Unique Melody MEST mkII VS ThieAudio Prestige LTD
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Unique Melody MEST mkII and ThieAudio Prestige LTD use 1DD+4BA+2EST+1BC and 1DD+4BA+4EST driver setups respectively. Unique Melody MEST mkII costs $1,500 while ThieAudio Prestige LTD costs $1,299. Unique Melody MEST mkII is $201 more expensive. ThieAudio Prestige LTD holds a slight 0.2-point edge in reviewer scores (8.1 vs 8.2). Unique Melody MEST mkII carries a user score of 7.5. Unique Melody MEST mkII has better bass with a 0.5-point edge, ThieAudio Prestige LTD has better mids with a 0.5-point edge, ThieAudio Prestige LTD has better treble with a 0.9-point edge, ThieAudio Prestige LTD has slightly better soundstage with a 0.3-point edge, Unique Melody MEST mkII has slightly better details with a 0.4-point edge and ThieAudio Prestige LTD has slightly better imaging with a 0.4-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Unique Melody MEST mkII | ThieAudio Prestige LTD |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8.1 | 7.6 |
| Mids | 7.5 | 8 |
| Treble | 7.1 | 8 |
| Details | 8.2 | 7.8 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 8.3 |
| Imaging | 7.5 | 7.9 |
| Dynamics | 7 | 6.9 |
| Tonality | 7.5 | 8 |
| Technicalities | 8 | 7.9 |
Unique Melody MEST mkII Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.1Very Positive
ThieAudio Prestige LTD Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.2Very Positive
Reviews Comparison
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Jays Audio
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
UM MEST MKII delivers a distinctly sub-bass-oriented low end with excellent speed, separation, and texture. Mid-bass is punchy but avoids bloat, keeping the presentation clean and avoiding bleed. The unconventional decision to keep the 1–5 kHz region flatter and push energy into 5–15 kHz pays off: vocals stay open, natural, and clear—reminiscent of Variations but with a cleaner, leaner midrange and a more refined overall balance.
The stage is impressively wide and expansive—on the level of sets like Z1R and U12t—yet with notably better vocals. Treble is well-extended, slightly aggressive in a good way, and highly resolving, rendering micro-details with ease without tipping into artificial sharpness. As a result, technical ability—clarity, separation, and imaging—is top tier, making dense tracks feel effortless while still bringing energy and excitement to hip-hop and retaining emotional nuance for ballads.
In sum, MEST MKII stands out as a true all-rounder “endgame” that justifies its $1,500 tag more convincingly than most. Notable comparisons place it a step above sets like Meteor, Mahina, and Variations for the mix of enjoyment and technicalities, though value hunters may note EJ07M achieves roughly “90%” of the experience at a fraction of the price. The only caveat: treble can become too lively at very loud volumes (80 dB+), but at normal listening levels, MEST MKII remains a compelling benchmark for its category.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
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ThieAudio Prestige LTD reviewed by Jays Audio
9
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Prestige LTD prioritizes an airy, open stage with standout layering and separation. Bass is more pushed back than on the Monarch MK3—lighter slam and impact, but cleaner integration that supports the sense of space. This balance suits busy genres like rock, metal, and classical where instrument delineation matters more than sheer punch. Against the Hype 2, the LTD feels similar in overall bass quantity yet is clearly more resolving and controlled.
In the mids and treble, the LTD steps forward with sharper note definition, micro-detail retrieval, and noticeably better extension. Vocals sit a touch further back versus MK3 but gain sparkle and air, making female voices especially captivating. Treble is both smooth and well-extended, anchoring the image within that wide, breathable stage. All three sets handle moderate listening levels well, but the LTD’s top-end finesse and staging coherence are its calling cards.
Value-wise, the LTD delivers a bigger technical jump over Hype 2 than MK3 does (roughly 25–30% vs. 15–20% by the video’s framing), and earns an overall S-tier verdict. For listeners seeking an “endgame” that favors air, detail, and stage organization—and who don’t need a bass-forward tilt—the Prestige LTD makes a compelling centerpiece. Pairing it with a more all-rounder-leaning set (e.g., Hype 2/Red) covers bass-centric moods while letting the LTD shine where it’s strongest.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
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Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Shuwa-T
8
Reviewer Score
ThieAudio Prestige LTD reviewed by Shuwa-T
7.9
Reviewer Score
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Nymz
7.6
Reviewer Score
ThieAudio Prestige LTD reviewed by Nymz
7.3
Reviewer Score
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.9
* score rescaled + normalized
ThieAudio Prestige LTD reviewed by Head-Fi.org
7.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Unique Melody MEST mkII (more reviews)
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Super* Review
10*
* score rescaled + normalized
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Yifang
8.5
Reviewer Score
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Audionotions
8.5
Reviewer Score
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Precogvision
7.1
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Tim Tuned
7
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Crin
6.5
Reviewer Score
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by
Fresh Reviews
5.5*
* The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming
Score
ThieAudio Prestige LTD (more reviews)
ThieAudio Prestige LTD reviewed by Z-Reviews
10
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
Explodes with a grand, hall-sized soundstage, a sense of space that feels like giant speakers in a living venue—wide, towering, and immersive. The tuning hits a sweet spot of aggressive low end with smooth, creamy mids that remain musical rather than clinical, trading microscopic edge for sheer scale and emotional sweep. Compared against Monarch Mk3, technicalities may be tidier on the Monarch, yet Prestige LTD delivers the “big room” presentation that steals the show; versus Monarch MkII, it’s the more thrilling, cinematic listen. Vocals lock center with vivid placement while ambient details bloom far beyond the ears, turning familiar tracks into rediscoveries.
Specs and quirks matter here: a 1DD + 4BA + 4EST array around $1,300–$1,400, and it’s impossibly hard to drive—expects medium to high gain and rewards power with scale. Fit is large like the Monarch line; getting a tight seal is crucial. Accessories are minimal, stock cable is fine, and tip choice won’t tank the tuning. Aesthetics impress with that shimmering back-ring and numbered “Prestige Limited” plate. Measurements be damned—depth pushes some micro-edges “farther away,” but the payoff is size, drama, and romance. As a statement of taste, this is the GOAT for those who crave vast staging, chesty kick impact, and a show-stopping, overwhelming musical experience that can make other IEMs feel small.
Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
ThieAudio Prestige LTD reviewed by Bad Guy Good Audio
8.1
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
ThieAudio Prestige LTD sits near the top of the pile because it just doesn’t do anything wrong. Bass has real weight without bloat, the mids stay clean, and treble keeps it crisp without getting sharp. It plays a broad library without tripping over genres or recordings—no weird peaks, no sucked-out zones. Call it a true all-rounder: balanced, controlled, and reliable.
Stacked against the rest of ThieAudio’s hits, Prestige LTD holds its own. For hip-hop, rock, and R&B, it pairs with Origin as the go-to because it delivers punch and texture while keeping vocals—male or female—front and center. Monarch MK3 might trace a bit more mid-bass on paper, but the LTD/Origin combo simply replays better. If the brief is ultra-clean mids for classical or lighter bass needs, OG Monarch takes that lane; for value, Oracle MK3 is strong. But for one set to cover almost everything with confidence, Prestige LTD is the pick.
Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking
Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube ChannelThieAudio Prestige LTD reviewed by Jaytiss
8
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
ThieAudio Prestige LTD reviewed by Smirk Audio
7.6
Reviewer Score
ThieAudio Prestige LTD reviewed by Web Search
8.8
Reviewer Score
The ThieAudio Prestige LTD is a tribrid flagship using a 1DD + 4BA + 4EST array with a 5-way crossover, aiming for coherent treble extension and low distortion. Official materials and retailer specs align on this architecture and core parameters (impedance in the low 20 Ω range, sensitivity mid-90s to ~98 dB), positioning it as a moderately sensitive set that benefits from clean amplification . The LTD’s tuning follows a neutral-leaning balance with a light sub-bass emphasis and smooth upper treble from the EST drivers; measurements and listening notes consistently describe it as detailed yet non-fatiguing rather than overtly “fun.” In practice, this yields natural midrange timbre and stable imaging, with stage that feels wide and uncluttered for dense mixes .
Technical performance is a key strength: the LTD delivers micro-detail retrieval and layering consistent with its tribrid topology, while avoiding sharp peaks that can exaggerate sibilance. Bass quality trends toward controlled sub-bass texture rather than mid-bass punch; those seeking extra slam may prefer EQ, but neutrality aids separation and transient clarity . At an MSRP around $1,299, value hinges on prioritizing refinement and treble composure over visceral dynamics; within this segment, the LTD competes on coherence and smoothness rather than maximum contrast or bass impact .
Unique Melody MEST mkII Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+2EST+1BC
Tuning Type: Warm, V-Shaped
Brand: Unique Melody Top Unique Melody IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,500
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ThieAudio Prestige LTD Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+4EST
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: ThieAudio Top ThieAudio IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,299
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Unique Melody MEST mkII User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
7.5Strongly Favorable
ThieAudio Prestige LTD User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Unique Melody MEST mkII 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+ThieAudio Prestige LTD 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+Unique Melody MEST mkII 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+- Overall technical control is strong, presenting instruments with clarity and sensible staging. Textures are portrayed with satisfying clarity.
ThieAudio Prestige LTD Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- Tuning feels well executed, keeping a natural flow across the spectrum. Switching genres feels seamless.
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 mkII User Reviews
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