Unique Melody MEST mkII VS Xenns Top Pro
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Unique Melody MEST mkII and Xenns Top Pro use 1DD+4BA+2EST+1BC and 2DD+8BA driver setups respectively. Unique Melody MEST mkII costs $1,500 while Xenns Top Pro costs $499. Unique Melody MEST mkII is $1,001 more expensive. Unique Melody MEST mkII holds a slight 0.1-point edge in reviewer scores (8 vs 7.9). Xenns Top Pro carries a user score of 8.4. Xenns Top Pro has significantly better mids with a 1.1-point edge, Xenns Top Pro has better treble with a 0.9-point edge, Xenns Top Pro has better dynamics with a 0.7-point edge, Xenns Top Pro has slightly better details with a 0.4-point edge and Xenns Top Pro has better imaging with a 0.9-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Unique Melody MEST mkII | Xenns Top Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8.1 | 8.2 |
| Mids | 7.5 | 8.6 |
| Treble | 7.1 | 8.1 |
| Details | 8.2 | 8.6 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 8.2 |
| Imaging | 7.5 | 8.4 |
| Dynamics | 7 | 7.7 |
| Tonality | 7.4 | 8.2 |
| Technicalities | 7.9 | 8 |
Unique Melody MEST mkII Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8Very Positive
Xenns Top Pro Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.9Strongly Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Super* Review
10*
* score rescaled + normalized
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Xenns Top Pro reviewed by Super* Review
2025-07-02
6*
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
The Xenns Top Pro enters the competitive $500 IEM arena with a hybrid driver configuration (two dynamic drivers, eight balanced armatures per side) and striking aesthetics, described as a "Jackson Pollock cross cyberpunk" design offering impressive visual depth within its lightweight, translucent resin shells. While the packaging is handsome and premium, including a large carry case, a soft pouch, a cleaning tool, a shirt clip, a termination adapter, and a generous selection of ear tips (foam and two silicone styles), the included thin, lightweight cable feels somewhat lackluster and uninspiring despite its swappable termination mechanism (3.5mm/4.4mm/6.35mm). Fit is stable but leans medium-large, potentially challenging for smaller ears, with a nozzle depth requiring tip experimentation for optimal comfort.
Sonically, the Top Pro follows the "new meta" tilted diffuse field sound signature, measuring close to a neutral target. However, its execution falls short of expectations. The boosted bass lacks definition and physicality, coming across as soft, unengaging, and lacking sharp attack or tactile impact, reminiscent of the HiSenior Mega5-EST's low-end. While the upper treble elevation adds brightness and air without harshness or sibilance, it combines with the bass presentation to create an overall tonality that feels clinical, thin, and surprisingly bodyless, lacking warmth and richness despite the bass quantity. Technical performance is decent but unremarkable; imaging and separation are competent due to the brighter tilt, but the presentation feels smoothed over and ultimately unengaging.
Comparisons highlight its shortcomings against key competitors: the Mega5-EST offers better mid-range body and natural tonality; the Oracle mk3 delivers superior bass tactility and a more exciting, stagey presentation; the Brain Dance provides a more impactful, bombastic sound with better-defined bass; and the cheaper Dusk excels with exceptional vocal texture, micro-contrast, and significantly superior bass physicality and engagement. Consequently, while not a bad IEM and confirming that $500 can buy top-tier sound, the Xenns Top Pro earns a modest 3-star rating for its lackluster bass, clinical tonality, and failure to stand out in a crowded field where alternatives simply offer more compelling and engaging listening experiences.
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube ChannelBuy Xenns Top Pro on Linsoul
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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
Xenns Top Pro reviewed by Jays Audio
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Xenns Top Pro establishes itself as a formidable $500 benchmark, delivering a dynamic, balanced, and clear sound signature. Its standout feature is the crispy, clear, and highly resolving treble that avoids artificial sharpness or fatigue, contributing to a refined hi-fi presentation. This treble clarity particularly enhances female vocals, rendering them sweet and angelic without huskiness, perfectly distanced, and non-shouty at normal volumes due to intelligent tuning cuts and gains.
Technically, the Top Pro punches above its price, competing with models around the $1,000 mark and reaching near Monarch level performance. While a direct upgrade to the original Top, Astral, and Meta models—offering more detail, less sharpness, and increased sparkle—it isn't a massive leap. Its value-to-performance ratio is exceptional. Compared to the Monarch Mk III, it trades some bass impact and texture (making it mid-bass light for genres like rock or metal) for superior layering, separation, and a more dynamic, contrasty, and crispy treble presentation. The bass, while sufficient, can feel disengaged in bass-heavy genres, making sets like the Astral or Odyssey preferable there.
Scaling depends on volume and genre: energetic tracks with treble emphasis suit mid volumes (~65dB), while slower artists like Frank Ocean shine at higher volumes (~75-80dB). Balanced eartips are recommended to maintain its excellent treble balance. Against competitors, the Top Pro is more technical and resolving than the Arcanis (though the Arcanis offers more unique, intimate vocals), more energetic and dynamic than the Volare (which has smoother treble and better mid-bass), and cleaner with better layering than the Oracle Mk III (which boasts better bass texture). Ultimately, the Top Pro is a highly recommended all-rounder, delivering near Monarch-level performance at half the cost with great accessories, making it arguably the best $500 upgrade option for most.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Audionotions
8.5
Reviewer Score
Xenns Top Pro reviewed by Audionotions
8
Reviewer Score
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Tim Tuned
7
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Xenns Top Pro reviewed by Tim Tuned
7.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Xenns Top Pro stands as a significant evolution from its predecessors, bearing little resemblance to the original Top despite sharing a similar driver configuration. Its tuning aligns much more closely with the Tea Pro, effectively acting as an upgrade to that model – perhaps better named the "Tea Pro Max". It delivers a slightly warmish mid-range with a boost in the upper mids, creating a natural yet contrasty and fun presentation. Vocals retain life and presence, avoiding sounding pushed back or dead neutral. Crucially, the Top Pro executes this mid-range cleaner than the T Pro, thanks to a cut in the mid-bass. This cut enhances bass definition, making it punchier and more dynamic, while also improving separation between the bass and mid-range.
Treble performance is generally lively and detailed, contributing significantly to the perception of strong technical ability. However, it can be slightly peaky, introducing a touch of BA timbre that detracts slightly from perfection – a minor nitpick considering the overall quality. Instrumental separation across the frequency range (bass, mids, treble) is a standout feature, resulting in very good technical performance that surpasses competitors like the Blessing 3. The signature manages to sound snappy and tactile despite a weighty low end. Compared directly to the original Top, the Top Pro offers a fuller, more realistic mid-range adhering to modern tuning philosophies, whereas the original Top remains brighter and leaner. Against the highly regarded HiSenior Mega 5 EST, the Top Pro provides a more engaging and contrasty alternative to the Mega 5 EST's exceptional but potentially "vanilla" neutrality and smoother timbre.
Ultimately, the Xenns Top Pro earns a strong recommendation and a deserved A-tier ranking. It represents a compelling value proposition at its price point, offering an engaging signature with excellent technicalities that many listeners will enjoy. The only significant caveat is for those extra sensitive to treble, who are strongly advised to demo it first due to its elevated and occasionally peaky nature.
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by
Fresh Reviews
5.5*
* The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming
Score
Xenns Top Pro reviewed by
Fresh Reviews
2025-09-03
6*
* The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming
Score
Youtube Video Summary
Xenns Top Pro arrives with a tidy bundle: a sturdy carrying case, three tip sets (two silicone, one foam), and a lightweight modular cable (3.5/4.4) on a 2-pin connector. The translucent blue, 3D-printed shell is ergonomic and comfortable over long sessions; the nozzle size feels just right. On the graph it follows HBB’s curve with more sub-bass than mid-bass, yielding a fun, energetic sound that’s also notably resolving with strong driver performance; the balanced silicone tips proved best for gaming.
In Valorant, the presentation is intimate and action-packed: rumble from Vandal/Operator/Sheriff hits with tactile weight, and depth cues/verticality stay coherent. Still, the elevated low end adds a slight “husk” that softens imaging precision when team fights erupt, so separation and layering can blur as abilities and gunfire stack—landing around a B+ to A- experience, with sets like the Mango T Pro and Kiwi Ears Astral feeling a bit more breathable.
In Apex Legends, that extra low-end energy makes chaotic scenes less breathable—smokes, grenades, and third parties push separation/layering harder than ideal—while Call of Duty (Treyarch mix) fares surprisingly well, keeping doors, slides, and distant fire easy to track. Counter-Strike 2 doesn’t image as cleanly as Valorant because of the same low-end pull. Overall, the Top Pro is excellent for music (resolving, technical, and punchy—great with rap), but for competitive gaming the original Top remains the safer pick; placement sits around an AB tier, in line with sets like the Letshuoer EJ07M Kinda Lava.
Fresh Reviews original ranking
Fresh Reviews Youtube ChannelUnique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.9
* score rescaled + normalized
Xenns Top Pro reviewed by Head-Fi.org
2025-10-09
7.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Unique Melody MEST mkII (more reviews)
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Shuwa-T
8
Reviewer Score
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Nymz
7.6
Reviewer Score
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Precogvision
7.1
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Crin
6.5
Reviewer Score
Xenns Top Pro (more reviews)
Xenns Top Pro reviewed by Jaytiss
8.8
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Xenns Top Pro boasts an exceedingly comfortable, vented resin shell with a metal nozzle, praised as one of the better shells out there. It's light, isolates well, and features a flat two-pin connector. The included case feels extremely premium, matching cases found on more expensive IEMs. Accessories are generous, including a 4.4mm cable, 6.3mm adapter, three sets of tips, a pouch, and a shirt clip. The cable itself is appropriate for the price, described as plush and nice with a Dunu-style locking system, though the chin slider feels slightly loose.
Sonically, the Top Pro presents an interesting and effective mild V-shaped tuning that aligns perfectly with the reviewer's preferences. It features slightly elevated bass and mids with a hint of darkness, delivering clean, pristine mids and great treble extension and air without sibilance. Technical performance is strong across imaging, note weight, and detail. Graph comparisons show similarities to sets like the Dusk DSP and Annihilator, but the Top Pro distinguishes itself with better bass impact than its metallic-shelled sibling (the Tea Pro) and a more comfortable, all-day listen compared to the ultra-detailed but potentially fatiguing AFUL Cantor. It holds its own against flagships like the Monarch MkIII (offering potentially better bass) and the Astral (with minor tonal differences), proving highly competitive in the $400-$900 range.
Ultimately, the Xenns Top Pro emerges as a standout offering from the brand and a top contender at its $500 price point. It hits a sweet spot with very few faults, combining a world-class comfortable shell, generous premium accessories, and a cohesive, engaging sound signature. It delivers nice everything – impactful bass, clean mids, well-extended treble, and strong technicals – making it an easy all-day listen and a set that's hard to beat for this specific tuning philosophy. While responsible purchasing and demos are always advised, it earns a full recommendation as an excellent all-rounder.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Xenns Top Pro reviewed by Bad Guy Good Audio
8.7
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Positioned at $500, the Xenns Top Pro gets stacked against the Subtonic Storm at around $5,400—a full 10× price gap that shouldn’t be glossed over. Level-matched listening shows the two land surprisingly close in overall technical performance, with differences in DDs/ESTs and driver counts mattering less than expected. What stands out more is transparency: the Top Pro is upfront about its internals and branded components, while the Summit-Fi piece plays things closer to the vest—par for the course at that tier.
In back-to-back A/B, the Top Pro’s mid-forward balance proves the hook. Instead of leaning on a mid-bass lift for “note weight,” it nudges the mids, keeping vocals, guitars, and cymbals clean and engaging without tipping thin or brittle. Anchored at the same SPL, track after track, the choice often becomes a coin flip—and many listeners would likely pick the more affordable set on tuning alone, because it’s simply more immediately musical across genres while holding its own technically.
This is diminishing returns in the palm of a hand. Slotting the Top Pro into a ranking even risks crowding out pricier neighbors, because its value sits uncomfortably high for its bracket. If the shells were disguised and the price tags hidden, the pick rate would tell the story: a “top-of-the-line” listen without the Summit-Fi tax, driven by smart tuning rather than spec sheet theatrics.
Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking
Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube ChannelXenns Top Pro reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
2025-07-25
8
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelXenns Top Pro reviewed by Z-Reviews
7.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
Z-Reviews expresses immediate and strong enthusiasm for the Xenns Top Pro, a $500 IEM featuring a 10-driver configuration (8 balanced armatures + 2 dynamic drivers). He notes their exceptional build quality and stunning visual design, describing them as one of the "prettiest IEMs that has ever existed" with a "color explosion" on the back. The accessories impress him, particularly the thoughtful custom foam insert in the case to protect the zipper, a soft padded case, a high-quality "196-core copper silver cable", and uniquely presented tip sets housed in pre-numbered, multicolored boxes. He finds the large nozzle comfortable enough for extended listening sessions, even though his arms fell asleep during one.
The core of the review focuses on the outstanding sound quality. Z-Reviews describes the sound as "smooth magical things" to his ears, emphasizing its non-fatiguing nature despite excellent detail retrieval: "clear as a whistle but not painful". He highlights the exceptional bass performance, which creates a unique physical sensation, fooling his body into feeling sub-bass pressure like a subwoofer was nearby, without being overpowering or unnatural. The treble is detailed and sharp without causing discomfort. The overall presentation is cohesive, "substantial", and immersive, making him want to listen track after track. He compares the experience favorably to much more expensive IEMs like the $1,500 FIO FX17.
Z-Reviews concludes with a strong recommendation, declaring the Xenns Top Pro "100% worth their $500 price tag". He states they do "everything I want a $500 IEM to do" and outperform his own collaborations like the Defiant, attributing this to the superior driver count and implementation ("there's no replacement for displacement"). Minor critiques include the large nozzle size and the lack of a plastic stand, but these are insignificant compared to the overall performance. His final verdict is that they are a "great" IEM that justifies their price through exceptional sound, build, and accessories.
Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
Xenns Top Pro reviewed by Web Search
8.4
Reviewer Score
The XENNS Mangird Top Pro is a 10-driver hybrid (2DD + 8BA) using a 4-way crossover and launches at an MSRP of $499. Headfonics details the allocation—dual dynamics for lows, Knowles BAs for mids, and a treble stack that includes Sonion E50D units and Knowles super tweeters—framing the Pro as an incremental refinement over the original Top . Pricing and positioning are confirmed by the Linsoul product page , while Bloom Audio lists the specific driver mix and modular cable package (3.5mm/4.4mm) .
Tonally, the Top Pro leans neutral with a tasteful bass lift: measurements show sub-bass emphasis, clean mids, and an extended but controlled top end . Listening impressions from Headfonics highlight a refined, fast low-end with slightly light mid-bass for some tastes, plus occasional extra bite in upper mids/treble depending on material—trade-offs that keep clarity high without crossing into harshness .
Technical performance is a strong suit: detail retrieval is above class average, staging is notably spacious and “tall,” and imaging is precise, though isolation is only average due to venting . The included 196-core copper/silver hybrid cable with swappable plugs adds practical value for portable and desktop use . Overall, it presents a balanced, resolving package tailored to listeners who prefer cleanliness and control over extra warmth.
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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Xenns Top Pro Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+8BA
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: XENNS Top XENNS IEMs
Price (Msrp): $499
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Unique Melody MEST mkII User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Xenns Top Pro User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
8.4Very Positive
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
6.7Gaming Grade
B+Xenns Top Pro Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
8Gaming Grade
A+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.
Xenns Top Pro Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- You hear a mature integration of lows, mids, and highs that keeps music lifelike. Small tuning tweaks showcase expert restraint.
Average Technical Grade
A+- The tuning feels expertly organized, marrying agile dynamics with well-defined spatial cues. Technical listeners will appreciate the poise.
Unique Melody MEST mkII 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 reviewXenns Top Pro User Reviews
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewA near-flagship experience at $500, offering superb detail retrieval and balanced tuning that competes with IEMs twice its price, though tip-rolling is recommended for optimal treble smoothness.
Pros
Exceptional technical performance with detailed, expansive soundstage; deep textured bass and crystal-clear mids suit diverse genres; premium accessories and comfortable fit for long sessions.Cons
Included ear tips are mediocre and may require aftermarket replacements; treble can occasionally feel peaky or harsh at higher volumes, especially with analytical sources.Find your next IEM:
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