Symphonium Helios VS Unique Melody Merlin V2
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Symphonium Helios and Unique Melody Merlin V2 use 4BA and 1DD+4BA driver setups respectively. Symphonium Helios costs $1,100 while Unique Melody Merlin V2 costs $1,000. Symphonium Helios is $100 more expensive. Symphonium Helios holds a decisive 2-point edge in reviewer scores (8 vs 6).
Insights
| Metric | Symphonium Helios | Unique Melody Merlin V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7 | 6 |
| Mids | 7.9 | 6 |
| Treble | 8.6 | 6 |
| Details | 8.1 | 6 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 6 |
| Imaging | 7.8 | 6 |
| Dynamics | 7.5 | 6 |
| Tonality | 7.8 | 7 |
| Technicalities | 7.8 | 5.5 |
Symphonium Helios Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8Strongly Favorable
Unique Melody Merlin V2 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
6Mixed to Positive
Reviews Comparison
Symphonium Helios reviewed by Crin
7.5
Reviewer Score
Unique Melody Merlin V2 reviewed by Crin
6
Reviewer Score
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 Yifang
8
Reviewer Score
Symphonium Helios reviewed by Smirk Audio
7.9
Reviewer Score
Symphonium Helios reviewed by Nymz
7.9
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
Symphonium Helios reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.6
* score rescaled + normalized
Symphonium Helios Details
Driver Configuration: 4BA
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: Symphonium Top Symphonium IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,100
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Unique Melody Merlin V2 Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA
Tuning Type: Neutral, Warm
Brand: Unique Melody Top Unique Melody IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,000
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
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!
Unique Melody Merlin V2 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!
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+Unique Melody Merlin V2 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
5Gaming Grade
C+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.
Unique Melody Merlin V2 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
B-- It offers a competent showing, maintaining cohesion on straightforward arrangements. Complex passages start to challenge it, but never derail the show.
Symphonium Helios User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewUnique Melody Merlin V2 User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewFind your next IEM:
IEM Finder Quiz
newIEM Comparison Tool
newVS