Softears RSV VS FlipEars Legion

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Softears RSV breaks the usual BA timbre stigma with a natural, cohesive presentation that avoids the metallic edge often blamed on poor crossovers. Its tuning lifts the upper-mids/early treble just enough to throw vocals into center stage, creating a lively contrast against an otherwise balanced base. At higher volumes the treble feels smooth and correct—cymbal hits sound “right” without glare—while the midrange stays clean, forward, and free of bleed.

Technically, it’s above average but not a show-off: speed, separation, and imaging are tight, yet sets like SA6 Ultra or U12t resolve a touch sharper. Bass carries typical BA traits—quick, textured, but without dynamic-driver slam—though U12t still edges it for bass texture. Where RSV shines is vocal immersion and timbre, arguably among the best under $1,000; just note its source sensitivity at loud listening—pair it with a clean, capable source to avoid distortion. Not a pick for bassheads, but for vocal lovers chasing a smooth, lifelike top end, RSV feels special.

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Softears RSV brings a 5BA recipe with a shell that’s handsome but larger than average, featuring a recessed 2-pin that can fuss with some cables. Comfort is generally fine, yet the size and wide body may test smaller ears. Sonically it’s a neutral-leaning tuning with clean mids and polite highs, but the presentation trades off texture, sub-bass weight, and upper-air sparkle. Stage feels spacious, extension is more average, and while the technicalities are solid, the current crop of mid-fi monitors has pushed beyond what this 2021 design delivers.

Stacked against today’s options, RSV gets pressure from several directions: Elysian Pilgrim hits harder down low with greater perceived clarity; Supernova offers a more natural tonality and better sub-bass; HiSenior Mega5 EST graphs similarly but adds a touch more air; even value picks like a “super mix”/EM10-style V-tune bring fun, slam, and engagement. RSV remains easy to pair and its upper-mids are tastefully set, yet vocals can feel a bit soft—more “fun and cozy” than pristine. At typical new pricing around the mid-$500s it’s tough to champion; catch it closer to $350–$400 (or a good used deal) and it becomes a very enjoyable pick for those who prize smooth mids over maximum bass grip and airy bite.

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FlipEars Legion stakes its identity on a bold, mid-bass–driven fun signature with a bone-conduction twist. The shell is huge and may challenge small ears, the 2-pin sockets are deeply recessed, and the stock 4.4 mm cable and premium case feel thoughtful and upscale. On the graph, there’s a notable dip through the mids that can sound a touch hollow, plus energy around 4 kHz and 8 kHz that adds bite and sparkle; in practice the set delivers big slam, airy extension, and surprisingly solid imaging for a BC-assisted tuning. A light EQ nudge to the upper-mids/lower-mids tightens tonality and pushes technicals up a tier.

Positionally, Legion reads as a “fun daily driver” rather than a sterile studio tool. Compared with similar BC-flavored sets, it feels more controlled than the Z Empire “party” tuning, and markedly more coherent than cheap experiments like KB Ear KBO2. Against safer picks, Monarch Mk I remains the clean, glassy option, while ThieAudio Origin is a safer all-rounder; Legion, however, brings deeper sub-bass and livelier presence with more character. Versus Triton, Legion’s upper-air/presence has better flow; versus the high-ticket Muse, Legion trades a bit of refinement for long-session comfort, dodging fatiguing 6 kHz glare.

Overall, this is an engaging, charismatic tribid that rewards listeners seeking bass heft, contrast, and BC texture without descending into chaos. It’s not the safest first $800 pick given the mid dip and fit quirks, but as a statement piece from FlipEars it feels well priced, well built, and easy to recommend to those prioritizing musical thrill over strict neutrality—especially with a touch of EQ to tidy the mids.

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Softears RSV presents as a premium, well-finished all-BA set with five balanced armatures, a secure, slightly deeper fit and above-average isolation. The package feels thoughtful—nice case, multiple tips, cleaning tools—while the shells have a tasteful, dark flake aesthetic. Ergonomically it fills the ear a bit more than comparable models like Moondrop’s S8, but comfort and stability are standouts.

Tonally, RSV opts for a warm, laid-back Harman tilt: elevated sub-bass with restrained mid-bass, even mids with a touch more body than typical Harman, and an upper-mid presence that’s assertive yet not shouty. The treble is notably smooth and controlled—never sharp or sibilant—contributing to an unfatiguing, polished listen. For an all-BA design, the bass is punchy and clean, staying out of the midrange; the main trade-off is a stage that can feel narrower versus more expansive peers.

Against benchmarks, RSV comes across as the “gentleman’s” alternative to the more energetic Moondrop S8 and the livelier, deeper-reaching ThieAudio Monarch, while showing more consistent bass body and smoother treble than DUNU SA6. At roughly $730, it emphasizes balance and refinement over fireworks, earning a solid four-star verdict: extremely competent tuning and execution for those prioritizing maturity, comfort, and smoothness over maximum excitement.

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Softears RSV delivers a rare combo for a full-BA set: organic timbre without the plasticky edge. The bass carries sufficient weight with a mid-bass emphasis—tight and tasteful rather than earth-shaking, and understandably shy of a DD’s thump. Midrange separation from the bass is clean yet never thin; male vocals keep their body, while female vocals and instruments sound natural, relaxed, and true-to-life. Treble sits neutral and tame—enough sparkle to animate vocals and instruments, but not tuned to spotlight microdetail. Detail retrieval is above average for the price, though not a detail monster, and staging plus imaging sit comfortably slightly outside the head with competent placement. The overall takeaway is a beautiful all-rounder that prioritizes realism and balance over fireworks.

Against peers, RSV squares up closely with Thieaudio Oracle: choose Oracle for more dynamic bass, pick RSV for more organic mids and vocals. Versus sets like Moondrop Variations, RSV trades a touch of separation/analytical edge for fuller lower mids and a more lifelike tonal weight. It won’t chase the widest stages or the sharpest micro-etch, but the tuning and timbre are so dialed that technical trade-offs fade into the background. As the most affordable Softears model, RSV feels like a love letter to musicality: realistic tone, versatile tuning, and a presentation that simply sounds right across genres.

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FlipEars Legion brings serious boutique flair: a wax-sealed letter, a plush leather case, and a premium 4.4 mm cable set the tone, while the hand-finished brass faceplates (rose-gold plated, enamelled by a jeweler) scream showpiece. The resin shells feel rock-solid and quite hefty (~12 g each), yet the earhooks distribute weight well for multi-hour sessions. Fit skews large—small ears will struggle, and shallow seals blunt the bone conduction effect. Accessories are minimal but tasteful (L-size Baroque tips, cable tie), fitting the boutique vibe. Build, finish, and the whole Spartan aesthetic? Sub-Zero cool.

Under the hood, Legion is a tribrid: custom dynamic for lows, a bone-conduction driver active through bass/mids, and a custom electret tweeter up top. The signature is unapologetically V-shaped. Bass is the star—tactile, rumbly, and subwoofer-like without boom or weird BC artifacts; kick drums and EDM drops thump with grinning authority. Lower mids gain pleasing warmth and body, while center-mids can sit a touch pushed back on acoustic and vocal-centric tracks. Treble is crisp and airy, smooth yet detailed, avoiding fatigue while keeping cymbals and harmonic sheen lively. Staging benefits from BC with a wider, more separated image and engaging depth when the recording allows.

Put simply, this is the polished, modern take on that classic fun V-tune: all the excitement, far fewer compromises. For EDM, hip-hop, pop, rock and anything bass-forward, Legion is a party in the ears and a compelling endgame choice at its $850 pre-order tier. Those chasing neutral mids, analytical focus, or small-ear ergonomics should look elsewhere; everyone else gets glorious low-end slam, smooth sparkly highs, and boutique craftsmanship that feels special. On the Audio Amigo scale: “This is brilliant.”