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Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

Manufacturer details

  • Driver: 50mm dynamic
  • Impedance: 32ohm
  • Cable: 6' TRS (1/4") terminated (Audeze/ZMF compatible)
  • Weight: 556g without cable
The Australis represents the culmination of our efforts to design a durable, lightweight, reference-grade closed-back headphone. We've gone to great lengths and incorporated community feedback into our products and to try to capture the best qualities of the most popular headphones in the audiophile market into one coherent package.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

Australis v3

  • Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and simple setup.  
  • Description: Uses a straightforward circuit design for clear sound in small rooms and basic home systems. In contrast to models with ABS enhancements, it offers fewer noise reduction features and connectivity options, making it best for users with modest budgets and minimal functionality needs compared to the higher-tier Borealis or Quasar series.

Australis v3 ABS Version

  • Positioning: An entry-level model with improved noise suppression through a refined chassis design.  
  • Description: Adds an ABS enclosure aimed at reducing interference and improving signal clarity. Compared to its non-ABS counterpart, it offers a modest upgrade in terms of noise control and overall stability while still remaining more cost-effective than the mid-range Borealis or Quasar models.

Borealis v3

  • Positioning: A mid-range model aimed at delivering room-filling sound with versatile connectivity.  
  • Description: Features a robust circuit design and increased power handling that supports larger spaces. When compared to the Australis series, it offers enhanced connectivity and dynamic range, though it lacks some of the advanced noise reduction found in the ABS version and the extensive features of the flagship Quasar.

Borealis v3 ABS Version  

  • Positioning: A mid-range model with enhanced build quality and noise reduction for cleaner sound performance.  
  • Description: Incorporates an ABS chassis that further minimizes interference for a cleaner audio signal. It builds on the standard Borealis model by offering improved signal clarity and refined performance.

Quasar  

  • Positioning: A high-end flagship model designed for audiophiles seeking advanced sound performance and extensive connectivity.  
  • Description: Implements exclusive design elements and specialized circuitry that deliver a superior dynamic range and precise sound reproduction. It stands apart from both the Australis and Borealis lines by offering broader connectivity options and enhanced technical features, making it ideal for larger rooms and complex system setups.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
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0
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Brand Popularity
822
 of 900+
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Top 50 Brand
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Products Listed
6
Founding Year
2018

Our take on the brand

Aurorus Audio is a headphone brand founded by hardcore headphone-community enthusiasts that uses an off-the-shelf $10 Peerless driver in their Borealis model, emphasizing a tuning-over-materials philosophy while achieving measurements strikingly close to those of the Focal Utopia. The brand distinguishes itself through its unusual DIY-friendly approach, featuring dedicated modification guides on their official site, transparent small-batch iteration cycles, and explicit avoidance of animal materials while openly disclosing their use of 3D-printed components.

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Our interview with the brand

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What if you spend more?

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HIFIMAN
Svanar
1999
1999
/
13
Reviews
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Captures the sound of the original Svanar, with a balanced tuning emphasizing bass and treble while maintaining the mids
  • Incredible imaging performance, offering a wide, well-rounded, three-dimensional soundstage with excellent positioning and separation—highly competitive, even compared to non-TWS IEMs under $1000
  • Has an R2R DAC which permits unreachable technical performance
  • Very light and comfortable
  • Excellent connectivity and usability

Product Considerations

  • LDAC connectivity issues with invasive intermittence and noise cutting
  • ANC and Transparency mode aren’t very useful and lack dynamic, delivering leaner dynamic, less musicality
  • Plastic build might not be most durable if dropped
  • High-frequencies are quite sensible to the source, making it one of the least forgiving TWS
  • Hiss is also present

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Svanar Wireless is punchier, with better bass detail and imaging, and a wider soundstage, while the Final ZE8000 has a warmer, more neutral sound
  • The Svanar Wireless has stronger imaging performance, a wider soundstage, and a better balance between separation and cohesion
  • The Svanar Wireless is superior in technicalities and tonal balance, as well as timbre and tone naturalness, and ultimately musicality
  • The Svanar Wireless' soundstage is taller and wider but not as deep, since clarity isn’t as sharp and clean, silence being more "noisy"
  • The Svanar Wireless has better sound and performs better technically
  • The Sony TWS has bloated bass that overwhelms everything else; in comparison, the soundstage and treble performance of the Svanar Wireless is miles ahead, presenting a much more detailed, natural, and sophisticated kind of sound

Takeaway: The Svanar Wireless sounds impressive for wireless earbuds, and it has great connectivity and features. For those seeking high-end wireless sound, these are worth considering.

Video review

Our take on the brand

HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
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Bang & Olufsen
Beoplay H95
1250
1250
/
10
Reviews
Bang & Olufsen is a luxury hifi speaker brand known for its Acoustic Lens Technology, which delivers 180° horizontal sound dispersion—features like the BeoLab 90's 18 individually amplified drivers offer user-selectable beam patterns. The Danish company distinguishes itself through vertically integrated aluminum manufacturing in Struer, a factory-led program that restores and modernizes its classic products, and transparent engineering documentation led by in-house tonmeister Geoff Martin.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Gorgeous design and fantastic build quality with premium materials, like titanium, aluminum, lambskin leather, and cowhide leather
  • Extremely comfortable and lightweight (around 323-333 grams), with oval-shaped earcups suitable for larger ears for long listening periods
  • Intuitive controls, including a mix of touch and physical controls, like responsive touchpads and tactile dials for precise volume and ANC adjustments
  • Sound quality is well-balanced and versatile, making them suitable for various music genres, with particularly good performance for classical music, podcasts, and rock
  • Amazing noise cancellation performance, effectively blocking out mid- and treble-range noises

Product Considerations

  • Very high retail price
  • Earcups are not very deep
  • Not very portable due to a bulky design
  • A heavier side, which can develop a little bit of strain on the back of the neck
  • The Bang & Olufsen app does not work well, spending a long time trying to connect to the H95 most of the time

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Focal Bathys: The Focal Bathys is cheaper and better in sound quality
  • Vs Bose QC45s: The Bose QC45s are a little bit more effective in cancelling the high end of mid-range frequencies that you would get from a busy cafe
  • Vs AirPods Max: The H95 manages to separate all the layers very beautifully, the AirPods Max is not on par
  • Vs Bowers & Wilkins PX8: The PX8 is more muffled
  • Vs Cambridge Audio P100: The P100 has more clarity and crisp sound to that treble without having that sibilance

Takeaway: If you want a luxurious pair of headphones with amazing build quality and very good noise cancellation, the Beoplay H95 could be a good option. The sound quality is great, and they are comfortable to wear for long listening sessions.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Bang & Olufsen is a luxury hifi speaker brand known for its Acoustic Lens Technology, which delivers 180° horizontal sound dispersion—features like the BeoLab 90's 18 individually amplified drivers offer user-selectable beam patterns. The Danish company distinguishes itself through vertically integrated aluminum manufacturing in Struer, a factory-led program that restores and modernizes its classic products, and transparent engineering documentation led by in-house tonmeister Geoff Martin.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
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Symphonium
Helios - Technical Reference
1099
1099
/
9
Reviews
Symphonium is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones that use FLAT (Filtered Linear Attenuation Tuning) to maintain frequency response consistency across different sources, and PHAT (Phase Harmony Attenuation Technology) to deliver exceptionally smooth treble extension until 20 kHz.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Excellent bass and treble response.
  • Impressive dynamics and imaging.
  • Has excellent treble extension.
  • The Helios delivers an immensely deep-reaching sub-bass, accompanied by exceptionally clean articulate treble, with no overdone mid-bass to muddy things up.

Product Considerations

  • Large angular shell that may be hard to fit.
  • Needs a reasonably powerful source, because many dongles will not be able to run these.
  • Midrange is somewhat mixed and quite pushed back.
  • Some found the stock cable annoying to deal with.
  • There is a lack of mid-bass.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020: Helios has a leaner sound and demands attention, sporting aggressive dynamics, sharper resolution, and BA bass that actually slams.
  • Vs Hidition Viento-B: One can consider the Helios a Viento-B on steroids with more bass, a more balanced midrange, and a more linear, extended treble response.
  • Vs Moondrop S8: The Helios clearly pulls ahead in its impactful dynamics and standout BA bass.
  • Vs Sony IER-M9: The Helios has far better dynamics and a smoother, more airy treble response.
  • Vs Thieaudio Monarch: The Helios has more treble extension and presence in those final octaves, and for technical performance outdoes the Monarch all around, particularly in the staging and imaging presentation.
  • Vs Unique Melody MEST/MK2: The Helios doesn't make compromises, as it sports comparable resolution to the OG MEST and outclasses both IEMs in the dynamics department, and the Helios' treble is a step ahead of the ESTs being used in the MEST IEMs.

Takeaway: The Symphonium Helios is worth consideration for those seeking high-quality sound with great bass and clear highs. It is designed to sound good with diverse musical genres, so listeners can enjoy what they are hearing.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Symphonium is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones that use FLAT (Filtered Linear Attenuation Tuning) to maintain frequency response consistency across different sources, and PHAT (Phase Harmony Attenuation Technology) to deliver exceptionally smooth treble extension until 20 kHz.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
HIFIMAN
Audivina
1999
1999
/
9
Reviews
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Wide soundstage, unusually large for a closed-back headphone
  • Good mid-bass impact and punch
  • Comfortable design, similar to the HE1000 series, despite being heavier
  • Detailed sound, especially in the midrange
  • Good imaging and separation of instruments

Product Considerations

  • Isolation is not strong, described as not much better than an open-back
  • Frequency response can be erratic, with peaks and dips, leading to a potentially wonky sound
  • Some reviewers noted a shouty, honky, or hollow timbre in the midrange
  • Treble can be crisp but potentially harsh or sibilant for some listeners
  • Weight can become a comfort issue over longer listening sessions for some

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Versus Dan Clark Audio Stealth, the Audivina has a bigger soundstage
  • Versus ZMF Atrium Closed, the Atrium Closed has a thicker, richer sound and better bass extension, while the Audivina has a larger soundstage; the Atrium Closed has a more natural midrange
  • Versus HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth, the Audivina has better midrange detail, but the HE1000 Stealth has a warmer and richer sound
  • Versus HIFIMAN Arya, the Audivina is more balanced with a fuller midrange, and the Arya has a wider soundstage and is brighter
  • Versus Meze Lyric, the Audivina has a wider soundstage, while the Lyric has stronger sub-bass performance

Takeaway: The Audivina is a unique closed-back headphone with a spacious soundstage and detailed sound, which makes for a great listening experience. If looking for something different from a traditional closed-back, this could be a good choice.

Video review

Our take on the brand

HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Aurorus Audio
Australis
719
/
Released
2019
The Australis represents our effort to create a reasonably priced closed-back headphone that offers exceptional dynamics, timbre, tone and a sense of space and stage.
Check Amazon
Aurorus Audio is a headphone brand founded by hardcore headphone-community enthusiasts that uses an off-the-shelf $10 Peerless driver in their Borealis model, emphasizing a tuning-over-materials philosophy while achieving measurements strikingly close to those of the Focal Utopia. The brand distinguishes itself through its unusual DIY-friendly approach, featuring dedicated modification guides on their official site, transparent small-batch iteration cycles, and explicit avoidance of animal materials while openly disclosing their use of 3D-printed components.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Midrange-focused sound signature
  • Bass does not have more of a roll-off compared to other headphones

Product Considerations

  • Stronger clamp force
  • Comfort was only 'OK'
  • Sound is extremely midrange focused, almost like an n-shaped response
  • Treble is relaxed
  • Smeary and unfocused imaging

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Borealis had a hump in the mids that made piano notes a little off-timbre, whereas the Australis has a very warm sound with incoherent imaging
  • Suggests there's almost certainly some ZMF headphone that does a similar thing, being warm in the mids and relaxed in the treble

Takeaway: The Australis is unique with a warm midrange and relaxed treble, which some listeners may appreciate. It could be worth trying if you are looking for something different.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Aurorus Audio is a headphone brand founded by hardcore headphone-community enthusiasts that uses an off-the-shelf $10 Peerless driver in their Borealis model, emphasizing a tuning-over-materials philosophy while achieving measurements strikingly close to those of the Focal Utopia. The brand distinguishes itself through its unusual DIY-friendly approach, featuring dedicated modification guides on their official site, transparent small-batch iteration cycles, and explicit avoidance of animal materials while openly disclosing their use of 3D-printed components.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Dan Clark Audio
Noire X
999
/
Released
2025
NOIRE X™ updates our iconic AEON 2 NOIRE by integrating DCA's state-of-the-art Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System™ (AMTS™) with an improved driver, all carefully wrapped in a gorgeous ergonomically-enhanced design. NOIRE X's dramatic black-on-black aesthetic, improved ear pads, self-adjusting headband, and Gorilla Glass 3 clad cups sumptuously hint at the numerous exciting upgrades within, all designed to maximize your listening pleasure. With NOIRE X, DCA sets a new standard in midrange headphone performance, comfort, and value!
Check Amazon
Dan Clark Audio sets itself apart with its patented Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System, which uses waveguides and resonators to shape frequency response to uniquely close adherence to various targets, and a unique tensioning system that ensures consistent performance across their headphone units. Their summit-tier headphones feature an uncommon folding design for portability, and their self-adjusting headbands offer extended comfort during long listening sessions.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent, well-balanced tuning, especially for a closed-back headphone
  • Good bass response, being tight, punchy, and hard-hitting with quality and fidelity, but not overly bassy
  • Comfortable to wear, using the self-adjusting headband and comfortable pads from the E3 model
  • Shares a lot of similarities with the E3, but at a lower price point
  • Good soundstaging, with decent width and depth for a closed-back headphone

Product Considerations

  • The Piano Gloss Black finish is prone to fingerprints, smudges, and scratches, making it difficult to keep clean
  • Soundstage could be wider compared to some competitors
  • Detail retrieval is good but not a standout feature and may not be at the level expected for the price, particularly when compared to higher-end headphones
  • Highs can be a little spicy, and the treble can be a bit more exciting, but less refined than E3
  • Pads are glued on, which may make pad replacement more difficult, while being an upside for better seal to the baffle

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs. Dan Clark Audio E3: Is 90% of the headphone that the E3 is at half the cost
  • Vs. Sennheiser HD6XX: The low-end is miles better, mids are almost equally delicious, but the highs are where the HD6XX seems a tad cleaner
  • Vs. ZMF Auteur Classic: The Dan Clark Audio Noire X is the more technical and more neutral ride

Takeaway: The Noire X is a comfortable, well-tuned, and versatile closed-back headphone that is a great choice for those wanting a smooth and enjoyable listening experience. It offers a lot of value and is a strong contender in its price range.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Dan Clark Audio sets itself apart with its patented Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System, which uses waveguides and resonators to shape frequency response to uniquely close adherence to various targets, and a unique tensioning system that ensures consistent performance across their headphone units. Their summit-tier headphones feature an uncommon folding design for portability, and their self-adjusting headbands offer extended comfort during long listening sessions.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Softears
RSV Reference
729
/
Released
2021
A professional-grade reference IEM using 5 balanced armature drivers per side with a multi-way crossover, tuned to deliver natural, balanced, and highly resolving sound. It is part of SoftEars’ Reference Sound Series, offering high accuracy and neutrality for studio or critical listening.
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Softears creates reference-quality in-ear monitors for professional monitoring. The brand features passive driver modules that relieve ear pressure without compromising isolation, and complex 15-component crossover networks more akin to high-end loudspeakers. Known for extreme transparency that can even expose recording flaws, Softears delivers flat-impedance designs engineered for pro interface.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent fit and comfortable for many users, even for extended listening periods
  • Very well-balanced and tuned sound signature, often described as a warm, mature, or safe Harman-ish tuning
  • Smooth treble presentation, avoiding sibilance, sharpness, or fatigue, while still retaining detail
  • Good bass performance for an all-balanced armature set, with nice punch and attack, though primarily focused on sub-bass
  • Very good natural tonality and timbre, avoiding a metallic or unnatural sound often associated with balanced armatures

Product Considerations

  • Soundstage and imaging could be better for the price, described as average and not particularly wide or holographic
  • May lack a 'hook' or standout factor in its sound quality, some find it to be a more laid-back and less engaging sound
  • The shells are quite big, which may be problematic for users with small ears
  • The recessed 2-pin sockets could be designed better with a deeper fit
  • May sound 'boring' at mid-to-low volumes, according to one reviewer

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Moondrop S8: RSV offers a warmer and fuller sound with a more even midrange, while the S8 is leaner and more forward, with the S8 being more engaging overall
  • Vs Dunu SA6: RSV has better bass quality, while the SA6 has a slightly more pronounced treble

Takeaway: The Soft Ears RSV is a comfortable and well-tuned IEM that delivers a balanced and enjoyable listening experience. It is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a smooth, natural sound with excellent vocal reproduction.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Softears creates reference-quality in-ear monitors for professional monitoring. The brand features passive driver modules that relieve ear pressure without compromising isolation, and complex 15-component crossover networks more akin to high-end loudspeakers. Known for extreme transparency that can even expose recording flaws, Softears delivers flat-impedance designs engineered for pro interface.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Bang & Olufsen
Beoplay HX
749
/
Released
2021
Wireless over ear headphones. Listen in comfort whether you're on a call, working from home or taking a moment for yourself.
Check Amazon
Bang & Olufsen is a luxury hifi speaker brand known for its Acoustic Lens Technology, which delivers 180° horizontal sound dispersion—features like the BeoLab 90's 18 individually amplified drivers offer user-selectable beam patterns. The Danish company distinguishes itself through vertically integrated aluminum manufacturing in Struer, a factory-led program that restores and modernizes its classic products, and transparent engineering documentation led by in-house tonmeister Geoff Martin.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Exquisite build quality with premium materials, like anodized aluminum, memory foam, lambskin leather, and high-quality polymer
  • Very comfortable, generously padded with memory foam wrapped in lambskin, and the headband distributes pressure evenly
  • Long battery life, up to 35 hours with ANC on and 40 hours with ANC off
  • Sound quality is rich, refined, spacious, balanced, and impressively detailed
  • Good voice pickup and decent noise suppression in moderately noisy environments
  • Connectivity options are available

Product Considerations

  • Round ear pads may pull down on ear cartilage and rest on ear lobes
  • The HX can only be laid down flat, they are not fully collapsible
  • ANC is good, but not quite at the level of industry leaders
  • Touch panel is awkward to use, and touches are often not registered properly

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Sony 1000XM4/XM5 and Bose 700, ANC on the HX is not quite at the level of these industry leaders
  • Vs the H95, the HX are more sensible, and noticeably cheaper
  • Vs the Sony XM3, the HX looks far more refined
  • Vs the Apple AirPods Max, the HX has up to 15 hours of additional battery life, and are also 100g lighter
  • Vs the Bowers & Wilkins PX7, the HX brings a slightly higher level of refinement, showcasing detail and nuances that are missed

Takeaway: The Beoplay HX are beautifully made headphones that deliver excellent sound quality and are highly comfortable. If the user values aesthetics as much as audio and is willing to pay a premium for quality, then the HX is worth consideration.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Bang & Olufsen is a luxury hifi speaker brand known for its Acoustic Lens Technology, which delivers 180° horizontal sound dispersion—features like the BeoLab 90's 18 individually amplified drivers offer user-selectable beam patterns. The Danish company distinguishes itself through vertically integrated aluminum manufacturing in Struer, a factory-led program that restores and modernizes its classic products, and transparent engineering documentation led by in-house tonmeister Geoff Martin.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Softears
Twilight
930
/
Released
2022
A lightweight (6 g per side) aviation-grade aluminum alloy IEM housing a newly developed 10 mm dynamic driver featuring a DLC dome with FreeEdge PU suspension and a 0.035 mm Daikoku high-tension voice coil. The design includes patented front/rear cavity coupling inherited from Turii, viscoelastic damping, and diffuser patches for resonance suppression. Each pair is individually produced and matched, and comes with U.C. eartips, a 6 N oxygen-free copper cable with thick gold-plated plug pins, and a secure 0.78 mm 4-point connector.
Check Amazon
Softears creates reference-quality in-ear monitors for professional monitoring. The brand features passive driver modules that relieve ear pressure without compromising isolation, and complex 15-component crossover networks more akin to high-end loudspeakers. Known for extreme transparency that can even expose recording flaws, Softears delivers flat-impedance designs engineered for pro interface.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Balanced to warm sound signature with ample bass that is present without overpowering the sound
  • Sublime vocals, clear with even minor voice modulations distinctly audible
  • Exceptional build quality with premium materials like aircraft aluminum alloy, resulting in a durable yet lightweight design
  • Comfortable fit for long listening sessions due to narrow vertical placement in the ear

Product Considerations

  • Treble is slightly rolled off, which can sacrifice some airiness and detail in the highs
  • Below average passive isolation, not suitable for noisy environments
  • Soundstage is average to narrow

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Final A8000: The A8000 has a more natural tonality overall, more air, a wider soundstage, and better separation/layering, while Twilight has more bass with forward vocals and rolled off treble
  • Vs 64 Audio Duo: Twilight offers warmth and engagement in its sound signature, especially noticeable in the midrange, while the Duo provides a sound that is rich in detail and expansive in soundstage
  • Vs Meze Audio Advar: The Advar is better in critical listening and brass instruments, while the Twilight has better 3D imaging

Takeaway: The Softears Twilight is an excellent IEM that offers a very easy, likeable, and musical sound which can be enjoyed for hours. It offers a balanced to warm sound, sublime vocals, and comfortable fit, making it a solid choice for audiophiles looking for a single dynamic driver IEM.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Softears creates reference-quality in-ear monitors for professional monitoring. The brand features passive driver modules that relieve ear pressure without compromising isolation, and complex 15-component crossover networks more akin to high-end loudspeakers. Known for extreme transparency that can even expose recording flaws, Softears delivers flat-impedance designs engineered for pro interface.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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