Softears Volume S VS Thieaudio Oracle MKIII

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The Softears Volume S at $320 sets a new tonal benchmark for IEMs in its price range. It arrives in solid packaging featuring a zippered carry case (a bit large but functional), protective earpiece pockets that might feel overkill for some, and two excellent sets of ear tips – including Softears' own highly-regarded Ultra Clear tips. Build quality is generally fantastic, highlighted by a resin shell, a comfortable paracord-style cable with a low-profile, user-swappable termination system, and recessed 2-pin connectors. While the aesthetics might feel a bit old-school to some, the fit is comfortable and stable due to its semi-custom shape and longer nozzle, making it secure enough for sleeping. A small screwdriver-adjustable tuning switch offers a secondary, brighter Harmon-like sound signature, though the default tuning is preferred.

The default sound signature is a warm-tilted neutral, delivering exceptional natural timbre and tasteful bass boost. This bass stands out for its exceptional physicality – punchy and impactful without being overbearing – alongside articulate sub-bass that’s easy to follow. Combined with well-defined transients, particularly in the upper-midrange, it creates a satisfyingly rich and dense presentation. While spatial effects and imaging are competent but not standout, the overall tonality and bass quality are remarkably refined. Comparisons show it offers a better tonal balance and bass control than the bassier Dunu DaVinci, significantly more body and richness than the brighter, thinner Moondrop Blessing 3, and trades blows with the Moondrop Dusk – the Volume S providing superior density and mid-bass presence versus the Dusk's more open, spacious presentation.

Ultimately, the Softears Volume S earns a full five-star rating. It might not be the absolute most technically dazzling IEM, but its fantastic tonal balance, unique bass physicality, and overall refinement make it a compelling choice. For $320, it delivers a sound signature that feels just right – rich, satisfying, and universally appealing – challenging more expensive offerings and establishing itself as a top contender in its class.

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Thieaudio Oracle MKIII brings the Oracle line back on track with a refined 2DD + 2BA + 2EST tribrid at $590. Packaging is handsome and complete, though the large carry case is overkill. The stock cable’s swappable terminations (3.5/4.4/2.5) are convenient but the connector is bulky and a bit memory-prone; recessed 2-pin sockets play nicer with plugs that have a slight protrusion. Build is classic Thieaudio: a tasteful faceplate on a semi-custom shell that sits medium-large in the ear, secure and comfortable if the shape agrees. Fit stability is excellent.

Tonally it’s neutral with a bass boost, with the lift starting earlier than a strict Harman rise for a more consistent low-end presence—kick drums have punch without mid-bass bloat. Bass is tight and well-defined if not the last word in rumble texture. A mild lower-treble emphasis adds bite to strings and vocal edges without tipping into sibilance, though it can make the midrange feel a touch lean versus warmer sets. Where it truly shines is imaging and separation: a clean, organized stage with above-average width and standout delineation on busy tracks.

Against peers, Oracle MKIII feels like a more engaging riff on neutral-with-bass compared to sets like AFUL Performer 8, and proves tighter and more resolute than softer, warmer competitors (e.g., Symphonium Meteor), though those can offer richer midrange micro-contrast. Versus the Oracle MKII, it’s a clear course correction toward the original Oracle’s livelier balance. It may not be the most distinctive flavor at its price, and options like the Crinacle Dusk undercut it on value for bass texture, but as an all-rounder with excellent technical cleanliness the MKIII is an easy recommendation. Rating: 4/5.

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Build & accessories impress: a chunky yet comfortable shell with a secure 2-pin connection and a nozzle lip that holds tips firmly. The faceplate design looks premium, and the stock cable feels good in hand with a chin slider and swappable 4.4 / 2.5 mm terminations (though the modular plug can loosen under tug). The familiar Thieaudio case and standard tip set round out a solid unboxing.

On the graph and in practice, the Oracle MKIII takes a more neutral approach than MKII—less bass, tamer upper-mids. It shares territory with sets like Hype 4 (trading blows: better upper air here vs. stronger upper-mid presence there) and recalls the Pilgrim with added EST sparkle. There’s extra 4–6 kHz bite and energy in the 10–15 kHz region that can become fatiguing over longer, mixed-content sessions. In context, similarly priced options—Supernova, Noir, and Hisenior Mega5 EST—offer comparable performance with different tonal priorities, while budget picks like Hidizs MP145/MP43 or curve-match contenders such as Juzear 61T and the upcoming Binary Dino Quattro complicate the value equation where many ~$300–$400 IEMs trade blows.

Verdict: gorgeous build, good extension and upper air from the ESTs, and a generally chill-neutral tonality—yet the emphasized presence/treble bands make it a fatiguing neutral for sensitive ears. Rated a solid A for quality, but not a universal pick or a clear recommendation over peers; those who loved the Pilgrim are the most likely match, while others may prefer alternatives with either fuller bass or smoother upper-mid/treble energy.

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The Softears Volume S delivers a fantastic hybrid sound in its low impedance mode, characterized as a warm neutral tuning with a lush note weight, good bass punch without bloat, and a slight upper-midrange emphasis that makes vocals pop. This signature translates exceptionally well across both music listening and competitive gaming, offering great separation, layering, and phenomenal imaging for precise positional awareness. While engaging and non-fatiguing, gunfire and intense effects in games like Apex Legends can sometimes feel on the verge of shouty or slightly occlusive during chaotic, high-level scenarios, lacking that last bit of air and resolution in the upper mids.

Gaming performance shines across multiple titles. The Volume S provides outstanding depth perception and accurate imaging for Apex Legends slides and light footsteps, excels in Valorant with its separation and verticality, handles the chaos of Call of Duty exceptionally well, and proves to be a top recommendation for Fragpunk due to its loud, precise, and easily trackable footsteps. The smaller resin chassis offers great comfort and ergonomics, especially for those struggling with fit, though it doesn't feel quite as premium as some metal competitors in its price range.

Significant drawbacks include the utterly dismissed high impedance mode tuning, deemed "absolute garbage" and a headache for gaming, and the fragile tuning mechanism itself, prone to easy damage. The included shoelace-style cable is functional with a removable termination but not a favorite, and the unboxing experience, while decent with a pleather case, extra termination, and two sets of silicone tips, is fairly typical for the price. Ultimately, the Softears Volume S stands as a killer all-around IEM when locked into its excellent low impedance mode, highly recommended for its crossover appeal despite the useless tuning switch and build quibbles.

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Thieaudio Oracle MK3 brings a spacious, slightly pushed soundscape that can place effects a touch farther out than expected. That extra air and separation pays off in Fortnite where the game’s echo-y weapon tails and environmental cues read cleanly with excellent verticality and depth perception—a strong A- to B+ performer there. In Call of Duty, positional info stays clear and reliable for a solid B. But in tighter mixes like Valorant and Apex, some cues don’t punch through with the needed emphasis, settling closer to a B to B- range.

As a hybrid daily driver, Oracle MK3 doubles as a highly enjoyable music set: the brand’s signature F-Audio bass hits with satisfying weight and control—especially for rap—making it a kickass listen off the clock. For competitive play, it doesn’t outpace its big sibling Monarch MK3, but for players who split time between COD/Fortnite and music, Oracle MK3 is a compelling choice; pure Valorant/Apex grinders will find better-focused options higher on the WallHack list.

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The Softears Volume S emerges as a standout vocal specialist under $500, often described as a "mini studio 4“ due to similar frequency graphs. However, it trades some treble detail for superior scaling and a heightened focus on the mid-range, particularly vocals, while adding a touch more mid-bass oomph. This treble reduction allows the music to breathe, creating a more immersive and musical experience that pulls the listener deeper into the sound compared to the Studio 4, without sacrificing a sense of space or leaving the bass and treble feeling inadequate. Though not bass-heavy or treble-head oriented, the low-end provides enough thump and the highs enough air to avoid sounding lean or dark, resulting in a presentation that's slightly less technical and balanced than the Studio 4 but excels in vocal delivery and engagement.

A key feature is the tuning switch which boosts upper mids and treble while lowering the bass, effectively transforming the sound into a cleaner, more technical version of Harman 2019, even surpassing the Studio 4 in detail retrieval in this mode. However, this boosted configuration can sound shouty, lean, and overly clinical for many preferences, lacking the thickness of the stock tuning and scaling less effectively at higher volumes. The stock tuning, preferred for its vocal prowess, truly comes alive with increased volume. The included clear tips are recommended for a slight treble lift and comfort, and the bundled USBC adapter adds a subtle amount of sub-bass rumble, though the low-end remains clean and controlled, reminiscent of leaner sets like the Pilgrim, not providing heavy slam.

While the Studio 4 remains a solid, well-balanced all-rounder, especially on sale around $350, and alternatives like the EM10 (more detailed), Supermix 4 (better value), the Volume S carves its niche with exceptional vocal performance at higher volumes using the stock tuning. Its main drawbacks involve the confusing switch design (requiring opposite positions on each earpiece for the same tuning with no clear indicators) and the pricing debate; using non-branded drivers suggests a more appropriate price point would be $200-$250 rather than $300. Despite these quirks and marketing claims about the passive radiator's role (its actual impact being debatable), the Volume S delivers a great sounding, flexible IEM offering distinct sonic profiles based on volume level and switch position.

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Thieaudio Oracle MKIII pushes the Oracle line into its most refined form yet: an all-rounder that’s slightly airy but remains smooth and balanced. The big story is the bass—the new dual-DD with an isobaric chamber adds tighter texture, greater tactility, and cleaner control than the MKII, and it handily outclasses the OG’s notably lean low end. Mid-range balance, layering, and separation see a small but audible step up; vocals are fuller and more natural than the thin, floaty presentation of the OG, while avoiding the MKII’s bright, wispy timbre. In the treble, MKIII strikes the best equilibrium of refinement and detail—where MKII can sound sharp, fatiguing, and poor at scaling, MKIII stays composed and nuanced.

Within the family, the OG Oracle still charms as the most natural and “pure” vocal set thanks to its 3 kHz lift and low fatigue, but it’s less resolving and less exciting overall. The MKII brings more low-end fun than OG yet trails MKIII in texture and control; its treble will mainly suit treble-heads or those needing extra upper-energy. Against peers, Mega5 EST shares the balanced, laid-back ethos but feels too neutral and light down low; MKIII hits harder and engages more without smearing the mids. Versus Hype 4, MKIII is cleaner, tighter, and more separated, though Hype 4’s bigger bass and forwardness can feel more fun. Compared with Hype 10, technical footing is similar, but Hype 10 is fuller, more dynamic, and sharper in imaging, while MKIII stays airier and more relaxed.

If stretching the budget, Monarch MKIII becomes the favorite all-rounder: more dynamic with more detailed, “popping” vocals yet still carrying the air and smoothness MKIII fans want. The truest step-up in the same vibe is Prestige LTD—larger stage, better layering, and higher detail—though MKIII actually retains better bass tactility. Verdict: a much-needed update over MKII and a strong $500 benchmark for a balanced, airy listen that stays engaging, controlled, and easy to live with.

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The Softears Volume S offers a dramatic transformation through its impedance switch, requiring a tiny screwdriver to toggle between low (9.8 ohm) and high (31.2 ohm) modes. The low impedance mode is described as painfully clinical, bland, and annoyingly sterile across all tested amplifiers. It’s reminiscent of the disliked original Volume model, lacking any enjoyable tuning despite EQ attempts. This mode only suits listeners craving absolute neutrality, offering little musical engagement.

Switching to the high impedance mode completely revolutionizes the experience. It becomes relaxed, unoffensive, and remarkably smooth, with notes possessing a lingering, church-like resonance that adds emotional depth. This mode presents music with a spacious, uplifting quality and a subtle chest-felt pressure during resonant passages. However, it demands quality amplification to shine and benefits from tip-rolling; the included sticky liquid silicone tips enhance the signature, though alternatives like Azla SednaEarfit can tweak the response. Comfort and build are excellent, though the fabric cable exhibits some microphonics.

Priced around $300, the Volume S earns a cautious recommendation primarily for its stellar high-impedance performance. It requires tinkering with tips and sources to reach its potential and faces stiff competition in its price bracket. While not an outright class leader, it’s a significant upgrade over the original Volume. The package includes a luxurious case, multiple tips, and a branded USB-C adapter, reflecting Softears' typical attention to detail. Just keep it locked in high-impedance mode.

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Thieaudio Oracle MKIII (2024) pushes hard into the “fun road” of audio: a 2DD + 2BA + 2EST stack tuned for huge, holographic soundstage and pinpoint stereo placement that feels like a room with “37 speakers.” It’s less about textbook FR and more about phase tricks, imaging, and “sounds coming from impossible places.” On well-produced tracks—Amon Tobin, Pink Floyd, cinematic scores—it throws a trippy, room-filling panorama that makes familiar songs pop with new cues. Gritty recordings don’t get “fixed,” but the set stays surprisingly tolerable given the grunge.

Chain matters: keep it solid-state or a warm hybrid tube to soften the edges—there’s bite up top that benefits from a touch of warmth. It’s not the easiest to drive (quoted 99 dB sensitivity; impedance unspecified), so a bit of gain is welcome; pure tubes flirted with distortion. Low end is a highlight: the dual-DD “Impact 2 subwoofer” delivers chesty sub-bass without smothering the stage. This isn’t built to chase Harman or “serious, linear” targets; it’s for the wild soundstage & placement crowd who want to re-experience their library.

Build and box are lightweight and comfy with a flashy faceplate; the stock swappable-plug cable (2.5/3.5/4.4) and case are adequate. Tip synergy favors Render-style silicones/foams used during testing. At under $600 (~$589) the value pitch is simple: the weirdest, most entertaining staging you can add to a collection without going crazy on price. Verdict: a 10/10 “experience piece”—not for spec sheet comparers, but for listeners who want music to leap out and orbit their head.

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Softears Volume S follows the 2022 Volume and steps into a fiercely competitive ~$320 bracket with a seriously premium kit: a gorgeous leather case, modular screw-on terminations, both standard and Ultra Clear eartips, IM booties, and tiny screwdrivers for the on-board potentiometer. The stealthy black resin shells with exposed carbon-fiber faceplates feel solid and fit well thanks to slim nozzles; just note there’s no nozzle mesh. The big caveat is the cloth-sheathed stock cable—ergonomically nice but with heavy microphonics. Two tunings are selectable: low-impedance (≈10Ω) and high-impedance (≈31Ω). The low-impedance mode is the keeper; it’s easy to drive yet sensitive to source output impedance, so a dongle under 1Ω is recommended to avoid unintentionally shifting the tonality.

In low-impedance mode the signature is neutral-natural, a flatter, more mid-centric take on “new-meta.” Bass offers quality over quantity: textured, punchy, and responsive without tipping into basshead territory. The mids are the star—clean, warm-tinged lower mids give male vocals body while female vocals sit forward without shout, keeping timbre natural. Treble is smooth, airy, and non-fatiguing, avoiding metallic glare while preserving sparkle. Technical performance is confidently above average for the price: imaging & stage feel wide and well-layered, with good separation and resolution that rewards attentive listening without forcing it.

Positionally, think “Kato upgrade”: smoother treble, better bass texture, and a refinement that many will prefer. Versus spicier rivals like DaVinci, Project Meta, Dusk DSP, or Mega 5 EST, the Volume S sounds more controlled and “correct,” trading some slam and upper-air fireworks for coherence and timbre. It won’t thrill bass lovers, treble heads, or detail chasers seeking a spotlighted presentation; everyone else gets a superb all-rounder that feels benchmark-worthy—the HD600/650 vibe for IEMs. Verdict: you should buy this if a do-it-all, neutral-natural tuning is the goal; just mind your source impedance and consider swapping the cable to kill the microphonics.

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The Softears Volume S delivers a distinctly colored sound signature with significant boosts in two key areas: the bass and the upper mid-range. Its bass profile is uniquely elevated up to around 300Hz, resulting in a physical, heavy, yet well-defined low end that impresses with substantial note weight and attack, appealing even to bass enthusiasts. Vocals cut through clearly due to the upper mid-range boost, but this tuning comes with a trade-off: a noticeable sense of hollowness and a narrower soundstage that can feel congested on certain tracks, creating a love-hate relationship with its presentation.

The treble offers a safe, natural, and polite character, providing adequate detail without excessive brightness or roll-off, though it may lack sparkle for some listeners. Technically, the Volume S performs at a level comparable to the Moondrop Blessing 3, excelling particularly in the incisive attack and substantial weight behind each note. When compared to competitors, the Volume S edges out the Tea Pro in bass quality, separation, and natural timbre, though the Tea Pro offers a wider stage. Against the Blessing 3, the Volume S trades openness and cleanliness for a more fun, bass-forward and impactful experience. It also presents a more balanced signature than the brighter, more treble-focused Kiwi Ears Astral.

Ultimately earning an A-minus rating, the Volume S is highly recommended for those seeking exceptional bass quality and a fun, colored tuning. However, it might not suit listeners prioritizing a wide soundstage, a neutral signature, or a bright, sparkly treble with forward micro-details; these listeners are advised to audition first.