Softears Enigma VS Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Softears Enigma and Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS use 2DD+6BA+4EST and 2DD+5BA+4EST+2BC driver setups respectively. Softears Enigma costs $3,699 while Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS costs $5,000. Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS is $1,301 more expensive. Softears Enigma holds a clear 0.5-point edge in reviewer scores (9 vs 8.5). Softears Enigma carries a user score of 9.5. Softears Enigma has better mids with a 0.6-point edge, Softears Enigma has better treble with a 0.7-point edge, Softears Enigma has slightly better dynamics with a 0.3-point edge, Softears Enigma has better details with a 0.5-point edge and Softears Enigma has better imaging with a 0.5-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Softears Enigma | Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 9 | 9 |
| Mids | 8.6 | 8 |
| Treble | 8.7 | 8 |
| Details | 9 | 8.5 |
| Soundstage | 8.8 | 8.5 |
| Imaging | 9 | 8.5 |
| Dynamics | 8.8 | 8.5 |
| Tonality | 8.8 | 8.3 |
| Technicalities | 9.5 | 8.5 |
Softears Enigma Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Softears Enigma Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+6BA+4EST
Tuning Type: Neutral with bass boost
Brand: Softears Top Softears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $3,699
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Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+5BA+4EST+2BC
Tuning Type: bass-boosted neutral
Brand: Empire Ears Top Empire Ears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $5,000
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Softears Enigma User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
9.5Exceptional
Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Softears Enigma Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.7Gaming Grade
AAstell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.9Gaming Grade
B+Softears Enigma Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
S-- Highly polished technical execution. Excellent frequency synergy creates an immersive experience. Enhances musical content.
Average Technical Grade
S- Outstanding resolution and control. Effortlessly retrieves micro-details, with holographic staging and fast transients. Handles complexity with poise.
Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- Refined execution with coherent frequency integration. Natural timbre reproduction and engaging presentation. Strong versatility.
Average Technical Grade
S-- Excellent clarity and detail. Precise imaging and expansive soundstage. Manages complex passages with minimal smearing and good transient speed.
Softears Enigma Reviews
9
Reviewer Score
Endgame-level detail paired with great tonality. Exceptional detail, high-quality bass, balanced tonality, and excellent timbre. The bass has a fast decay.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
8.9
Reviewer Score
The Softears Enigma is a flagship tribrid IEM using a 12-driver array (2DD+6BA+4EST) with a hybrid 5-way/4-way crossover and an aluminum shell; the package also includes a premium Effect Audio cable. Street pricing centers around $3,699 USD and multiple reviews note the surprisingly comfortable fit despite the larger shells.
Tonal reports describe a warm-leaning, neutral-with-bass-boost balance: essentially an RSV-like midrange with extra low-end weight and smooth lower treble, extending well up top. Show impressions from Precogvision characterize it as “RSV with a dynamic driver and some extra bass,” which aligns with long-form reviews calling the Enigma warm, full, and balanced rather than aggressive.
Technical performance is a strong suit: reviewers note clean separation, high detail retrieval, and stable imaging; the EST tweeters can benefit from capable sources, while isolation is average. Factoring in its high MSRP, the Enigma’s execution is impressive but its value proposition is challenged by lower-priced alternatives (including Softears’ own RSV) that deliver broadly similar tonality at a fraction of the cost.
Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS Reviews
8.5
Reviewer Score
Very engaging IEM. Bass extends deep and hits hard and fast, mids are clear and lush with very good weight and tactility. Treble is clear without fatigue. It's a pretty warm IEM but has clarity that you don't usually find with this sort of tuning. Instrument separation is pretty standout. Very expensive. Very large IEMs. And they have driver flex, which is not what you'd expect from something that costs this much. Nonetheless, a very fun IEM. Tour Unit
8.4
Reviewer Score
Excellent bass dynamics and texture. Cold timbre and driver flex. Otherwise excellent technicalities and solid tuning. Cons: Driver flex, cold timbre.
Softears Enigma User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewOn one side TOTL Details but on the other side very accurate and non-technical sounding. Softears best but very expensive.
Pros
Great overall tonality. A hidden gem, but expensive.Cons
does nothing wrong, but no special sauce.Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS User Reviews
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Pros
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Cons
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