Softears RS10 VS Softears RSV MK II

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Softears RS10 targets the top of the detail game at $2,100, but its extras feel dated: a leather hard case, pouch, tips, metal card, and a basic cable—often without interchangeable plugs (current Hangout stock is 4.4 mm). The shell is fully filled resin with a glass-like look that reads premium despite the old-school accessory pack.

Tuning skews a brighter V/U-shape—think JM1 diffuse field (5128) with a bass shelf. Bass is competent, not class-leading at the price; the real draw is the treble: forward, incisive, and surprisingly non-sibilant. RS10 is a detail monster that shoves low-level information to the front and actually has the resolving ability to render it—thrilling for analysis, but intense over long sessions.

Best for listeners who explicitly want maximum resolution and can handle a more energetic top end; less ideal for those seeking a laid-back or warm signature or a luxe unboxing. Price and intensity are the trade-offs; the payoff is one of the most resolving presentations available with a tonality that stays natural-leaning despite its brightness.

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Softears RS10 targets a Harman-leaning reference balance with a clean, studio-grade presentation: bass is tight and linear with modest mid-bass punch, prioritizing speed, texture, and separation over slam. The midrange sits neutral and coherent, giving vocals accurate body without bloom, while treble extends with air and micro-detail that spotlights room cues and trailing reverbs. Staging focuses on pinpoint imaging and layering more than sheer width, creating a precise, microscope-like view into mixes that rewards high-quality recordings.

On the flip side, the tuning’s discipline means sub-bass rumble and warmth are restrained, and the upper-treble focus can read energetic on hot masters. It excels for critical listening, fast genres, and complex arrangements where transient clarity matters, but bass-heads and those seeking plush note weight may prefer a richer set. Build and isolation are solid, comfort is stable for long sessions, and the overall package feels polished and technical—a premium, detail-first monitor for listeners who value accuracy over indulgence.

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Softears RSV MK II brings back the all-BA ethos at $700 with five armatures and a promise of “re-engineered BA bass.” Build and accessories feel premium (sleek shells, plush case), while the cable choice is quirky—4.4 mm only with a 3.5 mm pigtail. Fit is outstandingly secure and custom-like but on the larger side with a longer nozzle, so comfort depends on ear size. Softears’ Ultra Clear tips work well; the new metal-ring variant adds little beyond novelty.

On the graph, bass looks like gigabass, yet in ear it settles into a warm, weighty foundation without steamrolling the mids. The midrange follows a “new-meta neutral” tilt—fuller than Harman with forward upper-mids—while treble lands clean and sparkly without fatigue. Imaging is tidy rather than cavernous; separation and delineation are convincing, with the top end executed better than the bottom. BA bass here is among the more physical and satisfying of its kind, though tactility can be track-dependent and turn a bit tubby on very bass-heavy mixes.

Against peers, Symphonium Meteor sounds warmer and more “special” but less all-round; DUNU SA6 MK2 is more colored with janglier treble and the least convincing bass; 7th Acoustics Supernova trades warmth for vivid, bright-tilted imaging; Softears Studio 4 is lighter on bass and airier; and the old Moondrop S8 stays the lively, vocal-centric counterpoint. Net take: a supremely competent, character-light all-rounder that favors bass weight over panoramic staging. Verdict: 4/5 stars—a welcome throwback done right, and notably cheaper than the original RSV launch price.

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Softears RSV MK2 shifts from the OG’s vocal-centric tilt into a bass-forward all-rounder. The sub-bass and mid-bass hit with real slam and weight, giving drums and bass guitars a satisfying, dynamic punch. Upper mids (3–6 kHz) are tamed to avoid shout, while a gentle 1–2 kHz rise keeps vocals open and natural—slightly less pushed than the original but still clear. Treble is smooth with decent air; not super sparkly and there’s no EST “sauce,” but it stays clean and non-fatiguing.

As a package, MK2’s standout is the low-end texture—thunderous yet controlled—making it one of the more engaging bassy sets under four figures. Technical performance is solid for the tier, though some rivals at lower prices bring more raw detail and EST extension. Build and accessories get a tasteful, modern refresh. For best balance, the stock tips work well; bass-boosting or treble-opening tips can shift it toward a more V-shape at the expense of overall smoothness.

On genre fit, MK2 shines with hip-hop, pop, EDM, and R&B, where its punch and warmth bring rhythms to life; for orchestral or leaner acoustic picks, the bass can edge forward depending on the mix. It scales to mid–high volumes nicely (around the 70–80 dB zone) without turning sharp. Compared with the OG RSV—now likely affected by a silent retune in recent units—the MK2 is the safer buy: less shout, more authority down low, and a broader all-rounder appeal. Recommended, especially if found below full MSRP, for listeners craving tasteful bass with natural mids and relaxed, smooth treble.