Hidition Viento VS Shanling Regal

Youtube Video Summary

Hidition is framed as an OG IEM house (founded 2003), and the Viento is praised as the rare decade-old set that still sits in the top tier. Released in the height of the driver wars, it rejected driver-count inflation for a 4-driver, 4-way crossover architecture—each BA handling its own band: sub-bass, lower mids, upper mids, treble. The result is “efficiency” engineering that prioritizes clean division of labor over headcount, following the neutral lineage of the NT6 while modernizing with a subtle sub-bass lift.

The Viento’s two-switch system is highlighted as unusually precise: one switch for sub-bass, one for lower mids, yielding four distinct tunings—A (neutral), B (sub-bass boost), C (lower-mid warmth), and D (both). It’s noted that the custom shell outperforms the universal demo (which can sound a bit bright/shouty due to fit depth), making this one of the few customs actively recommended. In 2023 it sits at S- on the ranking list: versatile across configs, close to an IEF-neutral target, and—relative to today’s market—“cheap” at about $1,000 from Zeppelin & Co. Overall, the Viento is portrayed as lightning in a bottle: enduring tuning, elegant engineering, and real-world usability that keeps it in regular rotation years after release.

Youtube Video Summary

Hidition Viento B aims for a reference-lean balance: a leveled sub-bass shelf to around 200 Hz, a lean lower midrange, and very emphasized upper-mids with a notable mid-treble lift. On paper it graphs cleanly, but in practice the contrast thins out note weight and exposes a ringy decay on upper harmonics, pushing cymbals and sibilants forward more than natural.

Technicalities are mixed. Microdynamic contrast is the standout, with low-level inflections popping more readily than peers, yet imaging and stage size hover around average for the price. BA timbre remains audible, and the elongated nozzle that mimics a CIEM fit can be uncomfortable unless a deep insertion is possible; the CIEM version is said to mitigate several of these concerns.

Youtube Video Summary

Shanling Regal is a tri-brid in ear monitor with a shimmering faceplate, smoky transparent shell and visible drivers, backed by a solid fit that stays comfortable for four to five hour sessions. The stock package feels premium for a 699 USD set, with a refined silver plated cable, multiple tuning ear tips, SpinFit extras and a dark brown case that underlines the brand focus on small details.

In its raw tuning with switch 2 off, Regal measures and sounds very V shaped, with solid but somewhat blended bass and mids that sit a little behind the mix while upper mids stay bright, plus a dipped 7 kHz region and lifted 8 to 10 kHz band for air. Engaging switch 2 brings a clear shift: bass quantity drops slightly but keeps punch and slam, vocals move forward, separation improves and the midrange becomes cleaner, smoother and more airy, while imaging becomes very clear and treble transitions feel more natural and controlled.

Compared with a cheaper Dunu DK tribrid around 499 USD, Regal keeps a similar bass shelf but has a different presentation, with slightly more blended bass and less forward vocals, so the Dunu comes across as more vivid and stylistic while the Regal feels more balanced with switch 2 engaged. Detail retrieval, resolution and extension in the upper treble are strong, giving instruments bright but not harsh overtones and a clean, precise character that suits listeners who care more about instrument performance than lush vocals. With switch 2 on, Shanling Regal earns a solid 7.0 out of 10 as a well built, technically capable set that rewards those willing to engage its tuning options rather than use it strictly in stock form.