Softears Enigma VS PMG Audio Apx SE
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Softears Enigma and PMG Audio Apx SE use 2DD+6BA+4EST and 1DD+8BA+1Rectangular Planar+1Round Planar driver setups respectively. Softears Enigma costs $3,699 while PMG Audio Apx SE costs $6,000. PMG Audio Apx SE is $2,301 more expensive. PMG Audio Apx SE holds a slight 0.2-point edge in reviewer scores (9 vs 9.1). Softears Enigma carries a user score of 9.5. Softears Enigma has better bass with a 0.5-point edge, Softears Enigma has slightly better mids with a 0.4-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 and Softears Enigma has better imaging with a 0.5-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Softears Enigma | PMG Audio Apx SE |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 9 | 8.5 |
| Mids | 8.6 | 8.3 |
| Treble | 8.7 | 8 |
| Details | 9 | 9 |
| Soundstage | 8.8 | 9.1 |
| Imaging | 9 | 8.5 |
| Dynamics | 8.8 | 8.5 |
| Tonality | 8.8 | 8.1 |
| Technicalities | 9.5 | 8.9 |
Softears Enigma Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
PMG Audio Apx SE 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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PMG Audio Apx SE Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+8BA+1Rectangular Planar+1Round Planar
Tuning Type: Warm U-shaped
Price (Msrp): $6,000
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Softears Enigma User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
9.5Exceptional
PMG Audio Apx SE 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!
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
APMG Audio Apx SE Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.2Gaming Grade
A-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.
PMG Audio Apx SE 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.
PMG Audio Apx SE Reviews
10
* score normalized
8.9
Reviewer Score
Game changer. Most resolving accurate replay in the hobby. No specific qualifier to wave off potential buyer..nada Price is extreme but presentation reflects that. No sonic flaws. 1st set in 10 years that gets that.Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking
Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube Channel
8.5
Reviewer Score
Great resolution and layering. Great bass texture and punch. Mids have a small timbral issue. Refined, resolving highs. Analogue tone. Engaging yet non-fatiguing. Cons: Shells prone to cracking.
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.PMG Audio Apx SE User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
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Cons
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