Padsmith IEM VS Yu9 U556

IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side

Home Ranking Compare IEMs

Padsmith IEM and Yu9 U556 use 1DD+1Planar and 1BA driver setups respectively. Padsmith IEM costs $120 while Yu9 U556 costs $136. Yu9 U556 is $16 more expensive. Padsmith IEM holds a decisive 2.3-point edge in reviewer scores (7 vs 4.7). Yu9 U556 has significantly better mids with a 1-point edge, Yu9 U556 has significantly better treble with a 1-point edge and Padsmith IEM has significantly better dynamics with a 2-point edge.

Insights

Metric Padsmith IEM Yu9 U556
Bass 7 4
Mids 5 6
Treble 4 5
Details 7 4
Soundstage 7 4.7
Imaging 7 4
Dynamics 6 4
Tonality 6.7 5
Technicalities 6 4
Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough Yu9 U556 reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

Padsmith IEM Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

7

Generally Favorable


Yu9 U556 Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

4.7

Generally Unfavorable


Reviews Comparison

Padsmith IEM (more reviews)

Padsmith IEM reviewed by Audio Amigo

Audio Amigo 8 * score rescaled + normalized
An EM6L, but with toned down top end. Gorgeous shells. Microplanar instead of Balanced Armature. Great Details and Imaging. Acessories are a little barebones

Audio Amigo original ranking

Audio Amigo Youtube Channel

Padsmith IEM reviewed by Kois Archive

Kois Archive 7 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A+ Tech
Rating: A- | Value: ⭐ | Gaming: 🎮 | Comfort: 9 nice planar micro details midbass a little much

Kois Archive original ranking

Kois Archive Youtube Channel

Padsmith IEM reviewed by Z-Reviews

Z-Reviews 6.8 * score rescaled + normalized

Padsmith IEM reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 6.3 Reviewer Score
C+ Tuning
C- Tech
Packaged like theiaudio iem... lol this hobby.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: C+ Treble: C- Dynamics: B Soundstage: A-

Padsmith IEM reviewed by Fresh Reviews

Fresh Reviews 5* * The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming Score

Yu9 U556 (more reviews)

Yu9 U556 reviewed by Precogvision

Precogvision 4.7 Reviewer Score
C+ Tuning
C- Tech
A hair too forward in the pinna compensation, but generally well-tuned and a competent performer.

Precogvision original ranking

Precogvision Youtube Channel
Bass: C- Mids: B Treble: C+ Dynamics: C- Details: C- Imaging: C-

Padsmith IEM User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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Yu9 U556 User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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Padsmith IEM Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

5.7

Gaming Grade

B-

Yu9 U556 Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

4.3

Gaming Grade

C-

Padsmith IEM Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

B+
  • The tuning leans easygoing, yet occasional unevenness nudges it away from greatness. A bit of EQ polish can smooth things nicely.

Average Technical Grade

B
  • An honest, middle-of-the-road performance preserves structure without chasing micro-detail. It's respectable for everyday listening sessions.
Mids C+
The mids are solid and dependable, though not especially remarkable. Vocals stay reasonably grounded in the mix.
Treble C-
Treble performance is average, audible but short on refinement. There's acceptable presence but limited finesse.
Dynamics B
Expect energetic dynamics that bring music to life without harshness. It injects enthusiasm into fast music.
Soundstage A-
Immersion steps up dramatically as width, depth, and height integrate into a cohesive hologram. Everything sounds naturally spaced.
Gaming B-
Moderate spatial presentation conveys general directionality. Suitable for casual play where precision isn't critical.

Yu9 U556 Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

C+
  • A mostly enjoyable signature keeps things listenable despite a handful of quirks. It handles most playlists without major complaints.

Average Technical Grade

C-
  • Textural information blurs together, making the stage feel pinched and gray. Instrument edges blur together frequently.
Bass C-
It keeps the low end tidy, though energy and weight remain limited. It favors balance over excitement.
Mids B
Expect a confident midrange that keeps details audible without harshness. Acoustic arrangements sound engaging.
Treble C+
Treble is decent, offering acceptable extension without harshness. It balances presence with a touch of restraint.
Dynamics C-
It maintains a steady dynamic profile that neither offends nor inspires. Swells arrive but lack drama.
Details C-
The presentation is fine for casual listening but leaves refinement on the table. There's some grain on quieter elements.
Imaging C-
Average imaging delivers reasonable localization while still lacking pinpoint specificity. You get a reasonable idea of placement.
Gaming C-
Minimal environmental definition provides only general audio cues. Suitable for games where positioning isn't critical.

Padsmith IEM User Reviews

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Yu9 U556 User Reviews

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