Sony IER-M9 VS See Audio Kaguya

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

Home Ranking Compare IEMs

Sony IER-M9 and See Audio Kaguya use 5BA and 4BA+4EST driver setups respectively. Sony IER-M9 costs $1,000 while See Audio Kaguya costs $1,399. See Audio Kaguya is $399 more expensive. See Audio Kaguya holds a slight 0.1-point edge in reviewer scores (7.4 vs 7.4). Sony IER-M9 carries a user score of 7.5. Sony IER-M9 has better bass with a 0.5-point edge, Sony IER-M9 has significantly better mids with a 1-point edge and See Audio Kaguya has significantly better imaging with a 1-point edge.

Insights

Metric Sony IER-M9 See Audio Kaguya
Bass 7.5 7
Mids 8 7
Treble 7.5 7.5
Details 8 8
Soundstage 7.4 8.5
Imaging 7 8
Dynamics 5 7.4
Tonality 7.5 7.2
Technicalities 7.6 7.9
Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough See Audio Kaguya reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

Sony IER-M9 Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

7.4

Generally Favorable


See Audio Kaguya Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

7.4

Generally Favorable


Reviews Comparison

Sony IER-M9 reviewed by Crin

Crin 7 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
A Tech
Neutral tonality, highly coherent and decent detail pickup. The all-rounder of the IER lineup.

Crin original ranking

Crin Youtube Channel

See Audio Kaguya reviewed by Crin

Crin 6 Reviewer Score
B Tuning
B+ Tech
Somewhat mid-scooped, decent bass and treble extension though with underwhelming resolving ability.

Crin original ranking

Crin Youtube Channel

Sony IER-M9 (more reviews)

Sony IER-M9 reviewed by Yifang

Yifang 8 Reviewer Score
S- Tuning
A+ Tech

Sony IER-M9 reviewed by Audionotions

Audionotions 7.5 Reviewer Score
Nice note weight, very balanced, shockingly good at imaging held back by finicky fit and vacuum seal - fit issues can be resolved by changing tips though (for me the stock silicone LL tips eliminated fit issues for me but YMMV). At used prices today, it's a steal.

Audionotions original ranking

Website (Audionotions)

Sony IER-M9 reviewed by Precogvision

Precogvision 7.4 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
B+ Tech
Boring, but you won't find anything more well-rounded for the price. Exceptional timbre for a BA IEM.

Precogvision original ranking

Precogvision Youtube Channel
Bass: A- Mids: A+ Treble: A- Dynamics: C+ Details: A+ Imaging: A-

Sony IER-M9 reviewed by Tim Tuned

Tim Tuned 7 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
A+ Tech
Just great accross the board, nothing to fault Not very special

Tim Tuned original ranking

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

See Audio Kaguya (more reviews)

See Audio Kaguya reviewed by Shuwa-T

Shuwa-T 7.7 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
A+ Tech
Comment: Retuning fixed the wonky midrange. Clean sounding with massive soundstage Thinner lower-midrange

Shuwa-T original ranking

Shuwa-T Website

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

See Audio Kaguya reviewed by Web Search

uses AI-Search to turn user, reddit and head-fi reviews into clear, concise summaries.
Web Search 8.6 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
S Tech

The See Audio Kaguya is a flagship hybrid built around 4BA+4EST per side in a three-way division, using Sonion drivers and a 6N OCC silver-plated Litz cable. The package targets a premium audience with a listed MSRP of $1,399.

Tonally, Kaguya leans neutral-bright: bass is tight and contained rather than heavy, mids are clean with a slight upper-mid lift for presence, and treble is extended yet smooth. Detail retrieval and micro-texture are emphasized, making cymbals, strings, and vocal air stand out without harshness.

Technical performance is a clear strength: imaging feels lifelike and layered, and the stage spreads wider than many IEMs while keeping an intimate, “in-room” feel. Listeners who prefer clarity and treble air over heavy slam will likely appreciate the balance; bass-heads may want more punch. Build, fit, and accessories align with the price tier.


Sony IER-M9 User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score:

Based on 1 user reviews

7.5

Strongly Favorable

See Audio Kaguya User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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Sony IER-M9 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+

See Audio Kaguya 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+

Sony IER-M9 Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

A
  • Expect an inviting tonal blend that adapts well to genres while staying largely composed. It strikes a nice blend of warmth and clarity.

Average Technical Grade

A
  • Technical performance is solid, offering clear separation and consistent detail retrieval. There's enough space for instruments to breathe.
Bass A
It serves up confident rumble and texture while keeping the spectrum balanced. You can enjoy bass-heavy music without fatigue.
Mids A+
The midrange sounds refined and revealing, balancing clarity with emotional weight. Timbre accuracy rivals studio monitors.
Treble A
The treble is exquisitely tuned, combining crystal detail with relaxed delivery. Micro-details emerge effortlessly.
Dynamics C+
Expect solid impact overall, even if finer gradations feel a touch smoothed. Micro-details could still be sharper.
Details A+
No subtlety is too small; the presentation exposes it all with composure. Complex tracks remain crystal clear.
Imaging A-
Spatial cues respond immediately, reflecting every movement in the mix. Spatial cues respond instantly to the mix.
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

See Audio Kaguya Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

A-
  • A smooth, agreeable balance keeps the presentation engaging without obvious flaws. Only sensitive ears will nitpick the bumps.

Average Technical Grade

A
  • You get a well-rounded technical package that keeps separation, detail, and staging in harmony. It's a solid middle ground between fun and fidelity.
Bass A-
Bass is strong and well-defined, delivering slam with admirable control. Electronic drops hit with authority.
Mids A-
The mids sound lush and articulate, capturing emotion effortlessly. Strings and keys shimmer with realism.
Treble A
It provides outstanding treble finesse, balancing brightness and control gracefully. It's engaging yet remarkably controlled.
Soundstage S-
Immersive holography surrounds the listener, making the venue feel tangible and enveloping. It delivers a grand, cinematic presentation.
Details A+
Inner textures glow vividly yet never feel etched or artificial. It borders on studio-monitor transparency.
Imaging A+
Even dense mixes remain locked in place, reinforcing the illusion of physical performers. The stage remains stable regardless of complexity.
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

Sony IER-M9 User Reviews

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M Makavelian
7.5

Worth it at used prices for neutral warm all rounder.

Pros
Great all rounder tuning, imaging, comfort.
Cons
Bit lacking in engagement, bass typical of BA drivers.

See Audio Kaguya User Reviews

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