Softears Twilight VS Yu9 Que

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

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Softears Twilight and Yu9 Que use 1DD and 1DD+3BA driver setups respectively. Softears Twilight costs $930 while Yu9 Que costs $409. Softears Twilight is $521 more expensive. Yu9 Que holds a slight 0.4-point edge in reviewer scores (7.7 vs 8.1). Yu9 Que has better bass with a 0.5-point edge, Yu9 Que has slightly better mids with a 0.3-point edge, Yu9 Que has better treble with a 0.8-point edge and Yu9 Que has significantly better dynamics with a 2.6-point edge.

Insights

Metric Softears Twilight Yu9 Que
Bass 7.5 8
Mids 8 8.3
Treble 7 7.8
Details 7.7 7.6
Soundstage 8 7.9
Imaging 7.7 7.6
Dynamics 5 7.6
Tonality 7.8 8.2
Technicalities 7.4 7.7

Softears Twilight Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Tim Tuned
Bad Guy Good Audio Crin
Jaytiss Jays Audio Gizaudio Axel Head-Fi.org

Average Reviewer Score:

7.7

Strongly Favorable


Yu9 Que Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Jays Audio Precogvision
Audionotions Fox Told Me So Head-Fi.org Web Search
Jaytiss

Average Reviewer Score:

8.1

Very Positive


Reviews Comparison

Softears Twilight reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 8.3 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
A- Tech
It's like a tubed iem, it's really fun. Something about DDs, so good.
Youtube Video Summary

Softears Twilight presents as a compact, metal, cube-like single-DD with a surprisingly comfortable fit, small nozzle, and recessed 2-pin sockets; build feels solid and understated. The stock cable is tasteful and practical, featuring a 4.4 termination with a matching 4.4-to-3.5 adapter that fits the aesthetic. Overall execution gives premium vibes without flash, and the in-ear ergonomics are notably good despite the chunky silhouette.

Tonally, Twilight carries modest bass presence with a gentle rise through the lower mids, then blossoms into crispy upper-mids and airy treble. The result is world-class imaging and stage, vivid separation, and some of the most engaging vocals in its bracket; however, cymbals can skew a touch sharp and strings may sound glassy if a track leans hot. Listeners craving slam or extra bite may notice a lack of “snap,” but a light EQ shelf can wake up the low end nicely.

Against peers, RSV offers a bit more bass weight and a smoother mid transition, Noir is the more balanced all-rounder, and Monarch trades blows on technicalities while feeling more polite. Twilight’s charm is its engagement: punchy, airy, and uniquely “fantastical,” with sweeter upper registers and less shout than sets like Aurora. Priced around $930, it’s best viewed as a must-demo for vocal lovers and those tolerant of leaner bass—an A-class experience for the right tuning preference, and a tempting buy if found closer to mid-fi pricing.

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

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Price: $930

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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.
Youtube Video Summary

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.

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

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel

Softears Twilight reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 8 Reviewer Score
S Tuning
A Tech
Slightly warm/neutral, very well balanced, good scaling, TOTL male vocals, big staging, wait for sale

Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel

Yu9 Que reviewed by Jays Audio

2025-10-03
Jays Audio 7.5 Reviewer Score
S- Tuning
A Tech
Smooth listen, non-fatiguing, balanced and leans towards neutral, scales good, full, natural, but lacks dynamics/transients and vocal extension. Reminds me of the OG SA6 with a little more treble and low-end, but less mids, and even more pulled back vocals... Similar to the Meta tunings, reminds me of a more neutral Astral/Crescent/Horizon - Good, but a bit overhyped and priced a bit high for a 1DD+3BA, tech is slightly behind the Astrals and should be under $300 imo.
Youtube Video Summary

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.


Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel

Softears Twilight reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 8.4 * score rescaled + normalized
12 community members have rated the Softears Twilight at an average of 4.6/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Yu9 Que reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 8.5 * score rescaled + normalized
2 community members have rated the YU9 Que at an average of 4.5/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Softears Twilight (more reviews)

Softears Twilight reviewed by Gizaudio Axel

Gizaudio Axel 8 Reviewer Score
S Tuning
A Tech
My top choice for timbral accuracy. Beautiful warm sound signature with outstanding timbre and an open sound. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Gizaudio Axel original ranking

Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel

Softears Twilight reviewed by Bad Guy Good Audio

Bad Guy Good Audio 7.7 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A- Tech
check links for more info:

Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking

Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube Channel
Bass: A- Mids: A- Treble: A-

Softears Twilight reviewed by Crin

Crin 7 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
A Tech

Softears Twilight reviewed by Tim Tuned

Tim Tuned 6.5 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
A+ Tech
Warm tuning done correct, one of my favorite single DD Need more treble
Youtube Video Summary

Understated presentation, premium execution. Softears Twilight arrives in a minimalist box with a gorgeous leather case, a stock cable terminated in 4.4 mm plus a 4.4→3.5 mm adapter, and a thoughtful IEM sleeve to keep shells from clacking. The shells themselves are matte-black and cleanly finished, signaling a higher-end single dynamic-driver design that positions Twilight as the “little brother” to Turii while aiming at a similar refinement tier.

On first listen, the tuning comes across as mostly neutral with a vocal-forward slant. Bass reaches deep and hits punchy—classic DD dynamics—though some may read quantity as slightly bass-light. Treble is nicely extended with a touch of air, helping the stage feel open, and there’s a satisfying sense of depth and clarity that elevates detail without harshness. Price sits near the kilobuck mark, but early impressions suggest the performance and execution make a strong case, earning Twilight a spot as the session’s second standout and a compelling target for extended A/Bs against established in-game favorites.

Bass: A+ Mids: A+ Treble: A-

Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel

Yu9 Que (more reviews)

Yu9 Que reviewed by Audionotions

2025-09-26
Audionotions 8 Reviewer Score
Balanced, contrasty, highly resolving. Very good transients. Tight bass, clean mids, very well extended treble. The only glaring flaw is the one-dimensional imaging - there is very little layering, unfortunately which can make instruments and vocals sound like they're all standing in a straight line in front of you. Nonetheless, an excellent IEM! Previously Owned

Audionotions original ranking

Website (Audionotions)

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.

Fox Told Me So original ranking

Fox Told Me So Youtube Channel
Bass: A Mids: A Treble: A- Dynamics: A+ Soundstage: A Details: A Imaging: A

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.
Youtube Video Summary

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

Yu9 Que reviewed by Web Search

2025-09-19
uses AI-Search to turn user, reddit and head-fi reviews into clear, concise summaries.
Web Search 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 Twilight User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

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Yu9 Que User Review Score

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Softears Twilight Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

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

Gaming Score

6.5

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 Twilight Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

A
  • You get a polished tonal profile that stays natural from bass through treble. Subtle tuning choices keep things engaging.

Average Technical Grade

A-
  • It manages detail and layering well enough, even if the stage feels only moderately sized. You get a clear sense of left and right, if not depth.
Bass A
You get robust low-end authority that remains disciplined and textured. Layering stays intact despite the weight.
Mids A+
You get reference-worthy mids that combine transparency, texture, and depth. It brings out emotional nuance beautifully.
Treble A-
Expect effortless extension and clarity that keep the top end sparkling yet smooth. Layering in upper registers is impressive.
Dynamics C+
Dynamics feel competent, bringing energy without the finest detail. It carries energy without sounding aggressive.
Soundstage A+
It crafts a floating sphere of sound where directional cues shimmer with precision. Layering remains stable even when pushed.
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+
  • Tuning feels refined, blending frequencies with convincing realism and engagement. Transitions between registers feel effortless.

Average Technical Grade

A
  • Overall technical control is strong, presenting instruments with clarity and sensible staging. Textures are portrayed with satisfying clarity.
Bass A+
You hear powerful yet disciplined low-end slam that extends effortlessly. It marries sub-bass depth with great texture.
Mids A+
The midrange sounds refined and revealing, balancing clarity with emotional weight. Timbre accuracy rivals studio monitors.
Treble A
Highs feel superbly executed, revealing micro-detail without hint of sibilance. Highs stay smooth even at volume.
Dynamics A
You get outstanding dynamic agility, from subtle nuances to big hits. Impact comes with quick recovery.
Soundstage A
You hear both the breadth and the altitude of the mix, anchored by accurate positional cues. Immersion improves across genres.
Details A
Resolution feels both high and relaxed, capturing nuance with ease. There's zero smearing even at high volume.
Imaging A
Depth mapping feels natural and accurate, supporting convincing immersion. Depth mapping feels precise and natural.
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.

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