Softears RSV VS Yu9 Que

IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side

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Softears RSV and Yu9 Que use 5BA and 1DD+3BA driver setups respectively. Softears RSV costs $730 while Yu9 Que costs $409. Softears RSV is $321 more expensive. Yu9 Que holds a clear 0.7-point edge in reviewer scores (7.4 vs 8.1). Softears RSV carries a user score of 7. Yu9 Que has significantly better bass with a 1.5-point edge, Yu9 Que has slightly better treble with a 0.3-point edge, Yu9 Que has significantly better dynamics with a 1.9-point edge, Yu9 Que has better soundstage with a 0.6-point edge, Yu9 Que has significantly better details with a 1.4-point edge and Yu9 Que has significantly better imaging with a 1.4-point edge.

Insights

Metric Softears RSV Yu9 Que
Bass 6.8 8.2
Mids 8.4 8.5
Treble 7.7 8
Details 6.2 7.6
Soundstage 7.5 8.1
Imaging 6.2 7.6
Dynamics 5.5 7.4
Tonality 7.7 8.1
Technicalities 7 7.8

Softears RSV Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Precogvision Nymz
Gizaudio Axel Crin Shuwa-T Tim Tuned
Jays Audio Jaytiss Super* Review

Average Reviewer Score:

7.4

Generally Favorable


Yu9 Que Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Jays Audio Precogvision
Audionotions Fox Told Me So IEMRanking AI
Jaytiss

Average Reviewer Score:

8.1

Very Positive


Reviews Comparison

Softears RSV reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 8.5 Reviewer Score
S Tuning
A+ Tech
One of the best vocals I've heard on any IEM (especially for male artists). Mids and Treble is TOTL, smooth and well extended and has great naturalness and the perfect bite. Bass has great speed and still slams (even though it's BA? not rumbly), but stage and detail is average at it's price, but once it clicks with a track it's one of the most beautiful thing ever. Ran into distortion issues at high volume, but may be due to my source? (RSV too sensitive?)

Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel

Yu9 Que reviewed by Jays Audio

2025-10-03
Jays Audio 7.5 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A+ Tech
An OG SA6 with a little more treble and low-end, but less mids, and even more pulled back vocals. Smooth listen, non-fatiguing, scales good, natural, but lacks dynamics and vocal extension. Reminds me of a bassier Pilgrim. Decent, but I think it's a bit overhyped.

Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel

Softears RSV reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 8.3 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
A+ Tech
Great upper treble, but its overall tonality isn't perfect.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: A+ Treble: A+ Dynamics: C+ Soundstage: A+

Yu9 Que reviewed by Jaytiss

2025-08-09
Jaytiss 9.1 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A+ Tech
Clean neutral nice mids. This iem is dumb, just buy it.

The YU9 Que sports a premium, durable resin shell in pure black with a metallic-feeling faceplate and a comfortable design featuring an anti-tragus catch. While the build itself feels handsome and unique, the included cable is criticized as wimpy and unpleasant, with a strong suggestion to upgrade it. Accessories are deemed solid, including a nice selection of tips and a particularly praised case with a soft, luxurious interior.

Sonically, the YU9 Que earns immense praise for its exceptional tuning, described as clean, resolute, and non-fatiguing. It delivers strong, textured bass that avoids being overwhelming, coupled with extremely well-done upper mids. While not class-leading in technicalities like micro-detail or instrument separation, its tonal balance is considered sophisticated and reminiscent of far more expensive sets like the Annihilator, even surpassing the Monarch MKII in tuning preference. It's highlighted as a fantastic all-rounder with a smooth, agreeable signature suitable for long listening sessions.

Despite its modest single dynamic driver + 3BA configuration and $49 price point, the YU9 Que is declared a very special and unique IEM, worthy of the hype it received. The review concludes it's a price leader and a highly competent package from a small brand, offering outstanding value and a beautiful, well-executed design that makes it an easy recommendation for those seeking a smooth, non-fatiguing sound.

Mids: S Treble: A+ Dynamics: A- Soundstage: A+

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel

Softears RSV reviewed by Precogvision

Precogvision 6.5 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
B Tech
Well-tuned from top-to-bottom with good timbre. Safe to the point of boredom.

Precogvision original ranking

Precogvision Youtube Channel
Bass: B Mids: S Treble: A+ Dynamics: B Details: B Imaging: B

Yu9 Que reviewed by Precogvision

2025-09-17
Precogvision 7.3 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A- Tech
Exceptional tuning and treble refinement; sets the benchmark at $400.

Yu9’s Que lands as a “safer Annihilator”: a warmer, scaled-back take that pushes ample sub-bass while keeping the rest tastefully controlled. The low end feels liquidy and bouncy, underpinning an aggressive 1–3 kHz rise with a gentle 3–5 kHz taper, so vocals sit upfront and crisp yet remain remarkably smooth thanks to the extra low-end warmth. Treble is slightly scooped around 5–6 kHz and then climbs in small, well-placed peaks out to ~15–18 kHz, yielding excellent extension that feels on par with sets like Moondrop Variations in this range.

What makes it pop is the value proposition: at $400, the overall resolution, tonal balance, and staging read far pricier—more like the $700–800 bracket. With its engaging sub-bass lift, lucid mids, and airy yet controlled top end, Que comes off as a polished, crowd-friendly tuning that still excites detail chasers. If momentum holds, this looks like the next big thing around the $400 mark.

Bass: A+ Mids: A+ Treble: A+ Dynamics: A- Details: A- Imaging: A-

Precogvision original ranking

Precogvision Youtube Channel

Softears RSV (more reviews)

Softears RSV reviewed by Super* Review

Super* Review 8* * score normalized

Softears RSV reviewed by Gizaudio Axel

Gizaudio Axel 7.5 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
A Tech
I prefer the Studio 4. Warmer, bassier, and slightly more resolving than the Studio 4, with great timbre. BA Bass.

Gizaudio Axel original ranking

Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel

Softears RSV reviewed by Crin

Crin 7.5 Reviewer Score
S Tuning
A- Tech
Very well-balanced tonality with surprisingly good timbre, though slightly lacking definition.

Crin original ranking

Crin Youtube Channel

Softears RSV reviewed by Shuwa-T

Shuwa-T 7.4 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A- Tech
Mid and vocal centric set, this is not reference tuning despite the name

Shuwa-T original ranking

Shuwa-T Website

Bass: A- Mids: A+ Treble: A Soundstage: A- Details: A Imaging: A

Softears RSV reviewed by Tim Tuned

Tim Tuned 7 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
A- Tech
Timbre so beautiful you think it's not a BA set

Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Bass: A+ Mids: S Treble: A+

Softears RSV reviewed by Nymz

Nymz 6.3 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
C+ Tech
A BA set that almost sounds like a DD. Needs low OI source. Bass close to U12T with more mid-bass impact. Great treble. Sub-bass and imaging can be lacking for some. My favourite vocals ever.

Nymz original ranking

Nymz Website

Bass: B Mids: A+ Treble: A- Details: C+ Imaging: C+

Yu9 Que (more reviews)

Yu9 Que reviewed by Audionotions

2025-09-26

Yu9 Que reviewed by Fox Told Me So

2025-09-26
Fox Told Me So 8 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A+ Tech
YU9 Audio QUE is a $300 hybrid (1DD + 3BA) with a name rooted in Chinese culture—“阙” (QUE, palace), paired with a fish bone logo from “鱼” (YU, fish). Shells are aluminum with a sandblasted, wavy faceplate finish.

Tuning is clean, neutral, and slightly V-shaped: bass is tight, bouncy, and textured; mids sit slightly forward thanks to extra 700 Hz–2 kHz gain, giving vocals a bigger image; treble leans bright with a 4–5 kHz push for clarity, rolling off naturally rather than chasing EST-style air. Sibilance can appear (on “th” or “tsu”), but not harsh.

Stage favors width over depth—impressively wide at the price, with neat, well-ordered placement and strong separation. Resolution is crisp, background clean, every note clearly etched.

YU9 Audio’s QUE blends thoughtful design with a restrained driver mix—1DD + 2ED + custom WBFK—to pursue a clean, neutral presentation rather than spec-sheet flash. The matte, sandblasted aluminum shell looks simple yet refined, and the overall build recalls the word “阙” (palace), hinting at structure and stability. What stands out sonically is the tidy, well-drawn background: notes feel neatly edged, with separation that avoids smearing or overlap.

Sub-bass reach and punch are satisfying, with a quick, bouncy response and clear layering down into the rumble. The mids place vocals slightly forward, helped by gain in the 700 Hz–2 kHz region, yielding bigger vocal images without sounding shouty. Treble rises more than JM-1, peaking around 4–5 kHz before a natural roll-off; this sharpens articulation and female vocals but introduces audible sibilance on “th/tsu” sounds—present yet short of piercing. Stage width exceeds expectations for the price, depth is modest, and imaging stays orderly. For listeners sensitive to brighter treble, caution is warranted; for everyone else, QUE delivers a convincingly balanced, all-round tuning that justifies the hype.


Fox Told Me So original ranking

Fox Told Me So Youtube Channel

Yu9 Que reviewed by IEMRanking AI

2025-09-19
IEMRanking AI 8.3 Reviewer Score
S- Tuning
A+ Tech

The YU9 Que is a hybrid IEM using 1 dynamic driver + 3 balanced armatures, positioned in the mid-upper price tier with an MSRP around $399. Retail listings confirm the configuration (10 mm LF DD with three Knowles BA units) and current pricing in USD and MYR, placing it among competitors that emphasize tonal refinement over sheer technical fireworks.

Community impressions describe a balanced/neutral tonality with a tasteful bass lift, smooth upper-mids that avoid glare, and treble that leans non-sibilant. Subjective reports on Head-Fi and Reddit consistently frame the Que as an all-rounder that favors coherence and long-term listenability over maximum micro-detail.

Technically, listeners note solid imaging and macrodynamics with competent detail retrieval, though not class-leading for the price. The manufacturer has also published frequency-response plots (IEC711 and BK5128 rigs), which aligns with the community’s take that the Que targets a broadly neutral/balanced signature rather than an aggressive V-shape. Overall value is credible at its MSRP if you prioritize tonal balance and comfort over ultra-analytical presentation.


Bass: A+ Mids: S- Treble: A+ Dynamics: A+ Soundstage: A Details: A+ Imaging: A+

Softears RSV User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score:

Based on 1 user reviews

7

Generally Favorable

Yu9 Que 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 RSV Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

6.7

Gaming Grade

B+

Yu9 Que Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

7.6

Gaming Grade

A

Softears RSV Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

A
  • Well-executed tonal character. No major flaws with good technical control. Smooth presentation works with multiple genres.

Average Technical Grade

A-
  • Competent technical presentation. Handles separation and detail well in most tracks, with modest soundstage and acceptable imaging capabilities.
Bass B+
Good bass foundation with decent impact. Maintains acceptable control while providing satisfying thump in most tracks.
Mids A+
Superb midrange that's rich and resolving. Exceptional transparency and micro-details with perfect vocal/instrument balance.
Treble A
Excellent treble: airy, extended and well-controlled. Great micro-detail retrieval without sibilance or harshness.
Dynamics B-
Decent dynamic performance. Good macro-contrast but micro-dynamics could be more nuanced. Satisfactory impact.
Soundstage A
Excellent spatial presentation - wide, deep and tall. Precise instrument placement with clear separation in all dimensions.
Details B
Good resolution with clear articulation of nuances. Reveals recording nuances and maintains clarity in complex passages.
Imaging B
Good imaging with precise instrument placement. Clear localization within the soundstage including front/back positioning.
Gaming B+
Respectable environmental presentation favors atmosphere over precision. Detects obvious directional cues while conveying game world ambiance. Bad value-to-cost for gaming purpose - not recommended

Yu9 Que 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

A
  • Good technical performance. Clear separation and decent detail retrieval across various tracks. Soundstage shows reasonable width and depth.
Bass A+
Excellent bass response - powerful yet controlled. Deep extension with authoritative slam while maintaining clarity.
Mids S-
Superb midrange that's rich and resolving. Exceptional transparency and micro-details with perfect vocal/instrument balance.
Treble A+
Superb treble: effortless extension with crystal clarity. Perfect balance of sparkle and smoothness with exceptional detail.
Dynamics A-
Excellent dynamics with great contrast and speed. Transients are crisp and micro-details are clearly articulated.
Soundstage A+
Exceptional soundstage with holographic imaging. Creates a truly three-dimensional space where instruments float naturally around you.
Details A
Excellent detail retrieval: highly resolving without being clinical. Effortlessly reveals micro-details and textural subtleties.
Imaging A
Excellent imaging: precise and stable placement. Instruments occupy specific points in space with tangible positions.
Gaming A
Clear spatial presentation handles directional cues effectively. Distinguishes key gameplay sounds while maintaining decent immersion. Value-to-cost may not be optimal for gaming-focused users.

Softears RSV User Reviews

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Makavelian
7

Solid pick at used prices for those wanting a neutral sound with hint of sub-bass oomph.

Pros
Excellent balanced, all rounder sound signature with natural tonality, vocal reproduction is particularly pleasing.
Cons
Hint of darkness in upper registers affecting overall sense of resolution, bass texture could be better.

Yu9 Que User Reviews

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