sounds originate across the stage. You can point to where sounds originate.
Gaming B+
Respectable environmental presentation favors atmosphere over precision. Detects obvious directional cues while conveying game world ambiance. Bad value-to-cost for gaming purpose - not recommended

qdc x MusicTeck Emperor SE Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

A+
  • Expect a tasteful, well-judged response that feels both musical and true to the source. Great synergy with a wide range of genres.

Average Technical Grade

A+
  • It sounds refined and controlled, keeping instruments neatly separated with immersive staging. Busy arrangements remain neatly organized.
Bass A+
You hear powerful yet disciplined low-end slam that extends effortlessly. It marries sub-bass depth with great texture.
Mids A+
Expect an immersive mid band where every vocal inflection and texture shines. Complex arrangements stay perfectly composed.
Treble A+
Treble reaches superb heights, offering effortless extension and crystal clarity. Every cymbal crash resolves into fine mist.
Dynamics A+
It captures both explosive hits and delicate shifts with lifelike realism. Micro-dynamics shimmer through the mix.
Details A+
Inner textures glow vividly yet never feel etched or artificial. It borders on studio-monitor transparency.
Imaging A+
Movement flows gracefully, tracing arcs that are rendered with surgical accuracy. Movement effects are rendered with precision.
Gaming B+
Respectable environmental presentation favors atmosphere over precision. Detects obvious directional cues while conveying game world ambiance. Bad value-to-cost for gaming purpose - not recommended

FATFreq Grand Maestro User Reviews

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qdc x MusicTeck Emperor SE User Reviews

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