Website author headshot
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.

Product Strengths

  • Good ergonomics with a small shell and decent molding makes them comfortable for most
  • Mid-range tuning is well-handled, on par or better than products like the EST, K4, DaVinci and Dusk DSP in isolation
  • Visually appealing color scheme (black with copper accents) and simple, clean design
  • Good overall package and solid build quality, especially the metal shell
  • Cable is ergonomic, not microphonic, and has a modular termination (3.5mm or balanced)

Product Considerations

  • Bass is often perceived as too forward, rumbly, and sometimes incoherent, overshadowing mid-range texture and detail
  • Upper treble response can be fatiguing and distracting, adding a sizzle or glassy quality to the sound
  • Only one type of silicone eartip included, limiting sonic and fit flexibility for some users
  • Doesn't scale well at higher volumes, where treble can become overwhelming
  • The name and logo on the faceplate is a bit too 'gamery'

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Meta has a similar sound signature to Dusk/Dusk Default DSP, but does not need a DSP cable
  • The Mega5EST is a bit much bass overall, it integrates more naturally
  • KE4 has better note weight and dynamic punch, but a more clouded midrange
  • Volume S has a more coherent downward slope and a better bass profile and subjective performance
  • Meta has better ergonomics and looks, and is more versatile with tips than the Dunu K4

Takeaway: The Project Meta IEM offers a great design and a comfortable fit with a unique sparkly treble presentation. If one enjoys treble and wants something balanced for listening at moderate volumes with good clarity, this IEM could be a great choice.

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.

All

Project Meta

reviews

[{"title":"CrinEar Project META Review — Crinacle's Best IEM Yet?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVBk-VeaTYM","source":"The Headphone Show","datePublished":"2025"},{"title":"This is big. CrinEar Project Meta REVIEW","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYkBxs6TKeg","source":"The Headphone Show","datePublished":"2025"},{"title":"A BRUTALLY Honest Review of CRINEAR META (vs DUSK, PILGRIM, P5+2, ESTRELLA & MORE)","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4D7f-zKuYU","source":"ShortCircuit","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"CrinEar Meta Earphones Review.","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGrNyVqvsSc","source":"Gamesky","datePublished":"2025"},{"title":"CrinEar Project META Review: Crin's Best, With Room To ...","link":"https://headphones.com/blogs/reviews/crinear-project-meta-review?srsltid=AfmBOorpsWfMd37J_XqpSFGyL_OVZsfJKpGexTnjY6Jl0IUuvwTF7uFB","source":"headphones.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"CrinEar Meta IEM Review – The Start of Something Great?","link":"https://gadgetrytech.com/crinear-meta-iem-review-the-start-of-something-great","source":"gadgetrytech.com","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Nozzle Size: 5.8 mm
  • Connectivity: 2-Pin with Interchangeable 3.5 mm & 4.4 mm Terminations
  • Impedance @ 1 kHz: 19 Ω
  • Sensitivity @ 1 kHz: 102 dB/mW
  • Shell Material: Anodized Aluminium
  • Cable Material: 4-Core Ultra-Pure Oxygen-Free Copper
  • Production Limit: Limited to 999 Units

The debut of CrinEar, Project Meta is a limited-edition model dedicated to pushing the boundaries of in-ear monitor (IEM) performance. Designed for both audiophiles and casual listeners seeking an authentic and engaging listening experience, Project Meta is a meticulous blend of cutting-edge acoustic research and refined craftsmanship. Each IEM is a statement of exclusivity, individually serialized as a testament to its craftsmanship and rarity.
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:

Daybreak

  • Position: A high-performance full-production IEM that offers measurement-grade fidelity at an affordable price.
  • Description: Uses advanced 3D-printing for intricate acoustic pathways and a fully filled resin shell to achieve precise frequency response, with a custom driver array tuned by B&K Type 5128 for remarkable clarity. Compared to other models in the lineup, it suits buyers seeking versatile connectivity and solid build quality on a moderate budget for everyday use in various room sizes.

Project Meta

  • Position: A limited-edition IEM built to push the boundaries of acoustic precision and rarity.
  • Description: Uses the latest B&K Type 5128 measurement system with a tilted Diffuse Field target and added bass boost, paired with an ergonomic aluminium shell to deliver enhanced tonal accuracy.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
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Brand Popularity
798
 of 900+
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Top 50 Brand
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Products Listed
2
Founding Year
2025

Our take on the brand

The in-house brand of renowned IEM reviewer Crinacle; CrinEar is an IEM brand that anchors all tuning to the Brüel & Kjær Type 5128 and Crinacle's IEF Preference 2025 curve as its core brand philosophy. They focus on end-results and tuning accuracy rather than driver configurations themselves, frequently releasing measurements of their models, often long prior to disclosing details of the specific driver setup of a given model.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

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From our interview with
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CrinEar

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What if you spend more?

Product image
Softears
RSV Reference
729
729
/
10
Reviews
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.
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Expand Details

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
Product image
Softears
Twilight
930
930
/
9
Reviews
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.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

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
Product image
Symphonium
Meteor
599
599
/
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.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Warm, bassy, and well-extended sound signature with a tasteful, but still aggressive, mid-bass rise
  • Good treble extension that avoids sharpness and adds a nice sense of micro-contrast throughout
  • Offers a 'cohesive' or 'coherent' sound presentation, creating an enveloping experience
  • Significant improvement in size and fit compared to previous Symphonium IEMs like the Helios

Product Considerations

  • Bass may be too prominent for those who prefer more tonal clarity and forward vocals
  • Imaging is described as 'so-so' and not particularly strong in technical performance
  • Some reviewers found the aesthetic or finish of the shell to be a bit 'rough around the edges'
  • Security of fit can be so-so out of the box, potentially requiring aftermarket ear tips for a more secure fit
  • Harder to drive than normal, requiring a decent source

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs. Dunu SA6: The Meteor has more bass impact and a warmer sound, while the SA6 has a cleaner midrange
  • Vs. Letshuoer EJ07M: The EJ07M is more technical, with tighter bass, while the Meteor offers a unique 'cohesive' sound
  • Vs. Thieaudio Oracle MKI: The Oracle MKI is more neutral

Takeaway: The Symphonium Meteor is a good IEM for those who enjoy a warm, bassy sound signature with excellent treble. Its improved fit and unique sound presentation make it stand out.

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
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Kinera
Imperial Skuld
550
550
/
7
Reviews
Kinera is a hifi headphone brand that builds each product around mythology-driven design language, weaving Norse and Chinese lore into concepts and aesthetics through hand-painted artisan resin faceplates where no two units look identical. The brand pioneered EST tribrid tuning with dual Sonion ESTs as a signature and developed proprietary Square Planar Driver (SPD) technology under their Celest line.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Non-fatiguing sound signature allows for hours of listening
  • Included cable is of high quality and provides versatility, allowing for the use of 4.4mm, 3.5mm, and 2.5mm terminations, depending on the source
  • Vocals are a standout, offering a natural and engaging presentation
  • Resin shell is both visually appealing and comfortable for long listening sessions

Product Considerations

  • High price may feel steep considering the uneven frequency response and average technical abilities
  • Treble is a bit dark and uneven, which can detract from overall clarity
  • Bass is not particularly distinct, with a flatter sound signature
  • Soundstage depth, imaging, and detail retrieval are only average, limiting its presentation

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Kinera Imperial Nanna: The Skuld falls perfectly between more budget-friendly models and higher-end selection

Takeaway: The Kinera Imperial Skuld is easy to listen to and enjoy. It has good instrument separation and layering, so all elements can be clearly heard.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Kinera is a hifi headphone brand that builds each product around mythology-driven design language, weaving Norse and Chinese lore into concepts and aesthetics through hand-painted artisan resin faceplates where no two units look identical. The brand pioneered EST tribrid tuning with dual Sonion ESTs as a signature and developed proprietary Square Planar Driver (SPD) technology under their Celest line.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Thieaudio
Legacy 2
99
/
Released
2021
The Legacy series capitalizes on Thieaudio’s engineering capabilities to merge the latest driver innovations, creating a lineup of the ultimate high-performance hybrid in-ear monitors. Geared towards the discerning audiophile and music enthusiast, the Legacy series re-imagines the qualities that make up high-fidelity audio to present a unique combination of enjoyable tuning that also excels in technical performance. With each model of our Legacy Series, we hope to reveal a refreshing new perspective on your daily listening experience, immersing you deeper into the music. The Legacy 2 features a proprietary closed-back 10 mm Beryllium dynamic driver and a Knowles ED29689 balanced armature driver, aiming for powerful sub-bass, neutral mids, accurate mid-treble transition, and resolving treble, for both stage and audiophile use.
Check Amazon
Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Comfortable fit, especially for longer listening sessions.
  • Visually appealing and unique design.
  • Good accessory set for the price, including a useful carrying case.
  • Fairly balanced and smooth sound signature, non-fatiguing to listen to.
  • Good noise isolation

Product Considerations

  • Mids can sound veiled or muddy, lacking clarity and detail.
  • Bass impact can be soft and lacking definition, sometimes sounding "one-noted".
  • Treble lacks airiness and sparkle, with limited extension.
  • Technical performance is average compared to competitors in the same price range.
  • Some reviewers note BA timbre, affecting the naturalness of instruments and vocals.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Moondrop Aria is considered more complete sounding and vivid.
  • The SeeAudio Yume perfects the Thieaudio Legacy 2’s tuning with a cleaner midbass, more upper mids clarity, and a more realistic treble experience.
  • The Thieaudio Legacy 3 outperforms the Legacy 2, doing everything better.
  • The TRI Starsea has better soundstage, clarity, and microdetails

Takeaway: The Thieaudio Legacy 2 offers a smooth listening experience and a comfortable design at an affordable price. It could be a good choice for those who want something nice looking and easy to listen to, especially for acoustic music.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Bang & Olufsen
Beoplay EX
399
/
Released
2022
As versatile as they are beautiful, these wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation bring deep sound and snug comfort in one sleek package.
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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

  • Premium design and build quality, using materials like aluminum and glass for a luxurious feel
  • Sound quality is generally praised as excellent, detailed, and balanced, especially after equalization
  • Comfortable and secure fit, particularly for those with smaller ear canals
  • App provides an intuitive EQ interface with customizable presets

Product Considerations

  • Active noise cancellation (ANC), while solid, is not considered the best on the market compared to brands like Sony or Bose
  • Some reviewers experienced connectivity issues, including problems with multipoint pairing and occasional signal dropouts
  • Battery life is respectable but not outstanding, with some reviewers noting shorter-than-advertised playback times
  • Responsiveness of the touch controls is sometimes too sensitive, leading to accidental pausing or track skipping
  • Some users have found the default sound profile (Optimal) to be somewhat flat or boring, requiring EQ adjustments

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Apple AirPods Pro, the EX has more clarity, better soundstage and separation, but tonal balance may be preferable on the Airpods Pro
  • Compared to the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3, the Beoplay EX offers a more balanced and detailed presentation with a more luxurious build
  • Compared to the Devialet Gemini II, the Gemini II offers a more neutral sound signature with advanced ANC capabilities, but Beoplay EX offers a more balanced and detailed presentation with a more luxurious build

Takeaway: The Beoplay EX offers a luxurious experience with refined sound and a stylish design. It's a good choice for those who prioritize sound quality and aesthetics, and value a premium feel.

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
HIFIMAN
Svanar Wireless
499
/
Released
2023
SVANAR Wireless — Ultimate Personal Audio in True Wireless Form.
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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.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent sound quality, potentially challenging cabled IEMs, with a dynamic and holographic rendering and beautiful mids and airy treble.
  • Effective ANC, making it suitable for reducing ambient noise, even in noisy environments, with up to 35dB of noise attenuation.
  • Good build quality, with the IEMs made of lightweight metal and Kevlar, and a sturdy charging case.
  • Good bass performance, with texture and extension, punchy, without overpowering, and a powerful but tight impact.
  • Wide soundstage, creating a spacious and immersive listening experience.

Product Considerations

  • Connectivity issues with LDAC, especially outdoors or in areas with interference, leading to intermittent signal drops.
  • Transparency mode might generate turbulence in windy conditions due to microphone placement.
  • Limited codecs available, with no aptX support.
  • Physical size of the charging case is large and might not be pocket-friendly.
  • Included eartips may not be suitable for all ear sizes, with a shorter nozzle affecting fit for some users.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Final ZE8000: Svanar Wireless offers a more W-shaped and punchy signature, greater upper mids gain, more precise imaging, and a vaster sound layering capability, while the ZE8000 sound more neutral to L shape, warmer, and have more sub bass boost and warmth.
  • Vs Noble FoKus Mystique: Svanar Wireless has some emphasis in the bass, but not as much, has stronger overall imaging performance—providing a wider soundstage and the best balance between the separation and cohesion in the imaging.
  • Vs HIFIMAN Svanar (wired): Svanar Wireless soundstage is taller and wider but not as deep, since clarity isn’t as sharp and clean, silence being more ”noisy”.
  • Vs Sony WF-1000XM4: The Svanar Wireless presents a much more detailed, natural and sophisticated kind of sound, while Sony has bloated bass, that overwhelms everything else.
  • Vs Apple AirPods Pro: The Svanar Wireless generally outperforms the AirPods Pro in sound quality.

Takeaway: The Svanar Wireless is a solid choice for TWS lovers, with a top-tier sound quality, effective ANC, and its convenience and comfort. It is innovative, less bass-heavy tuning, and overall a solid proposal.

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
Sennheiser
Momentum True Wireless 2
238
/
Released
2020
Leading audio technology and innovation with improved ergonomics designed for full day wearing and refined touch controls for a more personalised experience.
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Sennheiser pioneered the world's first open-back headphones with the HD 414 in 1968, which became the bestselling full-size headphone of all time, and later developed the HD 25, evolving from 1980s broadcast use to become the industry standard in DJ booths worldwide. The brand is known for unique engineering approaches, such as integrating high-voltage amplifiers directly into earcups with Carrara marble chassis in the HE 1, developing proprietary ring-radiator transducers and absorber technology to eliminate resonances, and creating the long-running MD 421 microphone that has remained in production since 1960.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent sound quality with depth, great soundstage, and crisp, clean elements
  • Active noise cancellation is a useful addition and blocks out rumbling and background chatter
  • The earbuds themselves are smaller compared to the previous version
  • Touch controls are responsive and easier to use than the old version, and customizable

Product Considerations

  • Continuous battery life with ANC on is quite short at around 4 hours
  • The case is not the smallest and can create a bulge in your pocket
  • Microphone sounds muffled
  • These do not support multi-connect, meaning that these cannot connect to a phone and a tablet simultaneously

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Momentum 2's do not support multi-connect like the Jabra Elite 75T
  • AirPods Pro's transparent hearing quality is better than Momentum 2's
  • Sony's noise-cancelling has an edge over the Momentum True Wireless 2
  • Galaxy Buds Plus have great clarity, but the bass isn't as good as the Momentum 2's
  • The Momentum 2's sound better than AirPods
  • Momentum 2 is more comfortable and nicer to use, battery life is better, and noise-cancelling is included

Takeaway: The Momentum True Wireless 2 earbuds offer respectable noise cancelation, sound good, and are sweat-resistant. These could be worth buying if sound is the main priority.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Sennheiser pioneered the world's first open-back headphones with the HD 414 in 1968, which became the bestselling full-size headphone of all time, and later developed the HD 25, evolving from 1980s broadcast use to become the industry standard in DJ booths worldwide. The brand is known for unique engineering approaches, such as integrating high-voltage amplifiers directly into earcups with Carrara marble chassis in the HE 1, developing proprietary ring-radiator transducers and absorber technology to eliminate resonances, and creating the long-running MD 421 microphone that has remained in production since 1960.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Kinera
Celest Plutus Beast
69
/
Released
2024
Celest Plutus Beast is a brand new three-driver tribrid set of in-ear monitors that comes equipped with a unique configuration housing a customized bone-conduction driver, a balanced armature driver, and a patented second-gen square planar driver unit on each side.
Check Amazon
Kinera is a hifi headphone brand that builds each product around mythology-driven design language, weaving Norse and Chinese lore into concepts and aesthetics through hand-painted artisan resin faceplates where no two units look identical. The brand pioneered EST tribrid tuning with dual Sonion ESTs as a signature and developed proprietary Square Planar Driver (SPD) technology under their Celest line.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Visceral and textured bass, especially given the implementation of the bone conduction driver
  • Gorgeous, eye-catching design with hand-painted faceplates
  • Balanced Armature helps create forward and engaging mid-range

Product Considerations

  • The bone conduction driver can be overly sensitive, causing an annoying ringing resonance, especially triggered by male voices and certain sounds
  • Can have an unnatural timbre in the mids, making some instruments sound artificial
  • Some reviewers found the upper mids to be aggressive or shouty
  • Rolled-off treble can result in a lack of airiness, sparkle, and detail

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Plutus Beast has an unnatural presentation, while the Moondrop May or Aria 2 are praised as having a much smoother, more natural-sounding mid-range
  • Celest Phoenixcall and Plutus Beast have a tangible bond, and if the reviewer loved the first ones, they would like these too, stating both have a sound that is not suitable for critical listening, but for entertainment listening
  • Plutus Beast is more energetic and V-shaped in balance with greater treble boost and focus, as well as similar roll off pass 10khz when compared to the BQEYZ Wind

Takeaway: The Celest Plutus Beast is a beautiful IEM with a different sound. It has fun bass and good mids, making it a very interesting item for its price point.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Kinera is a hifi headphone brand that builds each product around mythology-driven design language, weaving Norse and Chinese lore into concepts and aesthetics through hand-painted artisan resin faceplates where no two units look identical. The brand pioneered EST tribrid tuning with dual Sonion ESTs as a signature and developed proprietary Square Planar Driver (SPD) technology under their Celest line.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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