Softears Studio 4 VS Yu9 Que

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Starry Edition brings a fresh faceplate to the Softears Studio 4 without changing the tuning. The translucent, slightly large shell seals firmly and delivers strong isolation; the only nit is a modest nozzle lip that still holds tips fine. Packaging leans “studio”: compact Pelican-style case, extension cable, tips, 6.3 mm adapter, and a soft black cable that feels nice but lacks a chin slider and terminates in 3.5 mm.

Sonically, this 4BA set is about clarity, air, and top-end extension—described as among the best heard under $800. Vocals come through vivid, mids are clean, and bass has a mild shelf: tasteful impact without bloat, though it’s not a slam machine. Expect excellent imaging, space, and detail; a touch of EQ can add weight if desired. It can be a bit source-picky: low output impedance sources suit it best, while a 10 Ω adapter pushes more treble and trims bass in a less pleasing way.

Against peers, Studio 4 is praised over Softears Twilight for air/extension (while acknowledging Twilight’s smooth DD charm) and over Volume for overall technicalities despite the small price gap. Versus RSV, Studio 4 avoids the RSV’s slight bass “muffle” and undercuts it on price; compared with Monarch MKII, it delivers a similar tonal aim without the occasional grain. Sets like Kiwi Ears 4, Truthear Hexa, and Binary Acoustics D Quattro trade blows on bass quantity versus air, but Studio 4’s upper-air detail and coherence make it a standout. At an often-seen street of ~$368, it’s framed as a benchmark sub-$500 pick and earns a full recommendation for listeners chasing articulate treble, lifelike vocals, and refined balance.

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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 $409 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.

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YU9 Que presents a balanced, almost neutral tuning with a tasteful touch of mid-bass for warmth and punch. Treble is clean and controlled—more clarity than “sizzle”—so detail comes through without harshness, while mids keep vocals natural rather than forward or thin. Technical performance sits in the “solid for the price” camp: separation and imaging are tidy, but not the kind of hyper-etched sparkle that chases wow factor.

In practice, it shines with slower pop, R&B, acoustic and vocal-centric tracks where its coherence and smoothness pay off; those seeking big sub-bass drama or ultra-aerated treble fireworks may find it a touch polite. Versus brighter, more contrasty sets, the Que trades spectacle for musicality and long-session comfort, making value hinge on whether a refined, low-fatigue signature is preferred over maximum excitement at the price point.

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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.

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Softears Studio 4 arrives as a 4×BA set at $450 with a surprisingly practical kit: a Pelican-style water-resistant case, cleaning brush, MoonDrop-style tips, and—occasionally—a 3.5 mm extension with a 6.3 mm adapter (availability seems inconsistent). The build is sleek piano-black with a light, no-nonsense cable that behaves well but omits a chin cinch. Medium, semi-custom shells fit flush and isolate strongly thanks to an unvented design; the smooth nozzle lacks a lip, so tip choice matters, and seal can break if pressed from certain angles.

Tuning targets a neutral presentation with a sub-bass lift and slightly lean lower mids—clean, lively, and a touch bright without straying into fatigue. Standout traits are the wide stereo image and pinpoint imaging that make mixes feel like they’re dancing around the head. Treble is smooth and extended (think S8-like refinement), while BA bass proves surprisingly sturdy. Drawbacks are modest: a bit of BA timbre, less micro-texture than class leaders, and lighter note weight. Against peers, Dunu SA6 offers warmer neutral tonality with superior texture; Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite plays thicker and more relaxed but less separated; Symphonium Meteor swings warm and bassy with a larger headstage and snappy treble. Verdict: a 4/5 for those who crave energetic neutrality, top-tier separation, and a studio-clean vibe that still feels fun.

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Yu9 Que arrives with a surprisingly premium unboxing: a crush-resistant carrying case with plush padding, an IEM pouch, microfiber cloth, cable clip, and two ear-tip sets (standard silicone and more premium liquid silicone). A quirky 3D-printed nameplate with serial number and a faceplate etched in a topographic-map motif give it character. The shell is on the larger, wider side—comfortable for many, but small ears should test fit first. The stock cable is just okay (some memory, no chin slider), though it’s offered in 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm terminations.

Tonally, this is a neutral-reference set with a tasteful bass lift—clean impact without throwing off balance. Sub-bass has satisfying thump and texture, though bass-heads coming from sets like Kiwi Ears Punch may find it polite. The mids sit even and accurate—no “vocal magic,” yet clearly above average. Treble stretches well into the air with a touch of brightness that adds crispness and a slightly clinical edge, staying shy of fatiguing. Technical chops are the draw: a decently wide soundstage (roughly 3–4/5 by comparison), standout 3D imaging, and strong resolution/separation make it excellent for gaming—worthy of a two-controller nod—though ultimate detail still trails pricier kilobuck options.

Versus peers: Moondrop Dusk (DSP) is warmer with bass that hits a bit harder, while Yu9 Que is the more neutral, reference-leaning take. Allegiant Pilgrim offers smoother treble, but Yu9 Que counters with better bass grip, stage, and imaging. AFUL Performer 7 tilts mild V; choose it for extra mid-bass and forward treble, otherwise Yu9 Que wins on technicality. Mega 5 EST chases the meta target yet stumbles in bass/treble; NiceHCK Rockies refines that approach and might be the more exciting alternative if spending slightly more. Bottom line: the hype is justified—a superb all-rounder around $400 with only the cable begging for an upgrade. It’s a clear pick for neutral/reference fans, though those seeking more “fun” might look elsewhere; call it a pragmatic, two-star recommendation amid a crowded market and likely pre-order waits.