Softears Volume VS Epz K9
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Softears Volume and Epz K9 use 1DD+2BA and 1DD+8BA driver setups respectively. Softears Volume costs $285 while Epz K9 costs $299. Epz K9 is $14 more expensive. Epz K9 holds a decisive 1.6-point edge in reviewer scores (6 vs 7.7). Epz K9 has significantly better bass with a 2.4-point edge, Epz K9 has significantly better mids with a 1.5-point edge, Epz K9 has significantly better treble with a 1-point edge, Epz K9 has significantly better dynamics with a 3.2-point edge, Epz K9 has significantly better soundstage with a 1.6-point edge, Epz K9 has significantly better details with a 1.9-point edge and Epz K9 has significantly better imaging with a 1.9-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Softears Volume | Epz K9 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 5.6 | 8.1 |
| Mids | 5.5 | 7 |
| Treble | 5.9 | 6.9 |
| Details | 5.7 | 7.6 |
| Soundstage | 6 | 7.6 |
| Imaging | 5.5 | 7.4 |
| Dynamics | 4.5 | 7.7 |
| Tonality | 5.8 | 7.7 |
| Technicalities | 6.1 | 7.4 |
Softears Volume Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
6Mixed to Positive
Epz K9 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.7Strongly Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Softears Volume reviewed by Jaytiss
7
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Epz K9 reviewed by Jaytiss
7.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
EPZ K9 brings a flashy spec sheet and premium feel: a 9-driver hybrid (1DD+8BA) dressed in a world-class shell that fits securely, vents properly, and looks gorgeous with its blue-white case. The stock cable offers swappable 3.5↔4.4 termination and a steady chin slider, though the fabric sheathing and barely visible L/R markers are quirks. Originally teased near $300 and now closer to $400, the package screams polish more than compromise.
Sonically, this is a V-shaped tuning with rich bass, thick lower mids, and extra energy in the 3–6 kHz band that can make stick hits and sibilants feel a touch sharp. The midrange clarity is only decent and the upper-air/treble extension is just okay, but staging comes across pleasantly open. Graph comparisons paint the picture: versus EPZ’s own P50 (safer, flatter upper mids) and the more majestic, warm-lean V of the EPZ 530, K9 pushes that presence region a few dB higher. Sets like Afu Dawn X flatten that band while extending air; Softears Volume offers a very similar profile but even more 5–6 kHz energy; and options around this price—Magic Top Pro, Yu9 Chua—show alternate takes with either dipped presence or stronger bass/1 kHz support.
In practice, K9 aims for excitement: weighty bass, a forward upper-mid/low-treble bite, and a lively stage. Listeners craving a crisp, energetic V will find plenty to enjoy, while those sensitive to brightness or seeking mid clarity and airy refinement may prefer the P50, 530, or similarly priced competitors. Stunning build and respectable performance, but the tuning choices make it a taste-dependent recommendation rather than a universal pick.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Softears Volume reviewed by Head-Fi.org
7.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Epz K9 reviewed by Head-Fi.org
7.9
* score rescaled + normalized
Softears Volume (more reviews)
Softears Volume reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
6.5
Reviewer Score
Softears Volume reviewed by Crin
6.5
Reviewer Score
Softears Volume reviewed by Shuwa-T
6.3
Reviewer Score
Softears Volume reviewed by Z-Reviews
6
* score rescaled + normalized
Softears Volume reviewed by Super* Review
6*
* score rescaled + normalized
Softears Volume reviewed by Tim Tuned
5.5
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Softears Volume reviewed by Precogvision
4.9
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Softears Volume reviewed by Nymz
4.1
Reviewer Score
Epz K9 (more reviews)
Epz K9 reviewed by Fox Told Me So
7.8
Reviewer Score
Sub-bass reaches good depth—elastic and bouncy rather than thunderous—giving just enough physicality without overloading the mix. The bass isn’t heavy-handed; quantity is moderate, punch on the softer side, yet always clearly outlined with clean texture and tight control.
Mids tilt slightly toward female vocals, made airier by a 500Hz dip that trims warmth and opens the space. Vocals sit forward, sweet, and expressive, aided by a mild lift between 600Hz and 1 kHz. A 6kHz rise sharpens edges and adds clarity to cymbals and hi-hats, but a smooth roll-off past 5–8kHz keeps sibilance comfortably restrained.
Treble is bright but polished, extending easily with a gentle 13kHz rise that introduces a touch of air without excess sparkle. The stage impresses with width and layering, offering a lively yet well-controlled image.
Verdict: EPZ K9 isn’t about brute force—it’s about coherence. Smooth highs, open mids, articulate bass, and a wide stage make it an elegant, finely balanced hybrid that performs far beyond expectation.
Fox Told Me So original ranking
Fox Told Me So Youtube Channel
Epz K9 reviewed by Jays Audio
7.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
EPZ K9 lands as a sweet, balanced all-rounder with a tasteful, slightly V-shaped tilt. Bass is snappy and well-controlled, with a mid-bass fill that adds natural note weight to vocals and drums without muddying the mids. Treble extends cleanly with a hint of air, steering clear of both dullness and sharpness, while imaging is a touch sharper than entry peers. Think EM6L’s vibe but less shouty up top, a bit more resolving, and a clear upgrade path from sets like the Clean/EW300.
Against rivals, K9 takes a more vocal-centric approach: fuller mid-bass, smoother presence, and better slam/body on drums. Astral counters with stronger sub-bass texture, extra air, and a tamer upper-mid for high-energy genres; both trade blows on detail with K9 edging imaging. Versus Odyssey, K9 offers cleaner treble extension and forward vocals, while Odyssey is bassier, with deeper sub-bass texture and louder-volume scaling. Overall technicals sit around Pilgrim/Dusk level, which is solid for the price, especially with the nicer cable, case, and a black color option.
Usability is largely easygoing—tip-rolling is flexible and the stock clears keep things smooth—though the shell edge can feel uncomfortable over long sessions. Best at mid-volume listening (around 60–65 dB); push higher and upper mids/treble can get lively on K-pop/EDM, while R&B/indie scales sweetly up to ~75 dB. Compared with bass-tilted sets (Tea Pro/Hype 4/Estrella/Punch/Martello), K9 is cleaner, tighter, and more mid-range focused; versus neutral leaners (Pilgrim/Dusk/Canon Pro/“5+2”), it has a more complete upper-mid for vocals. Not a market-breaker in pure price/perf, but as a refined, musical package with balanced tonality and comfort-adjacent caveats, K9 is a very solid all-rounder.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Epz K9 reviewed by Web Search
7.6
Reviewer Score
The EPZ K9 is a 9-driver hybrid (1DD+8BA) with a 3-way acoustic/electronic crossover, rated at 14 Ω and 108 dB sensitivity; it also ships with interchangeable 3.5 mm/4.4 mm plugs, making it easy to pair with portable sources. Retail pricing varies by region—seen around $299 at some retailers and into the low-$400s elsewhere—so value will depend on where it’s purchased.
Tonally, K9 presents a warm W-shaped balance with substantive mid-bass and a restrained but present upper-mid/treble rise, aiming for smoothness over bite. Frequency-response sets published by community sources also show insertion-depth sensitivity (deep vs shallow), which helps explain reports of “calmer” treble and broader perceived width with deeper seals.
Technical performance is competent for the segment: macro-dynamics and bass slam are a noted strength, while resolution and imaging sit a touch below the class leaders; stage is more wide than deep, but cohesive for a multi-BA hybrid. Multiple long-form impressions describe it as clean and open yet non-fatiguing, which aligns with a safe-tilt treble and fuller lower mids.
Softears Volume Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA
Tuning Type: Neutral, Bright
Brand: Softears Top Softears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $285
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Epz K9 Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+8BA
Tuning Type: Warm, W-Shaped
Price (Msrp): $299
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Softears Volume User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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Epz K9 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Softears Volume Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6Gaming Grade
BEpz K9 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.5Gaming Grade
ASoftears Volume Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B-- Tonality is generally agreeable, though a few bumps remind you of its limits. Certain tracks spotlight its tonal quirks.
Average Technical Grade
B- The presentation is steady if unspectacular, holding onto essential details when the music stays simple. Fine details occasionally slip through the cracks.
Epz K9 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Tuning feels well executed, keeping a natural flow across the spectrum. Switching genres feels seamless.
Average Technical Grade
A-- You get a controlled, composed performance, marrying decent clarity with a still-modest sense of space. A safe technical performer for the price bracket.
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