Softears Volume S VS Xenns Tea Pro
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Softears Volume S and Xenns Tea Pro use 2DD+2BA and 2DD+6BA driver setups respectively. Softears Volume S costs $320 while Xenns Tea Pro costs $359. Xenns Tea Pro is $39 more expensive. Softears Volume S holds a slight 0.2-point edge in reviewer scores (7.7 vs 7.5). User ratings place Softears Volume S at 8.2 and Xenns Tea Pro at 8. Softears Volume S has slightly better bass with a 0.3-point edge and Softears Volume S has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Softears Volume S | Xenns Tea Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8.3 | 8 |
| Mids | 7.5 | 7.3 |
| Treble | 7.5 | 7.7 |
| Details | 6.5 | 7.5 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 7 |
| Imaging | 6.5 | 7.5 |
| Dynamics | 6 | 6 |
| Tonality | 7.9 | 7.3 |
| Technicalities | 7.5 | 7.2 |
Softears Volume S Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Xenns Tea Pro Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Softears Volume S Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+2BA
Tuning Type: n/a
Brand: Softears Top Softears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $320
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Xenns Tea Pro Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+6BA
Tuning Type: Warm neutral
Brand: XENNS Top XENNS IEMs
Price (Msrp): $359
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Softears Volume S User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 2 user reviews
8.2Very Positive
Xenns Tea Pro User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
8Very Positive
Softears Volume S Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
8.4Gaming Grade
A+Xenns Tea 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+Softears Volume S Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Well-executed tonal character. No major flaws with good technical control. Smooth presentation works with multiple genres.
Average Technical Grade
A- Good technical performance. Clear separation and decent detail retrieval across various tracks. Soundstage shows reasonable width and depth.
Xenns Tea Pro Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Pleasing tonal balance with good technical control. Minor quirks present but not distracting. Demonstrates decent genre versatility.
Average Technical Grade
A-- Competent technical presentation. Handles separation and detail well in most tracks, with modest soundstage and acceptable imaging capabilities.
Softears Volume S Reviews
8.5*
* score normalized
Fantastic IEM for the price. Super sharp and standout bass physicality. Tonality is more universal than the Dusk. It's well defined but not super wide or spaciousSuper* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
The Softears Volume S at $320 sets a new tonal benchmark for IEMs in its price range. It arrives in solid packaging featuring a zippered carry case (a bit large but functional), protective earpiece pockets that might feel overkill for some, and two excellent sets of ear tips – including Softears' own highly-regarded Ultra Clear tips. Build quality is generally fantastic, highlighted by a resin shell, a comfortable paracord-style cable with a low-profile, user-swappable termination system, and recessed 2-pin connectors. While the aesthetics might feel a bit old-school to some, the fit is comfortable and stable due to its semi-custom shape and longer nozzle, making it secure enough for sleeping. A small screwdriver-adjustable tuning switch offers a secondary, brighter Harmon-like sound signature, though the default tuning is preferred.
The default sound signature is a warm-tilted neutral, delivering exceptional natural timbre and tasteful bass boost. This bass stands out for its exceptional physicality – punchy and impactful without being overbearing – alongside articulate sub-bass that’s easy to follow. Combined with well-defined transients, particularly in the upper-midrange, it creates a satisfyingly rich and dense presentation. While spatial effects and imaging are competent but not standout, the overall tonality and bass quality are remarkably refined. Comparisons show it offers a better tonal balance and bass control than the bassier Dunu DaVinci, significantly more body and richness than the brighter, thinner Moondrop Blessing 3, and trades blows with the Moondrop Dusk – the Volume S providing superior density and mid-bass presence versus the Dusk's more open, spacious presentation.
Ultimately, the Softears Volume S earns a full five-star rating. It might not be the absolute most technically dazzling IEM, but its fantastic tonal balance, unique bass physicality, and overall refinement make it a compelling choice. For $320, it delivers a sound signature that feels just right – rich, satisfying, and universally appealing – challenging more expensive offerings and establishing itself as a top contender in its class.
8.5
Reviewer Score
Great midrange at the price, hard to beat. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
8
Reviewer Score
Natural, rich sounding. Substantial low end that doesn't muddy up the mix and a bass shelf that isn't completely isolated to the subbass (when an IEM has a lot of subbass but no midbass, this can makes it sound like it has a hole in the frequency response). Bass hits are very physical and yet not overpowering. Natural sounding mids and natural sounding timbre across the board. Treble that does not fatigue. All this for less than $400. It likely won't knock your proverbial socks off with techs but it also doesn't lack detail. Excellent dynamics. Transient attack is crisp. Imaging and stage is good. This IEM is one I can listen to for hours on end without getting tired of it - it skews towards warm and relaxing but not boring. The only thing that this might lack compared to other comparable IEMs is perhaps some upper treble extension which might help to add a bit more air and sparkle - but doing so could possibly ruin the laid-back and approachable character that sets this IEM apart and keeps me from wanting to grab any other IEM. Personal Unit
8
Reviewer Score
A benchmark for tonality and timbre. Studio 4 with DD bass, great bass texture, tonal accuracy, forward vocals, and natural timbre. High impedance mode sounds bright.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
7.5*
* The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming Score
The Softears Volume S delivers a fantastic hybrid sound in its low impedance mode, characterized as a warm neutral tuning with a lush note weight, good bass punch without bloat, and a slight upper-midrange emphasis that makes vocals pop. This signature translates exceptionally well across both music listening and competitive gaming, offering great separation, layering, and phenomenal imaging for precise positional awareness. While engaging and non-fatiguing, gunfire and intense effects in games like Apex Legends can sometimes feel on the verge of shouty or slightly occlusive during chaotic, high-level scenarios, lacking that last bit of air and resolution in the upper mids.
Gaming performance shines across multiple titles. The Volume S provides outstanding depth perception and accurate imaging for Apex Legends slides and light footsteps, excels in Valorant with its separation and verticality, handles the chaos of Call of Duty exceptionally well, and proves to be a top recommendation for Fragpunk due to its loud, precise, and easily trackable footsteps. The smaller resin chassis offers great comfort and ergonomics, especially for those struggling with fit, though it doesn't feel quite as premium as some metal competitors in its price range.
Significant drawbacks include the utterly dismissed high impedance mode tuning, deemed "absolute garbage" and a headache for gaming, and the fragile tuning mechanism itself, prone to easy damage. The included shoelace-style cable is functional with a removable termination but not a favorite, and the unboxing experience, while decent with a pleather case, extra termination, and two sets of silicone tips, is fairly typical for the price. Ultimately, the Softears Volume S stands as a killer all-around IEM when locked into its excellent low impedance mode, highly recommended for its crossover appeal despite the useless tuning switch and build quibbles.
7.5
Reviewer Score
Amazing vocals under $500 with the stock switch/clear tips or tangzu sancai regular (no impedance boost) with amazing vocal scaling. Recommended for higher volume listening like ballads, slower indie/bands. Better than Studio 4 vocal wise, but Studio 4 is the better all-rounder. Volume S is more mid/vocal centric than Studio 4, and more immersive and "musical". Other switch configuration offers more clarity and detail at the cost of scaling with uppermids/treble boost (cleaner harman 2019/better at mid-volume). Stock switch tuning can also be neutral and relaxing if you don't crank it up, and overall Volume S has good variety and differentiates itself with the different tunings. Also, well implemented BAs. Passive Radiator effect is questionable. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
The Softears Volume S emerges as a standout vocal specialist under $500, often described as a "mini studio 4“ due to similar frequency graphs. However, it trades some treble detail for superior scaling and a heightened focus on the mid-range, particularly vocals, while adding a touch more mid-bass oomph. This treble reduction allows the music to breathe, creating a more immersive and musical experience that pulls the listener deeper into the sound compared to the Studio 4, without sacrificing a sense of space or leaving the bass and treble feeling inadequate. Though not bass-heavy or treble-head oriented, the low-end provides enough thump and the highs enough air to avoid sounding lean or dark, resulting in a presentation that's slightly less technical and balanced than the Studio 4 but excels in vocal delivery and engagement.
A key feature is the tuning switch which boosts upper mids and treble while lowering the bass, effectively transforming the sound into a cleaner, more technical version of Harman 2019, even surpassing the Studio 4 in detail retrieval in this mode. However, this boosted configuration can sound shouty, lean, and overly clinical for many preferences, lacking the thickness of the stock tuning and scaling less effectively at higher volumes. The stock tuning, preferred for its vocal prowess, truly comes alive with increased volume. The included clear tips are recommended for a slight treble lift and comfort, and the bundled USBC adapter adds a subtle amount of sub-bass rumble, though the low-end remains clean and controlled, reminiscent of leaner sets like the Pilgrim, not providing heavy slam.
While the Studio 4 remains a solid, well-balanced all-rounder, especially on sale around $350, and alternatives like the EM10 (more detailed), Supermix 4 (better value), the Volume S carves its niche with exceptional vocal performance at higher volumes using the stock tuning. Its main drawbacks involve the confusing switch design (requiring opposite positions on each earpiece for the same tuning with no clear indicators) and the pricing debate; using non-branded drivers suggests a more appropriate price point would be $200-$250 rather than $300. Despite these quirks and marketing claims about the passive radiator's role (its actual impact being debatable), the Volume S delivers a great sounding, flexible IEM offering distinct sonic profiles based on volume level and switch position.
7.2
* score normalized
The Softears Volume S offers a dramatic transformation through its impedance switch, requiring a tiny screwdriver to toggle between low (9.8 ohm) and high (31.2 ohm) modes. The low impedance mode is described as painfully clinical, bland, and annoyingly sterile across all tested amplifiers. It’s reminiscent of the disliked original Volume model, lacking any enjoyable tuning despite EQ attempts. This mode only suits listeners craving absolute neutrality, offering little musical engagement.
Switching to the high impedance mode completely revolutionizes the experience. It becomes relaxed, unoffensive, and remarkably smooth, with notes possessing a lingering, church-like resonance that adds emotional depth. This mode presents music with a spacious, uplifting quality and a subtle chest-felt pressure during resonant passages. However, it demands quality amplification to shine and benefits from tip-rolling; the included sticky liquid silicone tips enhance the signature, though alternatives like Azla SednaEarfit can tweak the response. Comfort and build are excellent, though the fabric cable exhibits some microphonics.
Priced around $300, the Volume S earns a cautious recommendation primarily for its stellar high-impedance performance. It requires tinkering with tips and sources to reach its potential and faces stiff competition in its price bracket. While not an outright class leader, it’s a significant upgrade over the original Volume. The package includes a luxurious case, multiple tips, and a branded USB-C adapter, reflecting Softears' typical attention to detail. Just keep it locked in high-impedance mode.
7
Reviewer Score
Bass surprisingly addicting and tactile midrange could be more natural Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
The Softears Volume S delivers a distinctly colored sound signature with significant boosts in two key areas: the bass and the upper mid-range. Its bass profile is uniquely elevated up to around 300Hz, resulting in a physical, heavy, yet well-defined low end that impresses with substantial note weight and attack, appealing even to bass enthusiasts. Vocals cut through clearly due to the upper mid-range boost, but this tuning comes with a trade-off: a noticeable sense of hollowness and a narrower soundstage that can feel congested on certain tracks, creating a love-hate relationship with its presentation.
The treble offers a safe, natural, and polite character, providing adequate detail without excessive brightness or roll-off, though it may lack sparkle for some listeners. Technically, the Volume S performs at a level comparable to the Moondrop Blessing 3, excelling particularly in the incisive attack and substantial weight behind each note. When compared to competitors, the Volume S edges out the Tea Pro in bass quality, separation, and natural timbre, though the Tea Pro offers a wider stage. Against the Blessing 3, the Volume S trades openness and cleanliness for a more fun, bass-forward and impactful experience. It also presents a more balanced signature than the brighter, more treble-focused Kiwi Ears Astral.
Ultimately earning an A-minus rating, the Volume S is highly recommended for those seeking exceptional bass quality and a fun, colored tuning. However, it might not suit listeners prioritizing a wide soundstage, a neutral signature, or a bright, sparkly treble with forward micro-details; these listeners are advised to audition first.
6.7
Reviewer Score
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Xenns Tea Pro Reviews
8.5
* score normalized
8.1
Reviewer Score
check links for more info:Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking
Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube Channel
7.5*
* The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming Score
Really nice for the price - Premium PackageFresh Reviews original ranking
Fresh Reviews Youtube Channel
Build & presentation scream premium: a matte metal alloy shell with lush green-blue fade and gold script, plus a black-silver sparkle faceplate that looks like wearable art. Ergonomics are excellent despite a slightly wider nozzle and a bit of heft, allowing long sessions without discomfort. The package impresses with a gallery-style unboxing, matching carrying case, and a silver cable with interchangeable 3.5/4.4 terminations. Under the hood: 2 dynamic drivers + 6 BAs at ~$360.
Tonally it’s a balanced, warmer-leaning set with elevated sub-bass depth, clean attack/decay, and more treble extension and sparkle than comparable sets. The stage sits a touch more intimate, but separation and layering are immaculate, and imaging locks in with precision. Mids don’t pop as forward as some peers, yet overall resolution stays high with “oodles of detail,” giving music a rich, cohesive presentation that still feels highly detailed.
For competitive play the performance is A-tier: in Apex, Valorant, and especially Call of Duty, imaging and depth perception are master-class. Gunfire comes through cleaner with less reverb; airstrikes and mortar noise get pushed back so crucial cues like footsteps, slides, and shield pops cut through. The more intimate stage aids crosshair placement and micro-positioning, while separation stays clear even in chaotic fights. Verdict: a high A- on the Wall-Hack Certified list—an excellent pick for gamers wanting warmth, sub-bass authority, and elite imaging without sacrificing musical enjoyment.
7.5
Reviewer Score
U-shaped tuned IEM with a lot of energy at both ends. Very visceral bass punch and very exciting treble/upper mids. I can see why this IEM is liked so much. But the bass and treble can both be very distracting at times. Bass can overpower the mix often but not so much as it bleeds or muddies the mix, but more so because it's so imposing, in fact, the rest of the sound signature is incredibly clean. There are some spots in the upper mid/lower treble region that can be very hot. Some piano notes actually make me flinch, but YMMV - you may not be sensitive to the same regions as I am. Build quality is among the very best at any price range. Previously Owned
7.5
Reviewer Score
A more resolving Davinci, literally. The Tea magic is gone :( but it's now the most refined and well-balanced. It's the most bassy one with better low-end texture, heavier notes, more details, better resolution, and the better all-rounder pick. Also bassy balanced like the Hype 4, both are just as good to me, and comes down to what I'm feeling that day Jays Audio Youtube Channel
The Xenns Tea Pro stands as the most refined and well-rounded iteration of the Tea series to date, offering strong competition in the $300 IEM market. While it loses some of the unique "sauce" found in earlier models, it delivers significant improvements, particularly sounding like a "better Da Vinci" with its bass presentation. The Pro features a similar heaviness and thickness to the notes but adds more upper mids, treble extension, and overall better resolution. For roughly $60 more than the Da Vinci, the Pro offers upgraded drivers from Knowles, contributing to better timbre, a bump in technical performance, and equally good accessories.
Compared to the original Tea and Tea 2, the Pro emerges as the better all-rounder but lacks their distinct character. The original Tea remains superior for its highly addicting vocals, bite, and holographic staging, while the Pro offers more balanced, fuller, smoother, and more versatile vocals alongside superior bass in slam, texture, impact, resolution, and rumble due to its new dual dynamic drivers. Treble extension, overall resolution, and a more open stage also see noticeable improvements over both predecessors. Technical performance-wise, the Pro is highly competitive with other $200+ IEMs, offering better resolution, imaging, transience, attack, and separation than the Da Vinci, along with a more natural sound.
Positioned under $400, the Tea Pro fits as a balanced choice between neutral and exciting tunings. Against the clean, neutral Pilgrim or Dusk, the Pro provides a bassier, heavier, fuller sound with more forward vocals and better note weight. Compared to the exciting Estrella, the Pro is more balanced, thicker, and slams harder, while the Estrella offers more dynamic contrast and crispier treble. Versus the similarly priced Hype 4, the Pro delivers harder slam, deeper bass, and sharper vocals with more bite, though the Hype 4 is slightly quicker, smoother, and more balanced. Essentially, the Tea Pro excels as a versatile, resolving set with satisfying bass and well-tuned vocals, making it the best pick for most listeners despite losing some quirks of earlier models.
7.5
Reviewer Score
Great set, but lacks slam for it's bass level at times. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
The Xenns Tea Pro impresses most with its exceptional build quality and aesthetics. The metallic shell feels substantial and premium in the ear, featuring a comfortable wing design and a nice metal nozzle. While slightly larger than its predecessors like the Tea and Tea2, the Pro's shell represents an upgrade in feel and technology, boasting a prettier faceplate. The included cable is thick, braided, and features a swappable termination (4.4mm or 3.5mm), contributing to an overall solid package that feels like a significant step up from previous models.
Sonically, the Tea Pro offers a bassy but clean signature with strong, impactful low end. However, it presents some key drawbacks: the bass can feel slightly boomy or distorted rather than pristine, and the overall presentation leans dark and rich. This comes at the expense of upper treble sparkle, air, and micro-details, resulting in a narrow soundstage and less impressive instrument separation than expected at its price point. While extremely pleasant and engaging for music listening, it feels slightly muffled and lacks the clarity and detail retrieval of many competitors.
When stacked against rivals like the Dunu Da Vinci, Kiwi Ears Quintet, EM10, DUNU DaVinci, Hype 4, or CCA CA4, the Tea Pro often falls short sonically. Competitors generally offer better air, treble extension, cleaner bass, or superior detail. Its own predecessor, the Tea2, is considered more neutral and relaxed. Consequently, while the Tea Pro is a contender with its fantastic build and fun tuning, it might be skippable for those prioritizing pure sound quality. It earns a recommendation for newcomers or those valuing premium construction, but audiophiles seeking the best sound may find better options elsewhere.
7
Reviewer Score
Good warm-neutral tuning with enough details Could use a bit more treble refinement Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Xenns Tea Pro lands as an easy pick around $300 thanks to a natural, versatile tuning that blends tasteful fun with everyday usability. A gentle bass boost adds heft, slam, and definition without muddying the mids, while a touch of upper-mid lift keeps vocals clear—even on bass-heavy tracks—without tipping into thin or clinical territory. Treble stays smooth regardless of shallow or deep fit, supporting lifelike timbre and realistic decay that favors long, fatigue-free listening. Detail comes across as “natural detail” rather than etched; micro-nuances don’t jump out, but nothing feels missing or dulled either.
Against the Top Pro, bass through mids on the Top Pro can sound a bit tighter and more transparent, but its treble risks feeling overcooked and a touch “BA-like,” trading naturalness for extra sparkle and perceived detail. Tea Pro keeps the highs non-fatiguing and tonally convincing, making it the safer everyday choice. The “dream combo” would marry Top Pro’s bass-to-upper-mids with Tea Pro’s treble, but as it stands, Tea Pro remains a well-balanced, easy recommendation for its class—natural yet fun, clean vocals, and a bonus metal shell that seals the deal for all-day use.
6.5
Reviewer Score
Powerful bass with great slam, open sound, excellent imaging, and detail. Treble is a bit bright.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
7.5
Reviewer Score
The Xenns Mangird Tea Pro offers a bass response that emphasizes sub-bass depth with a noticeable +3dB lift at 20Hz, providing substantial rumble without overwhelming the mid-bass. This allows bass guitars and electronic textures to feel tactile and controlled, while the midrange retains warmth and naturalism, particularly for male vocals and acoustic instruments. Some listeners might detect slight BA timbre in upper mids with certain female vocals or woodwind passages, though overall tonality remains engaging and rich .
Treble presentation is smooth and non-fatiguing, with adequate sparkle for cymbal decays and micro-details, though absolute air and extension fall short of EST-equipped competitors. Soundstage width leans intimate, prioritizing precise imaging and separation over vast spaciousness, while the aluminum/resin shells offer durability but may challenge smaller ears for long-term fit. The included modular cable provides termination flexibility but draws criticism for its stiffness and ergonomics .
Softears Volume S User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewA well-rounded, coherent IEM that shines in low-impedance tuning with excellent midrange clarity.
Pros
Balanced, natural midrange with solid bass and rich accessories.Cons
High-impedance mode feels unnecessary and shells may be bulky for small ears.RSV with more bass quantity and better quality, at less than half the price.
Pros
Very nicely balanced sound signature for all-rounder duties, with tonality and technical performance that punches above its price. More even sub - mid bass profile which results in a more cohesive, better textured bass vs harman/meta tuned sets.Cons
Pinna gain isn't an ideal fit for my HRTF, hearing slightly too much upper-mid emphasis after extended listening and comparisons. Upper treble is lacking air vs more expensive sets, most evident in cymbal hits coming across dulled, not unlike the RSVXenns Tea Pro User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewA great IEM that punches above its price with strong technical ability and tonal balance.