PMG Audio Apx SE VS Vision Ears x Astell&Kern Aura
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
PMG Audio Apx SE and Vision Ears x Astell&Kern Aura are in-ear monitors. PMG Audio Apx SE costs $6,000 while Vision Ears x Astell&Kern Aura costs $4,100. PMG Audio Apx SE is $1,900 more expensive. PMG Audio Apx SE holds a slight 0.4-point edge in reviewer scores (8.9 vs 8.5).
Insights
| Metric | PMG Audio Apx SE | Vision Ears x Astell&Kern Aura |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| Mids | 7.8 | 8.5 |
| Treble | 8 | 8.5 |
| Details | 9 | 8.5 |
| Imaging | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| Dynamics | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| Tonality | 8.4 | 8.5 |
| Technicalities | 9.2 | 8 |
PMG Audio Apx SE Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.9Outstanding
Vision Ears x Astell&Kern Aura Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.5Excellent
Reviews Comparison
PMG Audio Apx SE reviewed by Yifang
9
Reviewer Score
Yifang Youtube Channel
Vision Ears x Astell&Kern Aura reviewed by Yifang
8.5
Reviewer Score
PMG Audio Apx SE (more reviews)
PMG Audio Apx SE reviewed by Z-Reviews
10
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
The PMG Audio Apx SE comes out swinging with a $6,000 price tag and a $1,600 cable that looks the part but fights the ear with stiffness and springy memory. The shells flaunt real lapis lazuli and an over-the-top suitcase-and-pillow presentation, complete with certificates and multiple cases—great for show, awkward for daily carry. Ergonomically, the cable’s tension and odd flush/penetrating plug mismatch feel fussy, making this an at-home listening trophy rather than a commuter’s companion.
Under the bling sits a small army: 11 drivers per side (10 mm DD, two planars—one rectangular, one round—and eight BAs) with a seven-way passive crossover, somehow delivering startling cohesion at just 5 Ω. The sound is hyper-resolving and fault-finding; imaging and spatial precision rank among the best heard, revealing hums, edits, and room cues that lesser sets gloss over. Stock silicones lean monitor-flat, but swapping to grippier tips (e.g., “Render” style) adds weight and a touch of warmth, nudging the tuning from sterile to satisfying.
Versus other favorites—Softears Twilight for natural timbre and Dunu Glacier for bass slam—the Apx SE feels like the “full package” of microdetail, stage mapping, and technical swagger, but only by a diminishing-returns margin. It’s arguably the most technically impressive IEM on the desk, yet not the most lovable; the wallet pain and fussy cable sap the joy. Verdict: hear it if you can and crave top-end microdetail, but recommending a used-car-priced IEM to normal humans? That’s a hard no.
Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
PMG Audio Apx SE reviewed by Bad Guy Good Audio
8.7
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The PMG Audio Apx SE comes out swinging with a $6,000 price tag and a $1,600 cable that looks the part but fights the ear with stiffness and springy memory. The shells flaunt real lapis lazuli and an over-the-top suitcase-and-pillow presentation, complete with certificates and multiple cases—great for show, awkward for daily carry. Ergonomically, the cable’s tension and odd flush/penetrating plug mismatch feel fussy, making this an at-home listening trophy rather than a commuter’s companion.
Under the bling sits a small army: 11 drivers per side (10 mm DD, two planars—one rectangular, one round—and eight BAs) with a seven-way passive crossover, somehow delivering startling cohesion at just 5 Ω. The sound is hyper-resolving and fault-finding; imaging and spatial precision rank among the best heard, revealing hums, edits, and room cues that lesser sets gloss over. Stock silicones lean monitor-flat, but swapping to grippier tips (e.g., “Render” style) adds weight and a touch of warmth, nudging the tuning from sterile to satisfying.
Versus other favorites—Softears Twilight for natural timbre and Dunu Glacier for bass slam—the Apx SE feels like the “full package” of microdetail, stage mapping, and technical swagger, but only by a diminishing-returns margin. It’s arguably the most technically impressive IEM on the desk, yet not the most lovable; the wallet pain and fussy cable sap the joy. Verdict: hear it if you can and crave top-end microdetail, but recommending a used-car-priced IEM to normal humans? That’s a hard no.
Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking
Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube ChannelPMG Audio Apx SE reviewed by Smirk Audio
8.5
Reviewer Score
PMG Audio Apx SE reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.5
* score rescaled + normalized
PMG Audio Apx SE Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+8BA+1Rectangular Planar+1Round Planar
Tuning Type: Warm, U-Shaped
Price (Msrp): $6,000
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Vision Ears x Astell&Kern Aura Details
Driver Configuration: n/a
Tuning Type: n/a
Brand: Vision Ears Top Vision Ears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $4,100
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PMG Audio Apx SE User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Vision Ears x Astell&Kern Aura 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!
PMG Audio Apx SE Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.4Gaming Grade
A-Vision Ears x Astell&Kern Aura 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+PMG Audio Apx SE Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- Tuning feels refined, blending frequencies with convincing realism and engagement. Transitions between registers feel effortless.
Average Technical Grade
S- Expect an effortlessly clean presentation that keeps complex mixes perfectly organized. There is zero sense of congestion even at high volume.
Vision Ears x Astell&Kern Aura Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
S-- Tonal balance reaches a highly refined state, sounding seamless from lows to highs. Everything locks together with satisfying coherence.
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.
PMG Audio Apx SE User Reviews
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