Symphonium Helios VS Unique Melody MEST
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Symphonium Helios and Unique Melody MEST use 4BA and 1DD+4BA+2EST+1BC driver setups respectively. Symphonium Helios costs $1,100 while Unique Melody MEST costs $1,000. Symphonium Helios is $100 more expensive. Symphonium Helios holds a slight 0.3-point edge in reviewer scores (8 vs 7.7). Unique Melody MEST has better bass with a 0.7-point edge, Symphonium Helios has significantly better treble with a 1.8-point edge, Symphonium Helios has significantly better dynamics with a 1.5-point edge and Unique Melody MEST has significantly better imaging with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Symphonium Helios | Unique Melody MEST |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7 | 7.7 |
| Mids | 7.9 | 7.7 |
| Treble | 8.6 | 6.8 |
| Details | 8.1 | 8.3 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 8 |
| Imaging | 7.8 | 8.8 |
| Dynamics | 7.5 | 6 |
| Tonality | 7.8 | 7.3 |
| Technicalities | 7.8 | 8.2 |
Symphonium Helios Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8Strongly Favorable
Unique Melody MEST Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.7Strongly Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Symphonium Helios reviewed by Shuwa-T
8.1
Reviewer Score
Unique Melody MEST reviewed by Shuwa-T
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
Unique Melody MEST reviewed by Precogvision
7.2
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Symphonium Helios reviewed by Crin
7.5
Reviewer Score
Unique Melody MEST reviewed by Crin
6.5
Reviewer Score
Symphonium Helios (more reviews)
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 Head-Fi.org
8.6
* score rescaled + normalized
Unique Melody MEST (more reviews)
Unique Melody MEST reviewed by Super* Review
9*
* score rescaled + normalized
Unique Melody MEST reviewed by Jays Audio
8.5
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Unique Melody MEST 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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Unique Melody MEST Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+2EST+1BC
Tuning Type: Warm, V-Shaped
Brand: Unique Melody Top Unique Melody 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
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Unique Melody MEST 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 MEST Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.9Gaming 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.
Unique Melody MEST 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 an articulate, polished performance with immersive stage depth and great control. There's a sense of polish across the whole spectrum.
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