The Ultimate IEM Ranking Hub

Subtonic STORM

• Jays Audio: The best IEM I've ever heard. Best timbre. Super natural. TOTL tech. It's just good. That's all.
• Gizaudio Axel: The most detailed IEM I’ve ever heard.  Exceptional resolution, neutral sound signature.  Hard to drive.
• Precogvision: Easily at the top for resolution and dynamic contrast, accompanied by rigid transients and pinpoint layering.
• Tim Tuned: Subtonic STORM closes the list as the ultra-high-end, “one-and-done” pick—the kind of most expensive flagship that needs no hype because the name says it all. Chosen for a “ versatile ”...  The most extraodinary normal sounding IEM ever. Amazing all-around  big and heavy shell
• Smirk Audio: World-class resolution and layering. Extreme, almost exaggerated dynamics. Staging is large but not class-leading.
• Web Search: The Subtonic Storm delivers a balanced sound signature characterized by a generous sub-bass boost, neutral midrange, and an elevated, articulate treble response. Its standout feature is the...
• Shuwa-T: Comment: TOTL tuning with TOTL technicalities to boot.  Perfectly tuned, unparalled detail retrieval, staging, imaging, and proper holographic background as a cohesive package  The price I guess
• Bad Guy Good Audio: Subtonic STORM lands as a $5,200 flagship built around novel SLAM balanced-armature tech: the dual BA “subwoofer” and “woofer” are separated and crossed over independently, joined by a...  Technical excellence (accuracy). Near perfect tuning. Bass...great  Price. Wait.
• Head-Fi.org: 4 community members have rated the Subtonic STORM at an average of 4.5/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.
• Yifang: Neutral: Staging is intentionally different to traditional IEMs and has forward projection. Can be pro or con depending on preference and genre, but makes any "real" music far more real than other...  Tonal perfection, technically unmatched, other high end IEMs may compete in some aspects, but never all at once. The single best available and works as an all-rounder.  Requires tremendous amount of source gear investment to perfect it, low availability, and makes the whole system expensive and less convenient.

Brise Audio Fugaku

• Precogvision: World-class bass with incredible depth and dynamics. Held back by a slightly unrefined treble response.
• Smirk Audio: World-class bass dynamics and slam. Coherent and fleshed out soundstage. Full-bodied notes. Slightly relaxed treble and lower mids. Upper mids slightly forward. Cons: Price, requires proprietary...
• Web Search: The Brise Audio Fugaku represents a radical departure from conventional IEM design, functioning as an integrated portable audio system rather than standalone earphones. Its core innovation lies in...
• Bad Guy Good Audio:  Cutting edge tech and innovation  Lacks slam on 808 drops. Cannot be EQ'd to do otherwise. Is a crippling handicap for people with Hip hop and EDM trance libraries.
• Fox Told Me So: Fugaku is a MEMS-powered IEM that wears its identity loud and clear: air—tons of it. The moment you hit play, you’re greeted by an open, shimmering atmosphere that screams treble authority....

Softears Enigma

• Gizaudio Axel: Endgame-level detail paired with great tonality.  Exceptional detail, high-quality bass, balanced tonality, and excellent timbre.  The bass has a fast decay.
• Web Search: The Softears Enigma is a flagship tribrid IEM using a 12-driver array (2DD+6BA+4EST) with a hybrid 5-way/4-way crossover and an aluminum shell; the package also includes a premium Effect Audio cable....
• Head-Fi.org: 2 community members have rated the Softears Enigma at an average of 5.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Masterpiece.

Elysian Annihilator 2023

• Gizaudio Axel: Hands down, my favorite IEM.  Powerful, impactful bass, the best treble I’ve experienced in an IEM, endgame-level detail.  The bass might be too much for some people.
• Jaytiss: Treble extension is insane, I always think I'm over it, but I may never be over it.
• Precogvision: More of an all-rounder with better bass compared to the 2021 version, sacrifices some soundstage.
• Tim Tuned:  More defined bass than 2021 version  2021 is cleaner and more open sounding
• Smirk Audio: Top-tier resolution with world-class treble. Great dynamics. Could use better bass texturing. An exciting listen.
• Web Search: The Elysian Annihilator 2023 delivers a distinctive U-shaped signature, prioritizing an ethereal, hyper-detailed treble that remains its crown jewel. The dual electrostatic drivers produce a...
• Head-Fi.org: 14 community members have rated the Elysian Annihilator 2023 at an average of 4.5/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.

Fort Ears Mefisto

• Smirk Audio: Demoed with "Temptation" cable.
• Head-Fi.org: 2 community members have rated the Fort Ears Mefisto at an average of 5.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Masterpiece.

PMG Audio Apx SE

• Smirk Audio: Great resolution and layering. Great bass texture and punch. Mids have a small timbral issue. Refined, resolving highs. Analogue tone. Engaging yet non-fatiguing. Cons: Shells prone to cracking.
• Z-Reviews: 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 ...
• Bad Guy Good Audio: 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 ...  Game changer. Most resolving accurate replay in the hobby. No specific qualifier to wave off potential buyer..nada  Price is extreme but presentation reflects that. No sonic flaws. 1st set in 10 years that gets that.
• Head-Fi.org: 6 community members have rated the PMG Audio Apx SE at an average of 4.5/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.
• Yifang:  Tonally acceptable and one of the most technically competent sets to exist. Surprisingly non-fatiguing listen. Extremely standout stage size AND most notably, huge note size within that stage. Extremely phenomenal in this regard.  Timbre and coherency need improvements. Driver coherency issues are somewhat obvious on highly dynamic EDM, particularly the extension in both ends of the frequency spectrum, making technicalities feel unnatural. Treble in particular is more problematic and affects timbre & smoothness, particularly female vocals and anything on the higher pitches. Low availability and high price.

Thieaudio Valhalla

• Jays Audio: TOTL all-rounder with "endgame" tech across the board, a better tuned U12T with better bass texture
• Jaytiss: Big fan, but lacks fantastic air like some other sets.
• Super* Review: I'm really tempted to go out and buy one of this things for myself - if it fit me even better, I probably would.
• Fresh Reviews: S tier for COD, borders A- for other titles
• Shuwa-T:  Deep bass despite all BA set, techs carry this set more than the overall tone  Treble is mushy for something with so many BAs, not for high frequency enjoyers
• Bad Guy Good Audio: ThieAudio Valhalla comes in hot as a true flagship challenger: a titanium shell housing 19 drivers — 14 “Sonion” and five “Knowles" —and a price planted in the ~$2K bracket. This tier...
• Head-Fi.org: 4 community members have rated the THIEAUDIO Valhalla at an average of 4.8/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Exceptional.

Elysian Annihilator 2021

• Crin: Elysian Annihilator 2021 presents a highly balanced yet distinctly treble-forward tuning: energetic upper mids paired with world-class treble that delivers striking clarity , microdetail, and...
• Precogvision: Agressive listen with excellent resolution and, currently, the only true implementation of the EST drivers.
• Tim Tuned:  Speediest Treble, well extended, high details  Midbass a bit too much for me
• Shuwa-T: Comment: Perfect for treble heads.  Extremely well tuned set with incredible technical performance and extension  Treble may be a little too spicy
• Nymz: Usual agressive and saturated Elysian house sound with the best treble ever.
• Z-Reviews: Brushed titanium Elysian Annihilator (2021) comes dressed to impress: a slick presentation with SpinFit tips, a plush micro-suede case, and a flashy gold cube 4.4 cable termination. The shells are...
• Yifang:  Tonal excellence for some genres e.g EDM (including hardstyle, DnB, Melodic Dub, etc), or J-Pop and high-pitched female vocal stuff. Almost unmatched treble performance, and highly technically competent.  Bass quality could be improved on, mids aren't ideal for male vocals or lower toned instruments.

Canpur CP622B

• Jaytiss: A good set, but lacks magic for me to justify keeping.
• Smirk Audio: Highly technical with great tuning and vocals. Punchy mid-bass with great sub-bass extension. Can sound somewhat unexciting and dry on some sources. Cons: Poor quality stock cable.
• Shuwa-T:  Similar to the Storm, but with greater focus to bass dynamics at the cost of less clarity  Price Price
• Bad Guy Good Audio: Canpur CP622B is positioned as a true apex set among today’s ultra-high-end IEMs—think Storm, Grand Maestro, Pearl, Multiverse, RN6—where differences are subtle and taste-dependent, not...  Resolution and tactile slam with not ultra boosted bass. brilliant tuning. Tactility only shows under extreme bass hits between 50 and 100Hz. Not sure why? Otherwise very oudiophile replay of rhythm section
• Yifang:  Tonally excellent and technicalities are fantastic. Works as an all-rounder with little to no flaws.  Mids could be a little better, BCD effect could be improved on.

Elysian Apostle

• Jays Audio: Clean, neutral, and clear vocals. Reminds me of a cleaner Volume S or slightly better OG Oracle, but very expensive, maybe if you can find one around $1000 since it's more of a sidegrade to RSV,...
• Gizaudio Axel: Exceptional in every way.  Incredibly textured bass, forward vocals, top-tier EST treble, and insane detail.
• Jaytiss: Instrument separation is good, and is a nice darkness, but can be silbilant.
• Web Search: The Elysian Apostle delivers a V-shaped signature with a powerful, sub-bass-focused low end that offers substantial rumble and physicality, though some listeners might find it occasionally...
• Head-Fi.org: 4 community members have rated the Elysian Apostle at an average of 4.8/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Exceptional.

Fiio FX17

• Gizaudio Axel: Warm, non-fatiguing listen.  Punchy mid-bass, warm, lush mids, smooth, detailed treble, wide soundstage.  Warm sound signature may not suit everyone.
• Jaytiss: It's a ramped up Truthear Pure.
• Super* Review: This is the best IEM Fiio has ever made. Very powerfull sound.
• Web Search: The FiiO FX17 is a 13-driver tribrid with a 10 mm lithium-magnesium DD, four custom Knowles BAs, and eight Sonion ESTs in a five-way crossover, housed in a polished titanium shell. It’s rated at 16...
• Z-Reviews: The FiiO FX17 is a mind-bending flagship IEM priced at $1,500, packing an absolutely hilarious 13-driver configuration per side: one dynamic for bass, four balanced armatures for midrange...
• Head-Fi.org: 2 community members have rated the Fiio FX17 at an average of 4.5/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.

7th Acoustics Asteria

• Precogvision: Pretty much the closest to a tonal panacea that I've heard only held back by the bass.
• Web Search: The 7th Acoustics Asteria is a hybrid flagship built around a 10 mm dynamic driver for bass and twelve balanced-armature drivers covering mids through super-treble (5-way crossover), packaged in a...
• Bad Guy Good Audio: 7th Acoustics Asteria arrives as a limited run of 77 units at around $3,800 , presented in a numbered box with premium trimmings. The shells are described as the most beautiful seen in the...  As technical as a PMG SE but smooth like an RN6 (engaging mids) Flawless for my library

Campfire Moon Rover

• Jaytiss: It's a littled relaxed in the bass, but has a fun nice tune.
• Super* Review: Not cheap and you can get stuff which sounds better for less to be honest. I like the build quality and form factor. Sound-wise not for everybody, but for me.

Unique Melody Mason FS Soleil Tomb

• Smirk Audio: Highly resolving, technical, and balanced across the frequency spectrum. Is shouty/edgy in the upper mids/lower treble. Cons: Price, treble peak.
• Web Search: The Unique Melody Mason FS Soleil Tombé delivers a neutrally balanced sound signature characterized by a smooth, analog-like tonality across lows and mids, paired with naturally resolving treble....

AFUL Dawn-X

• Jays Audio: Smooth treble, natural timbre, good sub-bass focused set, but transients can be a bit soft, and vocals are pulled back lacking final extension - non-fatiguing but not very engaging and "dynamic". A...
• Gizaudio Axel: Balanced all-rounder with fun bass, lifelike mids, very smooth and refined treble, highly resolving and immersive, with great soundstage and precise imaging.  Textured, punchy bass, natural mids, ethereal female vocals, smooth, airy, and non-fatiguing treble, top-tier resolution.
• Jaytiss: This has a really natural midrange, best BC iem I've heard by far.
• Super* Review: Super Review says AFUL’s Dawn-X is the brand’s best execution of its house sound yet—a $1,300 flagship tribrid with 14 drivers (DD + 8 BA + 4 EST + bone conduction) that fits comfortably and...
• Web Search: The AFUL Dawn-X is a 14-driver quadbrid IEM—1DD+8BA+4EST+1BC—wired together via a six-way electronic + physical crossover and AFUL’s 3D Micro-Resonance acoustic paths; the stabilized-wood...
• Z-Reviews: AFUL Dawn-X goes straight for spectacle: a $1,300 tribrid behemoth with 14 drivers per side —one dynamic, eight BAs, four electrostats , and a bone conductor —that turns familiar tracks...
• Audionotions: Slightly warm tilted neutral. Very well balanced with a tasteful bass boost. Bass is surprisingly very weighty and textured with quick decay so bass notes don't linger and overstay their welcome....
• Head-Fi.org: 2 community members have rated the AFUL DAWN-X at an average of 5.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Masterpiece.
• Kois Archive: Rating: S+ | Value: ⭐⭐ | Gaming: 🎮🎮🎮 | Comfort: 6  natural midrange. ethereal treble. totl techs.  rip small ears

Dunu Glacier

• Jays Audio: Clean, balanced but engaging sound, clear vocals, great midrange and tech. Vocals can be a bit too forward/sharp. The most recent unit I got sounds different than the earlier ones which was...
• Gizaudio Axel: Reveals every detail in your music, both the good and the bad.  Exceptional bass, ethereal treble, remarkable clarity, and outstanding detail.  The upper mid-range might be a bit too much for some people.
• Jaytiss: Upper mids kill it for me, but it's a fun set.
• Precogvision: Quite exciting and dynamic, possibly a bit bright in the treble.
• Tim Tuned:  Less thin harman with amazing tech  Not very natural timbre
• Super* Review: Convinces me that the harman target can sound excellent.
• Web Search: The Dunu Glacier delivers a technically impressive listening experience with its nine-driver tribrid setup (1DD+4BA+4EST). The stainless steel shells feel substantial yet remain comfortable for...
• Z-Reviews: The Dunu Glacier delivers an extraordinary premium experience right from the unboxing, featuring a lavish presentation, a massive high-quality fabric cable with interchangeable terminations, and...
• Head-Fi.org: 4 community members have rated the DUNU Glacier at an average of 4.8/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Exceptional.

Unique Melody Amber Pearl

• Smirk Audio: Visceral bass, lush mids, and smooth treble. Great dynamics and overall techs. Cons: Price.
• Yifang:  Extremely smooth and organic sounding warm mids and truly phenomenal when the correct genres are being played. Technicalities are competent.  Tonally does not work as an all rounder. Extremely high price and low availability. Perceived technicalities are often covered by tuning. Cheaper alternatives argubly exist.

Empire Ears Raven

• Jays Audio: V/W Shaped. Energetic treble. Great tech. Fun bass and engaging signature. Overpriced?
• Precogvision: Sounds quite hi-fi and grand sounding, but coherency could use work - bass is distinct from the EST tweeters.
• Head-Fi.org: 3 community members have rated the Empire Ears Raven at an average of 4.7/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Exceptional.

FATFreq Grand Maestro

• Jays Audio: The best basshead set. That is all. EXPENSIVE. If you just want bass HBB Punch way better value.
• Jaytiss: Is one of those sets that can do it all. Very impressive.
• Web Search: The FATFreq Grand Maestro offers a highly adaptable sound signature through its NOAH modules and vocal switches, enabling four distinct tuning profiles. The black NOAH module emphasizes sub-bass...
• Nymz: See Maestro SE but with worse bass.
• Head-Fi.org: 7 community members have rated the FatFreq Grand Maestro at an average of 5.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Masterpiece.

Forte Ears Macbeth

• Shuwa-T:  Feels like a remastered VX in terms of clarity and staging  The tonality is too off for regular listening, timbre is also off in general
• Head-Fi.org: 10 community members have rated the Forte Ears Macbeth at an average of 4.6/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.

Kinera Imperial Loki

• Jays Audio: Super clean and clear sound. Beautiful vocals. Everyhting is extremely well balanced. No special sauce tho.
• Jaytiss: Packaged well but feels like an Alien is in your ear.
• Web Search: The Kinera Imperial Loki delivers a technically impressive W-shaped signature that balances sub-bass depth, vocal clarity, and sparkling treble extension. Its standout feature is the bone conduction...
• Nymz: Great bass texture with slightly hot upper mid-range and well extended treble. Remarkable technical performance.
• Head-Fi.org: 6 community members have rated the Kinera Imperial Loki at an average of 4.7/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Exceptional.

ThieAudio Monarch MK4

• Jays Audio: Smooth, clean, balanced, and slightly airy in the balance switch. Goes from a clean all-rounder to a warm/bassy all-rounder. Great tech. Basically a cheaper Prestige LTD with more tuning options....
• Jaytiss: Detailed fun, rich bass. It's hard to fault.
• Precogvision: Excellent detail retreival and competent tuning. Can be slightly thin sounding and forward in the treble.
• Tim Tuned: ThieAudio Monarch MK4 arrives with the usual hype and a clear step-up in presentation: a thick, high-quality premium cable with interchangeable terminations, plenty of tips and tools, and a...
• Super* Review: Kind of an impressive sound signature. A little bit dry in its bass presentation. Sounds a little bit clinical with its stock tuning. Maybe a bit too much bass in rumble mode. But it's kind of nice...
• Web Search: The Thieaudio Monarch MK4 introduces a practical tuning switch, letting users flip between Standard for a neutral, detailed profile and Rumble for a pronounced 3dB sub-bass boost. This flexibility...
• Fresh Reviews: Great All Rounder
• Bad Guy Good Audio: Monarch MK IV lands as a top-three set, sitting just behind the PMG APXSE and CP622B, and it earns that spot with an evolutionary design: a single, tactile rumble switch that can be flipped...
• Head-Fi.org: 4 community members have rated the Thieaudio Monarch MKIV at an average of 5.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Masterpiece.

Hidition Viento

• Crin: Best-in-class tuning and tonal balance with near-perfect coherency. Recommended as a custom-fit.

Lime Ears Incognita

• Jaytiss: Bass for days, slightly too agressive, but fun and enjoyable.
• Head-Fi.org: One community member has rated the Lime Ears Incognita at an average of 5.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Masterpiece.
• Kois Archive: Rating: S- | Value: ⭐ | Gaming: 🎮🎮 | Comfort: 8  inoffensive balanced sound  needs better air.

Craft Ears x Elise Audio Omnium Ti

• Jaytiss: Really excellent, really fun.
• Web Search: The Craft Ears x Elise Audio Omnium Ti is a titanium-clad, limited variant of the Omnium built around a tri-brid array: 1× dynamic for lows, 1× planar for low/mids, and 5× balanced armatures for...

64 Audio Tia Trio

• Crin: A more correct sounding version of the Fourte with slight cutbacks in staging and sheer resolution.
• Precogvision: Rich bass and out-of-head imaging.
• Super* Review: The tia Trio comes across as a hybrid with personality: rich, thick, and warm, with slightly forward treble that adds air without tipping into the harsher edge heard on the U18t. Vocals are ...
• Nymz: Best bass texture ever. Gorgeous treble extension, stage and imaging. Coherency and timbre a bit off. Upper mids/lower treble could be better. As amazing as it is, I couldn't fully connect with it...
• Audionotions: Phenomenal bass texture and quality. Mids are good if not great - I don't have much to nitpick about them - good note weight and excellent clarity. Treble is very sparkly and airy though some may...

Campire Audio Clara Ti

• Smirk Audio: Muscular bass with large bass notes. Male vocal timbre slightly odd, female vocals are nice. Some vocal grain present. Decent overall techs. Cons: Buy the non-Ti version for $1k less.
• Web Search: Campfire Audio Clara Ti is the Titanium Launch Edition of Clara—limited to 50 units—with a 3D-printed titanium shell and an included 8-wire 4.4 mm cable; it retains the same sonic profile as the...
• Kois Archive: Rating: S- | Value: ⭐ | Gaming: 🎮🎮🎮 | Comfort: 7  warm yet great vocals and details  lacks treble extension

Unique Melody Multiverse Mentor

• Smirk Audio: Immersive soundstage. Euphonic, lush mids, and inoffensive treble. Lacks incisiveness and upper mids can get a little intense. Cons: Price.
• Shuwa-T:  Midrange lush, thick instrument note weight  Price, what else

BGVP Solomon

• Web Search: The BGVP Solomon is a quad-brid IEM with a complex 2DD+3BA+2EST+2BCD driver array, low 7.3 Ω impedance, and 110.8 dB sensitivity, indicating easy drivability but potential source-noise audibility....
• Fox Told Me So: BGVP Solomon packs 9 drivers—2 DD, 3 BA, 2 EST, and 2 BCD—into a bold, energetic tuning. Bass is moderate in quantity but tight, fast, and clean, focusing on speed over slam. No bleed, no extra...

FiR Audio Krypton 5

• Head-Fi.org: 2 community members have rated the FiR Audio Krypton 5 at an average of 5.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Masterpiece.

FiR Audio Radon 6

• Jaytiss: Solid set, enjoyable, fun.
• Smirk Audio: Engaging bass, decent mids, and vibrant highs. Suffers from coherency issues. Mids are a touch veiled. Decent staging except for depth.
• Head-Fi.org: 6 community members have rated the FiR Audio Radon 6 at an average of 4.9/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Masterpiece.

Symphonium Crimson

• Jays Audio: U-shaped/Slight V/W Shaped. Energetic treble. Great tech. Fun signature.
• Jaytiss: Suffers from BA bass, and super Zingie Treble.
• Precogvision: Colored tonality done correctly with incredible bass and dynamics. Upper-treble can be slightly too zingy depending on source.
• Smirk Audio: Excellent bass, dynamics, and resolution. Very large soundstage with great imaging. Mid/upper-treble may be too elevated for some.
• Shuwa-T:  The bassier Helios with no sacrifices to clarity
• Nymz: Great bass, holographic stage and top of the shelf dynamics. Probably my favourite rendition of a W-shaped tuning to this date. Treble might be spicy for some, but using Divinus Velvets (stock black)...
• Z-Reviews: Symphonium Crimson lands with a bang: a four– BA , four-way crossover design that somehow delivers epic energy without a dynamic driver. Tonality reads neutral-bright with thunderous sub-bass...
• Head-Fi.org: 29 community members have rated the Symphonium Crimson at an average of 4.4/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Excellent.

Rhapsodio Supreme V3

• Smirk Audio: Cons: Price.
• Head-Fi.org: 8 community members have rated the Rhapsodio Supreme V3 at an average of 4.8/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Exceptional.

Letshuoer Mystic 8

• Jays Audio: Vocal benchmark for female vocals under $2000. Clean, airy, sweet, ethereal. Better than Diva and direct upgrade to OG Oracle and OG Mangird Tea. What the Braindamage and Cantor wishes they could be....
• Gizaudio Axel: Neutral-bright tuning with natural midrange tone. Vocal-focused with realistic timbre.  Natural, lifelike mids and vocals. Refined treble with air and clarity. Good technicalities.  Light BA bass. Unvented design. Upper treble may bother those who are extra sensitive to treble.
• Jaytiss: Lack Bass Richness, but is a beautiful set.
• Super* Review: Surprising in a lot of fronts. Maybe a little bit overpriced but I like it
• Shuwa-T:  Vocal magic, midrange and upper mids are crystal clear while never being too technical  Both sub and midbass presence is less than normal which makes this more genre specific, not particularly suited for bass heavy genres
• Z-Reviews: Letshuoer Mystic 8 leans hard into “flagship” theatrics: a cat-themed shell, a fancy case with a suction-seal lid, and even bonus jewelry in the box—plus a tray of 18 silicone tips . The...
• Bad Guy Good Audio: Eight balanced armatures (4 Sonion, 4 Knowles) and a lighter, more comfortable fit give the Letshuoer Mystic 8 a strong first impression. The frequency response shows sub-bass priority over...
• Head-Fi.org: 20 community members have rated the LETSHUOER Mystic 8 at an average of 4.5/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.

64 Audio Volur

• Jaytiss: 64 Audio's finest.
• Super* Review: If you are a lover of bass, this is a good option. Does not sacrify the rest of the sound signature
• Smirk Audio: Well-textured, satisfying bass. Vocal timbre is slightly off. Upper-treble peak can get a little hot. Cons: Unnatural vocal timbre.
• Fresh Reviews: Great IEM but big price. Not Huge Gain
• Head-Fi.org: 3 community members have rated the 64 Audio Volr at an average of 4.7/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Exceptional.

Alpha Omega Omega

• Head-Fi.org: 2 community members have rated the Alpha Omega: OMEGA at an average of 4.5/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.

Letshuoer Cadenza 12

• Jays Audio: A better version of the U12T vocal/tuning wise, no mid scoop and wonkiness. (#1 or #2 vocals for me). Vocals are sweet, extended, open, airy, but also never fatiguing, and naturally weighted. No BA...
• Jaytiss: Great timbre good on classical. Detailed and analytical, but too Safe.
• Precogvision: More 'musical' tonality with a touch of spice in the treble. Technicalities could use work for the price.
• Tim Tuned:  One of the best treble-head set. Lots of micro details  Treble will be too much for some
• Smirk Audio: Bouncy, liquid-like bass. Well-bodied, analogue mids and extended highs. Great staging on all axes. Decent resolution. Excellent all-rounder.
• Web Search: The Letshuoer Cadenza 12 delivers a balanced sound signature with a slight warmth in the low end, providing clean and textured bass that avoids overwhelming the midrange. Its midrange presentation is...
• Z-Reviews: Letshuoer Cadenza 12 goes full flagship spectacle: a 12-driver per side build (1 dynamic + 11 BA from Knowles/Sonion ), six-way crossover , and heavy metal shells that feel like a prize out of a...
• Head-Fi.org: 17 community members have rated the Letshuoer Cadenza 12 at an average of 4.6/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.
• Yifang:  Tonally excellent with good technicalities, works as an all-rounder. Bass quality is unexpectedly standout and fanastic. Lower price compared to competitors in bracket and is "value" in the high end IEMs.  Requires source/cable/tip rolling to improve on tone and technicalities, otherwise can come off as somewhat bright and lacking in bass quantity, and/or technically behind other good sets priced above it.

Canpur CP74E

• Smirk Audio: Punchy bass with some bass body bloat. Pleasant, euphonic vocal timbre with good note body. Decent treble minus the lower/mid-treble dip.
• Shuwa-T:  Retains all the techs of the 622b with a more tamed bass presentation, overall arguably more balanced sounding than the 622b  Bass transition to lower midrange may not work well for slower genres requiring a higher midbass shelf; less versatile
• Bad Guy Good Audio: Canpur’s CP74E steps in as the “just-under-flagship” sibling to the CP622B, packing 7 balanced armatures + 4 EST (11 drivers) and a neutral-warm tuning. The graph shows a tidy ~10 dB box ...

Lime Ears Maris

• Jaytiss: Great all arounder, fantastic drivers and inoffensive.
• Kois Archive: Rating: S- | Value: ⭐ | Gaming: 🎮🎮🎮 | Comfort: 8  fun. detailed. wide. inoffensive.  the price

Quill Acoustics Satin

• Head-Fi.org: 2 community members have rated the Quill Acoustics Satin at an average of 4.5/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.

Soranik MEMS-3S

• Smirk Audio: Demoed using AP1 energizer. Cons: Requires energizer. Some QC concerns.
• Head-Fi.org: 4 community members have rated the Soranik MEMS-3S at an average of 4.5/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.

Metalure Glacier

• Jaytiss: Slight harshness in the trebble, but competent, lovely set.
• Web Search: The Metalure Glacier is a 9-driver tribrid—1DD+6BA+2EST—positioned as the brand’s flagship; this configuration is confirmed in independent coverage and frames its focus on treble extension and...

Aroma Jewel

• Smirk Audio: Demoed on Eletech Victoria cable (not stock). Very fleshed out stage with convincing depth. Strong imaging, layering, and res. Bass can use more body and decay.
• Shuwa-T:  U-shaped tuning that focuses on clarity over musicality  Noteweight in the midrange can be too thin for certain genres
• Yifang:  Tonally good and works as an all-rounder.  Very expensive for what it is now, treble recession may make it a bit boring for some. Other better & cheaper alternatives that are similar enough exist.

Linsoul x HBB Jupiter

• Jaytiss: Great BASS, blarg trebble.
• Web Search: The Linsoul x HBB Jupiter delivers a powerful bass-forward signature with an 11dB sub-bass shelf that avoids bleeding into the mids, resulting in a warm yet articulate low end. Its hybrid driver...
• Shuwa-T:  Bass go boom boom  Because bass go boom boom so the highs go doom doom sometimes
• Bad Guy Good Audio: Linsoul x HBB Jupiter aims straight for flagship territory: a warm-tilted, slam -capable set that keeps the mid-bass → mids transition impeccably tidy. There’s real shove at 55 Hz and...
• Head-Fi.org: One community member has rated the Linsoul x HBB Jupiter at an average of 5.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Masterpiece.

Empire Ears Triton

• Jaytiss: Lacks a little special sause, but it's a capable smooth darker set.
• Head-Fi.org: 3 community members have rated the Empire Ears Triton at an average of 4.7/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Exceptional.

Campfire Audio Alien Brain

• Jaytiss: So simple and nice it's hard to not love.
• Head-Fi.org: 4 community members have rated the Campfire Audio Alien Brain at an average of 4.5/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.

64 Audio U12T

• Jays Audio: TOTL tech. Mid-scoop can affect mids/vocal texture and placement, recessed midrange, treble is harsh at high volumes. Great bass detail, but could have more impact.
• Crin: Amazing bass (for a BA), top-tier resolution and detail-oriented signature.
• Jaytiss: Just Smooth and nice, great all arounder with smooth technicals, but too boring.
• Precogvision: Terrific dynamic range and soundstage depth; the closest I have heard to a two-channel system in an IEM for these qualities.
• Tim Tuned:  Extremely versatile signature, great bass and details  Potentially too safe tuning wise
• Super* Review: The 64 Audio U12t lands exactly where its reputation suggests: a warm , laid-back , yet highly detailed all-rounder that stays engaging without ever turning fatiguing . With the apex M15 ...
• Smirk Audio: Good resolution and dynamics with great imaging. Smooth, slightly recessed upper-mids with an upper treble peak.
• Web Search: The 64 Audio U12t is a mature flagship-class UIEM built around twelve balanced armatures per side and the company’s tia (open-BA) and apex pressure-relief tech; it lists at $1,999. Module options...
• Shuwa-T: Comment: Really clean sounding monitor with excellent technical aspects.  Bass texture, superb clarity  Can sound too sterile
• Nymz: As good as it gets. Great tuning and techs. Best set I've heard to date. Closest thing to speakers. Love it.
• Audionotions: Amazing separation and presentation, amazing bass that extends down low and hits pretty authoritavely (not just in the context of BA sets - very good quantity and quality). Pretty interesting tuning...
• Head-Fi.org: One community member has rated the 64 Audio U12T at an average of 3.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Mixed to Positive.
• Yifang: Unique Melody MEST MKII brings a distinctive recipe: a DD + 4BA + 2EST array augmented by a full-range bone-conduction driver, translating to a relaxed yet vividly holographic presentation....
• Kois Archive: Rating: S- | Value: ⭐ | Gaming: 🎮🎮🎮 | Comfort: 8  fun, technical, and thunderous bass  Upper mids can be a bit weird

Symphonium Audio Helios SE

• Super* Review: Symphonium Audio’s collaboration with Elise Audio turns the original Helios into a more wearable Helios SE without rewriting its sonics. The shell is smaller , cleaner-looking, and finished in...
• Z-Reviews: Limited to 50 units and co-signed with Elise Audio , Helios SE shows up as a 4BA oddball with a vibe: ultra-relaxed, non-aggressive , almost like every track sits one gain click lower than...

Noble Audio Onyx

ThieAudio Prestige LTD

• Jays Audio: Clean and natural signature with treble emphasis. LOTS of details with airy treble without going overboard (better treble extension vs MK2/MK3). Bass is not as impactful versus MK3 but has better...
• Jaytiss: The unit I reviewed had wonky bass, expect this to change if I review a unit with proper bass.
• Web Search: 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...
• Shuwa-T:  A much better implementation than the Prestige OG
• Nymz: The best Thieaudio I've heard to date. Very close tonality to the Mk3, but with better technical performance, especially in the dynamics and stage departments.
• Z-Reviews: 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...
• Bad Guy Good Audio: 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...
• Head-Fi.org: One community member has rated the Thieaudio Prestige LTD at an average of 4.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Very Positive.

AME Mousa

• Jaytiss: Energetic Bassy fun set, but so excellent.
• Smirk Audio: Cons: Price, bass bloat.
• Head-Fi.org: 12 community members have rated the AME Mousa at an average of 4.5/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.

Thieaudio Monarch MK3

• Jays Audio: Better low-end texture and overall more engaging than MK2, but lacks the mid-range/vocal magic, so depending on your preference either is great. Still TOTL tech like MK2. Great all-rounder.
• Gizaudio Axel: I prefer the Monarch MK II for its tonality, vocals, and timbre, but I get why some prefer the MK III.  More bass, treble, and detail than the Monarch MK II.  The vocal magic of the Monarch MK II is gone.
• Jaytiss: Fatiging at times for me, too fun at times.
• Precogvision: Still perplexingly poor bass performance, but improves upon the Monarch MKII's treble extension noticeably.
• Tim Tuned:  MK2 but more fun and more V-shape  Not as natural in timbre
• Smirk Audio: Elevated, well-textured mid-bass. Pleasant mids. Elevated upper-treble may be pesky to some.
• Fresh Reviews: Borders A for some titles
• Shuwa-T:  Better bass response compared to the mk2  Trades off the lush midrange in place of a cleaner sounding, almost boring midrange
• Nymz: An improvement in the bass and treble department over the Mk2, but without the same special sauce in the mid-range and with some imaging problems still.
• Z-Reviews: Thieaudio Monarch MK3 takes the flagship slot with swagger: a 2DD + 6BA + 2EST array and a 4-way passive crossover , centered on the Impact² isobaric push-pull dual 10 mm subwoofer . The shells...
• Head-Fi.org: One community member has rated the THIEAUDIO MONARCH MKIII at an average of 5.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Masterpiece.

Elysian X

• Precogvision: Basically a more sub-bass focused Annihilator 2021 with some trade-offs in technicalities.
• Tim Tuned:  Near excellent timbre, fantastic bass  Slight uppermids uneverness
• Nymz: A more sub-bass focused Annihilator without the same level of technicalities and treble.
• Yifang:  One of the most technically competent, all tonal qualities are of the highest level, with treble perhaps being the best to ever exist.  Low availability, sounds a bit bright and lean, does not work for all genres, likely to be very fatiguing depending on the listener. Important to note preferences.

Melodic Artification Alter Ego

• Smirk Audio: Textured, punchy bass. Great staging width, okay depth. Resolving midrange and slightly polite highs. Slightly dry timbre. Great all-rounder.
• Head-Fi.org: 5 community members have rated the Melodic Artification Alter Ego at an average of 4.4/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Excellent.

Sony IER Z1R

• Jays Audio: Best of the best in most areas, but vocals and mids can be thin due to fit issues. Insane bass texture/detail and HUGE soundstage. One of the best trebles I've heard.
• Crin: Extended yet natural treble, realistic sub-bass focus and spacious imaging capabilities.
• Precogvision: Top-tier bass, treble, and soundstage height and width. I don't approve of the midrange these days.
• Tim Tuned:  Incredible extensions on both ends  Lower midrange
• Smirk Audio: Visceral, hard-hitting bass, sparkly treble, and a large, spherical soundstage with impressive height. Fit may pose a challenge for many. Cons: Poor fit.
• Shuwa-T:  Fun sounding without going overboard with the subbass, organic timbre  The fit is atrocious, treble can get spicy on hi-hats
• Nymz: Recessed mids I can't approved but best bass tactility I've heard. One of the best stage I've heard. Top of the class treble. Fit is a massive problem for most - one of those that needs to be demoed...

Aroma Audio Fei Wan

• Jaytiss: Impressive tech, is even better with EQ. Has a special sauce.
• Smirk Audio: Decent bass and lush, "wet" mids. Has a treble peak that can be pesky to some. Great overall techs. Cons: Price, treble peak, build quality.

64 Audio U4S

• Jaytiss: It's a solid set, with great build quality, but sonically isn't the specialist that I want it to be.
• Precogvision: Fantastic colored tonality with options, and the unique technical qualities to back it up. M12/M15 modules recommended.
• Super* Review: The 64 Audio U4s hits a compelling sweet spot: a 1DD+3BA hybrid around $1,100 that echoes the lush, bass-tilted character of the Nio while fixing key drawbacks. Packaging and accessories feel...
• Smirk Audio: A tastefully colored U12t with a more intimate soundstage, a cutback in technicalities, and more bass realism.
• Audionotions: A step down in techs from U12T (possibly a half step down from U6T). But very well tuned and adds in a dynamic driver punch. Timbre is slightly improved compared to U12T due to the increase in...
• Head-Fi.org: 4 community members have rated the 64 Audio U4s at an average of 4.3/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Excellent.

Vision Ears VE10

• Jaytiss: Very safe tuning, but safe is great.
• Smirk Audio: Lush and mid-bassy set with no obvious tuning issues. Technicalities could be better at this price range.

Canpur CP54E

• Head-Fi.org: 5 community members have rated the Canpur CP54e at an average of 4.2/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Very Positive.

Unique Melody MEST Indigo

Softears RSV MK II

• Jays Audio: Bassy dynamic all-rounder with great low-end texture that slams hard with good note-weight/body. Slight Hype 4 upgrade. Treble is smooth, and vocals are well-tuned. Overall unboxing/accesories are...
• Jaytiss: So Softears didn't forget how to tune. Tactful Basshead
• Super* Review: A 5-BA successor that lands at $700, claims “re-engineered” BA bass, and feels like a welcome throwback to when high-end Chi-Fi wasn’t four figures. Build and fit are excellent with a...
• Web Search: The Softears RSV MK II refines the original RSV with an all-5BA design and a 4-way crossover, targeting a stable “reference sound” while improving driver control and airflow management. It’s...
• Fox Told Me So: The RSV MK2 still follows Softears’ signature approach: an all-BA design, specifically, five-BA configuration. The “V” stands for both its five-driver layout and its bold carbon-fiber faceplate...
• Head-Fi.org: 3 community members have rated the Softears RSV-MKII at an average of 4.4/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Excellent.

Nightjar Duality

• Jaytiss: Bass thunder, with impedance adapter fun and switches. The 11 is for Z.
• Smirk Audio: Massive yet controlled bass. Lush timbre and well-extended, non-pesky treble. Bassy mode may be too bassy for some. Mids can be a touch forward on balanced mode.
• Shuwa-T:  Pretty much a must have for bassheads, with surprising clarity in highs
• Head-Fi.org: 6 community members have rated the Nightjar Duality at an average of 4.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Very Positive.

FiR Audio Xenon 6

• Head-Fi.org: 13 community members have rated the FiR Audio Xenon 6 at an average of 4.6/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.

Hercules Audio Noah

• Jaytiss: Clean vocals, just amazing, clean and clear. 5/5 amazing maybe best thing Ive heard.
• Web Search: The Hercules Audio Noah is a 1DD+3BA hybrid using a 9 mm dynamic driver with three Knowles armatures in an all-metal shell, terminated with Pentaconn Ear connectors. Its official listing...
• Kois Archive: Rating: S- | Value: ⭐⭐ | Gaming: 🎮🎮 | Comfort: 9  fun and engaging set with great build quality  I wish for slightly more midbass

Elysian Diva

• Gizaudio Axel: One of the best IEMs for vocals.  Dynamic driver-like bass, natural vocal reproduction, and an incredibly smooth tonality.  Could use a bit more mid-bass for my taste.
• Precogvision: Excellent BA bass and aggressive listen that maintains Elysian's house sound.
• Tim Tuned:  Addictive smooth, natural treble....top tier tuning overall  mid bass shy
• Smirk Audio: Forward, hyperpigmented vocals. Great tuning and solid techs. 3-way bass switch adds tuning versatility. An exciting listen. Cons: Build quality concerns.
• Shuwa-T: Comment: Balanced sounding with bass volume switches, only gripe is MMCX connector.  Near perfect tuning, amazing bass response for BA and superb treble extension  It got outsourced for production and now the QC is looking shoddier
• Nymz: Did nothing to my soul, but did nothing wrong as well.
• Audionotions: Fantastic, vocal foward signature. Excellent bass that has the speed of a BA with the impact of a DD. Incredibly clean mids and well extended treble. Imaging is fantastic on this set. Incredibly...
• Head-Fi.org: 6 community members have rated the Elysian Diva at an average of 4.2/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Very Positive.

Yu9 Que

• Jays Audio: Smooth listen, non-fatiguing, balanced and leans towards neutral, scales good, full, natural, but lacks dynamics/transients and vocal extension. Reminds me of the OG SA6 with a little more treble and...
• Gizaudio Axel: One of the most refined, fun, engaging, and technically capable IEMs for its price. Treble is very refined and surprisingly not fatiguing.  Well-textured bass with strong physicality. Clear, vocals. Refined, non-fatiguing treble with plenty of extension. Class-leading detail and separation.  Treble may be too much for some.
• Jaytiss: Can lack that Jenesequa "it" factor.
• Precogvision: Exceptional tuning and treble refinement; sets the benchmark at $400.
• Web Search: The YU9 Que is a hybrid IEM using 1 dynamic driver + 3 balanced armatures, positioned in the mid-upper price tier with an MSRP around $399. Retail listings confirm the configuration (10 mm LF DD with...
• Audionotions: Balanced, contrasty, highly resolving. Very good transients. Tight bass, clean mids, very well extended treble. The only glaring flaw is the one-dimensional imaging - there is very little layering,...
• Fox Told Me So: YU9 Audio QUE is a $300 hybrid (1DD + 3BA) with a name rooted in Chinese culture—“阙” (QUE, palace), paired with a fish bone logo from “鱼” (YU, fish). Shells are aluminum with a...
• Head-Fi.org: 2 community members have rated the YU9 Que at an average of 4.5/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.
• Kois Archive: Rating: S- | Value: ⭐⭐ | Gaming: 🎮🎮 | Comfort: 9  fun bass. referency midrange. excellent techs  could be bright. cable is meh

Unique Melody MEST mkII

• Jays Audio: TOTL imaging chops/layering. Tons of micro-details. Great bass texture. Wide and 3D staging. Can be aggressive, and get fatiguing when cranked up/long-listening sessions.
• Crin: Pretty much the same as the Mk1, though with extra sub-bass presence.
• Precogvision: A warmer, more coherent MEST with setbacks in resolution and imaging.
• Tim Tuned:  Great balance, none offensive tuning with little to fault
• Fresh Reviews: One of my favorite for music
• Shuwa-T: Comment: Bassier Mest v1 with slight cutback in clarity.  Even more impressive bass response
• Nymz: Great bass and sheer detail, at the cost of wonky treble and not so accurate imaging queues. I find it work the best with eletronic music or modern metal. Still a solid contender to this date at a...
• Audionotions: Very engaging. I usually prefer something more balanced and neutral, but this IEM has some special sauce. Very well-tuned from bass to treble - with a little bit of spice on top. Great tonality and...
• Head-Fi.org: 13 community members have rated the Unique Melody MEST MKII at an average of 4.7/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Exceptional.

Thieaudio Monarch Mk2

• Jays Audio: Neutral tuning with one of the clearest mid-ranges. Natural and clean vocals. Great resolution, separation, and detail. Can be a little dry with its analytical presentation. Bass is well-seperated...
• Gizaudio Axel: Outstanding tuning.  Smooth, balanced tuning with natural vocals, beautiful timbre, and excellent tonality.  Detail and could use more bass. Treble depends on ear tips.
• Crin: Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 stays a top-tier pick by balancing excellent tonality with solid, price-appropriate technicalities . The tuning sits close to the current meta , with a slight dip in the ...
• Jaytiss: Too much unit variation to recommend to others highly.
• Precogvision: A solid improvement in imaging with slightly more palatable tonality than its predecessor.
• Tim Tuned:  Cohesive, smooth, balanced, technical  slight treble wispiness
• Super* Review: Build & fit: Premium presentation with a handsome “lava” faceplate and a cloth-sheathed cable featuring swappable terminations —useful, but the connector is bulky enough to be unwieldy. The...
• Smirk Audio: Good treble with tons of air. Forward, ethereal mids. Good detail retrieval with tons of microdetails. Lackluster mid-bass.
• Shuwa-T:  Organic midrange  Wooly bass response and less prominent treble may not work best for certain genres
• Nymz: 11/10 mid-range. Mid-bass could use more texture and stage depth could be better. Yap, that's all. Oh and the fit - I'm blessed, but you may not be.
• Head-Fi.org: One community member has rated the THIEAUDIO Monarch MKII at an average of 5.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Masterpiece.

Oriolus Traillii Ti

Thieaudio Hype 10

• Jays Audio: U-shaped, nice treble extention and dynamics, solid vocals, more low-end emphasis than MK3, dynamic and great all-rounder that doesn't specialize in anything.
• Gizaudio Axel:  More detailed Hype 4.  Too similar to the Hype 4.
• Jaytiss: It leaves me lacking nothing, just a fantastic set.
• Fresh Reviews: Build & package: Both arrive with the same tips, case, and box , but the Hype 10 adds an interchangeable 3.5/2.5/4.4 mm cable . The shells differ in size— Hype 4 is smaller—while the Hype...
• Shuwa-T:  Rather similarly tuned to the Hype 4, which is regarded as a mini Monarch 3
• Z-Reviews: $900 tribrid with a naming twist: despite the “10,” it’s a 12-driver stack— 2x dynamic for the lows and 10x BA for the rest—tuned to feel like a single DD done right. It’s easy to...
• Head-Fi.org: One community member has rated the ThieAudio Hype 10 at an average of 4.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Very Positive.

Symphonium x Elise Audio Europa

• Jaytiss: Issue is the upper trebble can be harsh, but is overall very nice.
• Precogvision: Slightly more tame than the Crimson but more well-rounded as a result. Something like a slightly refined U12t.
• Head-Fi.org: 2 community members have rated the Symphonium X Elise Audio Europa at an average of 4.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Very Positive.

Unique Melody MEST MK3

• Jays Audio: A more neutral/slightly warm MEST MK2, less aggresive, easier to the ears, same technicalities. A little overpriced ngl.
• Gizaudio Axel: A safe tuning.  Holographic soundstage.  Relaxed upper mids and treble. Overall detail.
• Head-Fi.org: 16 community members have rated the Unique Melody MEST MKIII at an average of 4.8/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Exceptional.

Symphonium Helios SE

• Jays Audio: Best Treble around it's price. Super airy but still smooth. Bass-scoop isn't as bad as I thought, but those who want mid-bass - avoid it.
• Precogvision: See Helios but with more mid-treble and mid-bass.
• Nymz: Limited to 50 units. A huge improvement fit wise versus the original. Great TOTL all-rounder. Great sub, upper mids and treble. Mid-bass is an improvement but still not boosted. Great technical chops...

BGVP DM9

• Head-Fi.org: 4 community members have rated the BGVP DM9 at an average of 4.3/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Excellent.

qdc Emperor

• Shuwa-T:  Treble extension, EST implementation is top notch here, also not a conventional style of tuning  Price Price
• Head-Fi.org: One community member has rated the QDC Emperor at an average of 4.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Very Positive.

Hisenior Mega5-EST

• Jays Audio: New unit is better tuned/balanced, smooth, good all-rounder, and sounds like adjusted diffusefield.
• Gizaudio Axel: A "plain water" type sound signature with a bass boost.  Great tuning, neutral with bass boost, smooth, safe, and balanced.  Could use more detail, incisiveness, and excitement.
• Jaytiss: If you get the good tuning, this is way higher.
• Precogvision: Very bouncy bass but midrange sounds sucked out and has some oddity. Original sounds more coherent even if less exciting/detailed.
• Tim Tuned:  Exceptionally tuned across the board  Could use more "wow" and details
• Super* Review: Fantastic tuning.. it really does not get better. Technical performance could be better.
• Smirk Audio: Well-tuned and great techs at this price point. Lacks dynamics and the mids are a little lean. Otherwise a great all-rounder.
• Web Search: The Hisenior Mega5-EST is a tribrid with a 5-driver array—1DD+2BA+2EST—using a four-way network and triple bores; published specs list ~25 Ω impedance and ~105 dB sensitivity, making it easy to...
• Fresh Reviews: Great for music
• Shuwa-T:  Bass layering, treble detail are excellent; midrange leans neutral and focuses on clarity over musicality  It is not for people who seek addictive midrange or musical presentation
• Z-Reviews: Hisenior Mega5-EST (Anniversary Edition) hits with a rare mix of slam and finesse: a single DD + 2BA + 2EST that pours out a chest-pressing low end yet keeps the mids and treble startlingly ...
• Audionotions: Incredibly well tuned IEM that sounds very natural across all frequencies. Nothing inoffensive with good technical chops. Stage is not vast - but it is natural and has depth. Bass is full but it is...
• Head-Fi.org: 14 community members have rated the Hisenior Mega5-EST at an average of 4.4/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Excellent.

64 Audio U6T

• Jaytiss: Nice graph, but images weird for an iem of this cost.
• Precogvision: Warm, thick, and with excellent dynamics. U12t's tubby younger brother that could use more resolution.
• Audionotions: It's a step down from U12T in techs, yes, but it's still competitive in the price range. In exchange, tonality and timbre are much improved, which, IMO, is much more important. Imaging, separation,...
• Head-Fi.org: 2 community members have rated the 64 Audio U6t at an average of 4.5/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.

Symphonium Helios

• Precogvision: Great technicalities. Lacking that last leg of refinement in terms of coherency.
• Smirk Audio: Exceptional treble with solid bass. Great techs. Some may find the midrange a bit clinical. Fit will be a dealbreaker to some. Cons: Poor fit.
• Shuwa-T:  Clean-sounding monitor with great bass decay  Occasional splashy cymbals due to the treble extension
• Nymz: Top tier clarity and great technicalities, other than a hint of BA timbre plasticness to it. Mid-bass recession is the con in the tuning, turning it into a dry IEM. Top performer nonetheless.
• Z-Reviews: Positioned as a $1,100 4BA set with a proprietary “sub-woofer” armature, Helios promises consistency via FLAT (Filtered Linear Attenuation Tuning) . In practice, the claimed impedance ...
• Head-Fi.org: 13 community members have rated the Symphonium Helios at an average of 4.6/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.

Nicehck Rockies

• Jays Audio: Balanced, clean, airy, with a slight treble emphasis, good EST implementation, great overall package and accesories at the price. Similar to TOP PRO but with ESTs and not as vocal centric. Easy rec...
• Jaytiss: Trebble so nice. Feels faultless and amazing.
• Tim Tuned:  The Mega5EST but a slight bit more technical and bright
• Super* Review: The NiceHCK Rockies is a $500 tribrid (1DD+2BA+2EST) tuned almost identically to the Mega 5 EST but with slightly less bass and a touch more lower treble, yielding tighter bass and clearer separation...
• Web Search: The NiceHCK Rockies is a five-driver tribrid using 1DD + 2 Knowles BA + 2 Sonion EST in a resin shell with Pietersite stone faceplates. Specs list a detachable 0.78 mm 2-pin cable with swappable...
• Audionotions: My favorite take on the JM1 meta so far. Bass tuning is well done with adequate weight and punch - it's not standout but it will do the job. Silky smoooooth and rich mids with very good clarity....
• Fox Told Me So: NiceHCK Rockies is a tribrid (1DD + 2BA + 2EST) that rides the “golden formula” with a twist: output impedance matters—a lot. Driven from low-impedance sources, it delivers its intended tuning;...
• Head-Fi.org: 4 community members have rated the NiceHCK Rockies at an average of 3.8/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Strongly Favorable.

EPZ 530

• Jays Audio: Great set for jazz/blues/soul/acoustic. Thick and lush. Warm but with nice treble extension. Solid tech. Vocals can be overly husky and buried in busier songs.
• Jaytiss: It does some things very well. Very good item.
• Z-Reviews: EPZ 530 delivers a distinctly warm , intimate presentation with forward vocals and a close, enveloping stage that can feel like a gentle heat lamp over the mix. It’s a 5BA set tuned for body...
• Head-Fi.org: 8 community members have rated the EPZ 530 at an average of 4.4/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Excellent.

Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS

• Smirk Audio: Excellent bass dynamics and texture. Cold timbre and driver flex. Otherwise excellent technicalities and solid tuning. Cons: Driver flex, cold timbre.
• Audionotions: Very engaging IEM. Bass extends deep and hits hard and fast, mids are clear and lush with very good weight and tactility. Treble is clear without fatigue. It's a pretty warm IEM but has clarity that...

Alpha Omega Fulgrim

• Smirk Audio: Elevated, bouncy, and dynamic bass. Somewhat normal sounding midrange and highs; pleasant for sure, if somewhat boring. Overall good set with a questionable price tag. Cons: Poor price-to-performance...
• Head-Fi.org: One community member has rated the Alpha Omega Fulgrim at an average of 4.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Very Positive.

Oriolus Traillii

• Precogvision: Dull microdynamics and treble at a not-so-dull price.
• Smirk Audio: Very natural and balanced-sounding set. Exquisite voicing and tuning. Soundstage is somewhat intimate. Bass is plasticky and lacks slam/texture. Cons: Price.
• Bad Guy Good Audio: It looks like the transcript content didn’t come through. I’ll still provide a concise, provisional summary in Bad Guy Good Audio–style based on well-known impressions of the Oriolus Traillii....  Pleasant tonaity, great detail retrieval  polite bass and stupid $$ for nothing evolutionary

Craft Ears Omnium

• Jaytiss: Dark Rich, fun beautiful.
• Head-Fi.org: 2 community members have rated the Craft Ears Omnium at an average of 4.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Very Positive.

Kinera Loki

• Jays Audio: Super clean and clear sound. Beautiful vocals. Everyhting is extremely well balanced. No special sauce tho.
• Jaytiss: Packaged well but feels like an Alien is in your ear.

Thieaudio Origin

• Jays Audio: Best bassy set under $1K. Bassy/thicker meta tuning. You can actually feel the reverb and vibration from the bone conduction drivers, great control and low-end texture. Mids and treble are also well...
• Jaytiss: Great set, has a lot of positives and is amazing on bass tracks.
• Tim Tuned:  Mega bass additiveness  Bass too much
• Super* Review: Interesting sound. It becomes it's own thing. Fit is not great.
• Web Search: The Thieaudio Origin delivers a bass-forward signature with a substantial 12dB sub-bass boost that provides visceral rumble and slam, particularly effective for electronic or hip-hop genres. Despite...
• Fresh Reviews: Thieaudio Origin steps into the high end with a hybrid array— 1DD + 4BA + 2EST + bone conduction —that pushes a richly textured, holographic presentation. The soundstage is wide and deep ,...
• Z-Reviews: Thieaudio Origin goes full mad-science: 1DD + 4BA + 2EST + bone conductor (eight drivers per side), big shells, hefty stock cable, and a tuning built around a ~12 dB sub-bass shelf . Fit can be a...
• Head-Fi.org: 4 community members have rated the THIEAUDIO Origin at an average of 4.5/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.

Effect Audio x Elysian Gaea

• Jays Audio: Super aggresive, exciting, v-shape, treblehead. Low-end is also very punchy and rumbly. TOTL technical performance with tons of details and OCD, but gets fatiguing. Shouty.
• Precogvision: Fantastic clarity at the expense of sounding somewhat dry.
• Tim Tuned:  Versatile DNA that's also unique. #1 Jack of all trades
• Super* Review: The Effect Audio x Elysian Gaea goes big on everything: a roughly $1,300 price tag, striking stabilized-wood faceplates with a dual-tone finish, and a stock cable that feels a bit bombastic ...
• Shuwa-T:  Easy to like tuning that isn't considered too safe with convincing vocal presentation, bass slams hard  Not entirely coherent especially in the upper frequencies, subbass hits a little too hard relative to the rest of the frequencies
• Nymz: Clarity king with great sense of detail. An agressive listen but never sibilant. Great tight and fast bass, at the expense of sounding dry in the lower mids. Not recommended if you are sensitive to...
• Audionotions: Gaea is bright, and at first, it might seem to be dry, but not in a bad way. I initially thought it could use more meat on the bones, but this tuning works very well after listening. Sinfully...
• Head-Fi.org: 12 community members have rated the Effect Audio x Elysian Gaea at an average of 4.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Very Positive.

Nostalgia Audio Tesseract

• Shuwa-T:  Midbass and midrange focused, while boasting very clear midrange  Treble can be intense
• Head-Fi.org: One community member has rated the Nostalgia Audio Tesseract at an average of 4.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Very Positive.

ORIVETI OH700VB

• Jays Audio: Replaced by Astral. A more engaging Supernova, cleaner, with better sub-bass, and vocals. Very big stage and fantastic separation and layering. Vocals are airy without being too sharp. Lots of...
• Jaytiss: This is like a supernova with better Bass, but slightly less technical.
• Head-Fi.org: 12 community members have rated the Oriveti OH700VB at an average of 4.6/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.

Empire Ears EVO

• Jays Audio: Great bass texture. BC driver actually works. Very well controlled but still impactful. Great resolution. Doesn't scale well because of spicy uppermids. Vocals often gets shouty on certain tracks,...
• Precogvision: An improvment over the LX SE's bass, but still lacking in the Odin's control. BC is no gimmick at least.

FATfreq Scarlett Mini

• Web Search: The FATfreq Scarlet Mini is a hybrid IEM positioned in the brand’s “Scarlet” line with a 1DD+2BA configuration and a stated focus on sub-bass power and treble extension; retailer specs list a...
• Z-Reviews: Scarlett Mini is framed as a bass experiment first, IEM second: a ~$ 666 set (or $833 with the light-red “upgraded” cable) that pushes a 30 dB sub-bass shelf so far that every track...

Xenns Top Pro

• Jays Audio: Very technical, amazing resolution and detail for the price, treble is slightly crispy and sparkly, clean but dynamic all-rounder. Mid-volume set for the most part as treble can get hot at higher...
• Gizaudio Axel: A refined, genre-versatile all-rounder. One of the best in its price range.  Balanced tuning with clean bass, smooth vocal-forward mids, refined airy treble, and excellent detail and separation.
• Jaytiss: Has some odd warmth for me, but is great.
• Tim Tuned: 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...  New meta tuning with boosted bass and upper treble  BA timbre
• Super* Review: A little bit unengaging to listen to. Bass kinda lacks definition. Kinda reminds me of the Mega5 EST. Not a bad IEM but not my favorite at 500 bucks.
• Web Search: 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,...
• Fresh Reviews: Best in Valorant out of the games tested
• Z-Reviews: 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 ...
• Bad Guy Good Audio: 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...
• Audionotions: Excellent tuning. Jack of all trades. One of my favorite IEM releases of 2025. Great vocals, bright leaning treble that adds a bit more sparkle. Bass that extends deep and doesn't bleed. Could use a...
• Head-Fi.org: One community member has rated the Xenns Top Pro at an average of 4.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Very Positive.

Dunu Mirai

• Jays Audio: Bright leaning set with great tech. Clean mid-range, sharp imaging, sparkly female vocals with decent amount of air. Does get fatiguing and sharp on more energetic tracks and genres like...
• Jaytiss: Expensive for what it is, lean, and bright.
• Tim Tuned:  Refrence, beautiful timbre, open stage  Tuning may be boring for some
• Super* Review: Lot of fun IEM. Is it perfect? No. Treble could use a little work. Harmanish take on low end with relaxed top end.
• Z-Reviews: Dunu Mirai comes as a headphones.com exclusive seven-driver hybrid— 1DD + multiple BA with a super tweeter —priced around $950–$1,000 . The tuning sits a few clicks toward the analytical ...
• Head-Fi.org: 2 community members have rated the Dunu Mirai at an average of 4.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Very Positive.

Ziigaat Horizon

• Jays Audio: "Meta" inspired tuning, basically a slightly more detailed Astral with smoother treble and less sub-bass. Less aggressive/in your face vs Astrals. Great details and tech for the price, bright-leaning.
• Jaytiss: Treble is really nice and clean. A special set.
• Super* Review: Arguably the best in this series so far, it delivers a neutral, transparent midrange, a sub-bass tilt, strong imaging, and a surprisingly dense, engaging presentation. Caveats: a gritty upper treble...
• Web Search: Ziigaat Horizon is a tribrid IEM that combines 1DD + 2BA + 2 planar drivers, positioned at an MSRP of $329; this configuration aims to split bass, mids, and treble duties across specialized...
• Fresh Reviews: Ziigaat Horizon arrives as a striking tri-brid in the ~$300 bracket (1DD + 2BA + 2 planar) with a tuning that brushes close to Kiwi Ears Astral yet comes across a touch thinner and more ...
• Z-Reviews: Ziigaat’s Horizon goes for a flashy tribrid recipe— 1×10 mm bio-dynamic for slam, 2×BA for mids, and dual planar treble up top—wrapped in pretty shells and “horizon” art. Street...
• Head-Fi.org: 3 community members have rated the ZiiGaat Horizon at an average of 4.4/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Excellent.

ZiiGaat Luna

• Jays Audio: Airy, smooth, warm, laid-back, balanced, lush and dreamy vibes. Great for rock/metal, scales decently high. Mid-bass over sub. Not as vocal forward as Arcanis and other vocal sets. My Luna graphs...
• Gizaudio Axel: Chill, relaxed, and detailed all-rounder.  Smooth, warm, and balanced with forward vocals and airy treble. Relaxed but still engaging.  BA Bass. Upper treble might be too much for some.
• Jaytiss: Great Midrange, Sense of realism that is very nice.
• Web Search: The ZiiGaat Luna delivers a studio-focused sound with its six balanced armature drivers per ear, combining dual Sonion 39AY008 subwoofers, dual Knowles 32873 midrange units, and dual Knowles 33518...
• Z-Reviews: The ZiiGaat Luna is an all-BA IEM that completely shatters expectations . Designed for studio engineers and stage performers, it delivers a tonally balanced , accurate, and precision-focused sound...
• Head-Fi.org: 12 community members have rated the ZiiGaat Luna at an average of 4.6/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.

7th Acoustics Supernova

• Jays Audio: Super smoooth. TOTL dynamics and treble air - dunno how they managed this airy and smooth with only BAs. Very clean, no sharpness, or sudden peaks, endgame separation and detail. Only drawback is...
• Jaytiss: Natural king. Special iem at any price.
• Precogvision: Nearly immaculate tonality, coherency, and timbre with reasonably good technicalities.
• Super* Review: Hand-built in Indonesia with customizable abalone faceplates, Supernova feels like a boutique step up in value: a handsome, slightly medium-large shell, stable fit, strong isolation , and a...
• Smirk Audio: Rich, honeyed timbre. Well-tuned with solid techs. A very smooth listen. Could use better resolution and incisiveness.
• Shuwa-T:  Lovely midrange, vocal-centric set that never sounds fatiguing  Techs are not class leading
• Nymz: Made to order - 60 days. Brilliant tonality with technical support, just lacking the last hair of detail. Transient sharpness and decay are on point. You will be hard-pressed to find better under 1k.
• Z-Reviews: 7th Acoustic Supernova brings a 6BA setup at around $850 , dressed in pretty shells but a bit bulgy for the fit. Packaging quirks and micro-print gripes aside, the included Versus Audio cable...
• Audionotions: Some of the best timbre I've heard on an IEM to date with decent technicalities to match. Tonality is really good. Bass is neither too much nor too little - just enough to add the perfect amount of...
• Head-Fi.org: 24 community members have rated the 7th Acoustics Supernova at an average of 4.5/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.

Nightjar Singularity

• Smirk Audio: Rich bass with great overall tuning. Pleasant timbre. Resolution could be better. Treble could use more liveliness.
• Nymz: One of the best basses ever inside a very small and comfortable shell. The rest of the tuning is still pristine but the technicalities are bottlenecked by the single DD.
• Z-Reviews: Single 10 mm dynamic done right. Singularity hits with that coveted one-driver cohesion : a bright, energetic top end riding on subway-tunnel bass swell that feels physical without drowning the...
• Audionotions: I fully expected these to be an overwhelmingly bass heavy set but instead got something quite different. Singularity bass is boomy and somewhat pillowy, extending deep and with almost atmospheric...

qdc Anole VX

• Gizaudio Axel: A highly detailed IEM.  Endgame-level detail.  BA bass and timbre.
• Precogvision: Very well-rounded, but sounds overly plasticky and artificial.
• Tim Tuned:  Unrivaled Resolution  Can be fatiguing
• Shuwa-T: Comment: Sounds like a DD iem but with the clarity and speed of BA; unrivalled clarity.  You'll hear more sounds than intended
• Nymz: Lovely tonality with incredible technicalities that scream details everywhere. Sinning only on female vocal position and BA timbre. Hits my HRTF like I like to hit my credit card.

Sennheiser IE900

• Crin: Well-resolving DD IEM with excellent treble control, though with somewhat weak mid-high harmonics.
• Jaytiss: I don't get it, not even a little.
• Precogvision: Excelllent bass - simply excellent. Midrange could use some work, as could the generally average imaging chops.
• Audionotions: I usually don't like things that aren't all rounders but this might be the exception. Bass is incredible - best in class - great texture, fantastic physicality. Treble response is great too - pretty...
• Head-Fi.org: 10 community members have rated the Sennheiser IE900 at an average of 4.7/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Exceptional.

Nice HCK Himalaya

• Web Search: The NiceHCK Himalaya is a single 10 mm CNT dynamic driver (1DD) IEM housed in a titanium-alloy shell, paired with a modular cable offering 3.5/4.4/2.5 mm plugs and replaceable tuning nozzles...
• Z-Reviews: The NiceHCK Himalaya is a spectacular flagship IEM featuring a titanium alloy cavity that feels premium and has a beautiful sheen. It comes loaded with extras: a gorgeous purple and grey-blue...
• Head-Fi.org: 5 community members have rated the Nice HCK Himalaya at an average of 4.6/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.