Symphonium Helios VS Sony IER-M9
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Symphonium Helios and Sony IER-M9 use 4BA and 5BA driver setups respectively. Symphonium Helios costs $1,100 while Sony IER-M9 costs $1,000. Symphonium Helios is $100 more expensive. Symphonium Helios holds a clear 0.6-point edge in reviewer scores (8 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, Symphonium Helios has significantly better treble with a 1.1-point edge, Symphonium Helios has significantly better dynamics with a 2.5-point edge and Symphonium Helios has better imaging with a 0.8-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Symphonium Helios | Sony IER-M9 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7 | 7.5 |
| Mids | 7.9 | 8 |
| Treble | 8.6 | 7.5 |
| Details | 8.1 | 8 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 7.4 |
| Imaging | 7.8 | 7 |
| Dynamics | 7.5 | 5 |
| Tonality | 7.8 | 7.5 |
| Technicalities | 7.8 | 7.6 |
Symphonium Helios Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8Strongly Favorable
Sony IER-M9 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.4Generally Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Symphonium Helios reviewed by Yifang
8
Reviewer Score
Sony IER-M9 reviewed by Yifang
8
Reviewer Score
Symphonium Helios reviewed by Precogvision
7.7
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Symphonium Helios hits the kilobuck arena with a 4-BA flagship co-developed with Subtonic, priced around $1,100. The unboxing is minimal: a waterproof, aluminum “hockey-puck” case (cool but gritty threading), assorted tips, and a standard 0.78 mm cable without ear guides. The shell is surprisingly large—reportedly to house bigger capacitors and wider tubing for the desired treble extension—and the wide nozzle plus stick-out fit will be the biggest hurdle for many ears. Comfort varies; demoing first is wise.
Sonically, Helios tracks Harman-ish through the lower mids, then diverges for a more relaxed ear-gain and a showpiece treble. Bass is sub-bass focused with near-zero mid-bass, staying impeccably clean of the mids; for BA, it slams impressively—competitive with U12t—though a touch light on texture. Mids read lean/clean (200 Hz dip), while the top end is remarkably linear with huge air; with AZLA SednaEarfit tips it can verge on abrasive, but the included silicone tips smooth things out to a class-leading treble at this price. Technicals are excellent: incisive imaging (even occasional “backwards” cues), strong macro & micro-dynamics, and lively transients; ultimate resolving edges still nod to sets like Annihilator and U12t. Taken as a whole, Helios stands as a top-tier kilobuck pick on sound quality—its fit is the make-or-break.
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Sony IER-M9 reviewed by Precogvision
7.4
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Symphonium Helios reviewed by Crin
7.5
Reviewer Score
Sony IER-M9 reviewed by Crin
7
Reviewer Score
Crin Youtube Channel
Symphonium Helios (more reviews)
Symphonium Helios reviewed by Shuwa-T
8.1
Reviewer Score
Symphonium Helios reviewed by Z-Reviews
8
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
Positioned as a $1,100 4BA set with a proprietary “sub-woofer” armature, Helios promises consistency via FLAT (Filtered Linear Attenuation Tuning). In practice, the claimed impedance immunity proves fickle: desktop gear can skew the treble and dynamics, and tube amps are a no-go. Performance clicks on the right solid-state portable (e.g., a Violectric unit), where the presentation opens up with striking clarity, tactile microdetail, and pinpoint imaging. The stage doesn’t just spread left–right; there’s convincing presence—sounds pop in and around the head with tidy placement. Low end is tight and clean rather than head-rattling; it accommodates bass, it doesn’t chase it.
Ergonomics dampen the honeymoon. The shell is big and oddly shaped, the stock cable has poor ear retention, and the included tips feel thick and overdamp the voicing. Tip rolling (e.g., Xelastec, foam-hybrids, or Dunu SS) helps restore balance and bass grip, but fit remains fussy. Once settled, Helios delivers a smooth, near-tame signature that’s detailed without harshness—more refinement than fireworks. Verdict: a highly capable, clear and composed monitor for source- and tip-savvy listeners; brilliant when the chain is right, but the overall package—from fit to amp matching—can be annoying enough to test patience.
Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
Symphonium Helios reviewed by Smirk Audio
7.9
Reviewer Score
Symphonium Helios reviewed by Nymz
7.9
Reviewer Score
Symphonium Helios reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.6
* score rescaled + normalized
Sony IER-M9 (more reviews)
Sony IER-M9 reviewed by Audionotions
7.5
Reviewer Score
Sony IER-M9 reviewed by Tim Tuned
7
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Symphonium Helios Details
Driver Configuration: 4BA
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: Symphonium Top Symphonium IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,100
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Sony IER-M9 Details
Driver Configuration: 5BA
Tuning Type: Neutral, Warm
Brand: Sony Top Sony IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,000
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Symphonium Helios User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!
Sony IER-M9 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
7.5Strongly Favorable
Symphonium Helios Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.8Gaming Grade
B+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
6.5Gaming Grade
B+Symphonium Helios Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- The response is even and composed, lending itself to effortless genre hopping. Voices sit comfortably in the mix.
Average Technical Grade
A- Technical performance is solid, offering clear separation and consistent detail retrieval. There's enough space for instruments to breathe.
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.
Symphonium Helios User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewSony IER-M9 User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewWorth 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.Find your next IEM:
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