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

  • Gorgeous earphones made from resin with gold foil and glitter that glisten at different angles, making each pair unique
  • Engaging and dynamic sound, tuned for those who want to enjoy their music
  • W-shaped sound where sub-bass, mids, and highs have a subtle emphasis that can sound great when well-tuned
  • Tactile listening experience with a huge amount of energy and dynamics
  • The stock cable is made by Flash Acoustics and is built to a similarly high standard with monocrystalline and silver cables internally

Product Considerations

  • The housings are on the larger side and may not fit everyone's ears perfectly
  • These are not relaxing-sounding earphones, and sound their best when given some music that is engaging
  • The earpieces are a bit chunky
  • The earpieces actively vibrate even if touched or gently tapped

Takeaway: The Kinera Verdandi earphones are a bombastic and enjoyable listen, managing to portray the subtleties in music with ease, and they have great sound and build quality. If a dynamic, punchy, and fun sound signature that can still handle the softer tracks is desired, these earphones should serve well.

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

Verdandi Hifi Professional Music Earphones

reviews

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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Impedance: 14 Ω
  • Sensitivity: 105 dB
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 50 kHz
  • Connector Type: 0.78 mm 2-pin connectors
  • Termination Plug: Detachable 4.4 mm / 3.5 mm plugs
Introducing the all-new Kinera Verdandi, a brand-new High-End IEM featuring a premium quad-brid driver setup. The pair is designed with an innovative bone conduction driver matched with Kinera's self-developed 6mm dynamic driver unit, dual Knowles Customized Balanced Armature drivers, and dual SONION composite EST drivers. Professional Acoustic Engineers at Kinera have tuned the set to deliver a musical, balanced sound that is pleasing to listen to with different genres of music.
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:

  • Kinera's IEMs have uniquely artistic, hand-painted designs, making each pair a visually distinctive piece.
  • They use a variety of driver technologies (DD, BA, EST, and even bone conduction) often combined in complex hybrid configurations, striving for a specific sonic goal which varies across product lines.

QoA Aviation 3 Knowles  

  • Position: An entry-level hybrid driver in-ear monitor designed for affordable high fidelity.  
  • Description: Features a combination of Knowles balanced armature and dynamic drivers with a meticulously designed cable. Compared to the rest of the lineup, it offers decent performance at a lower price point, ideal for buyers with tight budgets and basic functionality needs.

Kinera Imperial Skuld-5BA  

  • Position: A mid-range professional-grade in-ear monitor focused on precision and detail.  
  • Description: Uses a mix of customized BA units and Knowles drivers with a hand-painted design, ensuring a smooth flat frequency response ideal for critical listening in controlled environments. In comparison to entry-level options, it delivers superior technical refinement with enhanced build quality and deeper soundstage.

Kinera Imperial Baldr 2.0  

  • Position: A high-end, hybrid-driven in-ear monitor aimed at enthusiasts demanding flagship-level rigour.  
  • Description: Integrates multiple driver types—electrostatic, balanced armature, and a dynamic unit—with custom-tuned performance and detachable cables, providing powerful bass, detailed midrange, and open treble. Relative to the lower-priced models, it offers a richer, more nuanced sound signature along with advanced functions.

Kinera Imperial Loki 6  

  • Position: A premium, flagship in-ear monitor with an intricate multi-driver configuration for ultimate performance.  
  • Description: Combines Knowles, Sonion, dynamic, and composite drivers to create a balanced and expansive soundstage with precise frequency division, making it ideal for studio monitoring and demanding listening experiences in varied environments. Against other products in the lineup, it commands a higher price with its innovative driver mix and superior build quality.

Kinera Celest Wyvern Qing 

  • Position: A distinct upper-tier in-ear monitor blending Celest design heritage with innovative acoustic tuning.  
  • Description: Incorporates advanced acoustic engineering and premium materials to deliver a refined, immersive audio performance suitable for critical monitoring in larger, acoustically challenging spaces. When contrasted with Kinera's imperial series, it emphasizes aesthetic elegance and unique tuning characteristics.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
0
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
791
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
27
Founding Year
2010

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.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

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What if you spend more?

Product image
HIFIMAN
Isvarna
2899
2899
/
8
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

  • Combines planar magnetic and dynamic drivers to deliver both detail/speed and powerful bass response
  • Comfortable for long listening sessions, despite having two drivers per side and a crossover
  • Produces clean and detailed sound, with a decent sense of clarity
  • Relatively easy to drive compared to other planar magnetic headphones
  • Smooth transition between the dynamic and planar drivers, creating a coherent sound

Product Considerations

  • Has a mid-bass hump and a roll-off in the sub-bass region, which may not appeal to all listeners or genres
  • Treble response may be too energetic for treble-sensitive individuals
  • The tuning may not be suitable as an 'all-rounder' headphone for all music genres
  • Needs a solid-state amplifier to control the dynamic driver in the low end

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs HiFiMan HE-1000SE: The Isvarna has a wider soundstage, but less height and depth
  • Vs HiFiMan ARIA Organic: The Isvarna has more bass
  • Vs Kennerton Veneta: The HiFiMan is more bassy for bass heads

Takeaway: The HiFiMan Isvarna is a unique headphone that delivers a fun and engaging listening experience with its hybrid driver design, especially for those who enjoy bass. It is comfortable, relatively easy to drive, and offers a clean and detailed sound.

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
Product image
Softears
enigma
3699
3699
/
7
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

  • Beautifully balanced tonal quality
  • Excellent and innovative shell design
  • Unique unboxing and premium accessories
  • Comfortable fit despite the larger shells
  • Wide stereo separation

Product Considerations

  • Treble might seem too controlled for some
  • The sound is source dependent
  • More mid-treble and air up top, lesser fullness in lower-midrange, and less of the mid-bass boost would be ideal

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to 64 Audio’s Fourte and the Vision Ears Phonix, the Enigma competes with them in the summit-fi range
  • Compared to Softears Twilight, the bass is tighter and more focused, with better detail, also the Enigma has a more precise and layered soundstage
  • Compared to Elysian Annihilator, the Enigma trades the sharp precision of the Annihilator for a smoother and more forgiving presentation
  • Compared to Empire Ears Odin, the Enigma is easier and more laid back to listen to, whereas the Odin grabs attention with its bold dynamics
  • Compared to Lime Ears Anima, the Enigma feels more refined in comparison, excelling in accurate ear gain/upper-midrange, which results in it sounding more linear and natural
  • Compared to Kinera Loki Emerald, the Enigma outshines the Loki in mids, offering a more natural and emotive presentation

Takeaway: The Softears Enigma is a well-balanced high-end IEM, with craftsmanship and attention to detail evident in its distinctive design and thoughtful packaging. If one favors a sound that leans toward musicality with a relaxed tuning, the Enigma is sure to please.

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
ZMF
Caldera Closed
3499
3499
/
7
Reviews
ZMF is a boutique hifi headphone brand that crafts one-of-a-kind wooden headphones from stabilized resin-wood billets, each harvested, processed, and assembled in the USA. Their patented acoustic systems include the Atrium Damping System (ADS) and the Caldera's trapezoidal magnet structure. The brand offers lifetime driver warranties and maintains measurement transparency using professional B&K equipment. They have created a distinct enthusiast culture around their annual "ZMF November" limited-edition sales.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Excellent build quality and visually stunning design with unique wood cups, making each unit unique
  • Good bass response with well-balanced tonality, texture, definition, speed, and dynamics
  • Treble presentation is excellent, smooth, bright, and airy without being overly forward or fatiguing
  • The Caldera Closed uses Atrium Damping System (ADS) for a more natural sound decay
  • Very resolving with class-leading dynamics

Product Considerations

  • Mid-range tonality may be uneven and forward for some listeners, potentially causing fatigue or a 'hollow' timbre
  • Soundstage is relatively narrow compared to some other closed-back headphones
  • Can be moderately difficult to drive, not suitable for all portable amplifiers
  • Weight might be an issue for some users, though well-distributed
  • Requires high-quality audio tracks to sound its best

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Versus Caldera Open, the closed version has a superior treble presentation, the open is preferable in the mid-range
  • Versus the Dan Clark Audio E3, the Caldera Closed is easier to drive and has better dynamics, the E3 has a wider soundstage and is more comfortable
  • The Caldera Closed is more spacious sounding than the Atrium Closed
  • The Caldera Closed is better than the Verite Closed for all-day listening

Takeaway: The ZMF Caldera Closed is a beautifully crafted, high-performance closed-back headphone with excellent bass and treble, making for a fun and engaging listening experience. The versatility to use it with most amps makes it a great choice.

Video review

Our take on the brand

ZMF is a boutique hifi headphone brand that crafts one-of-a-kind wooden headphones from stabilized resin-wood billets, each harvested, processed, and assembled in the USA. Their patented acoustic systems include the Atrium Damping System (ADS) and the Caldera's trapezoidal magnet structure. The brand offers lifetime driver warranties and maintains measurement transparency using professional B&K equipment. They have created a distinct enthusiast culture around their annual "ZMF November" limited-edition sales.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Ultimate Ears Professional
Premier
2999
2999
/
6
Reviews
Ultimate Ears Professional specializes in custom in-ear monitors featuring their proprietary IPX/T2 connector system for touring reliability, 3D laser ear-scanning for digital custom builds, and the flagship UE Premier with 21 balanced-armature drivers per earpiece. The brand offers configurable Ambient ports for adjustable stage isolation, and specialized accessories like Sound Guard spike limiting for professional touring musicians.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Custom, personalized fit due to custom molding, offering comfort and secure fit
  • Excellent acoustic isolation, effectively blocking out external noise
  • High sensitivity, making them easy to drive with various sources
  • Astonishing sound with a high level of detail and clarity
  • Durable build quality

Product Considerations

  • High price
  • Deep canal fit may not be comfortable for all users
  • Requires external EQ tweaking to achieve optimal frequency response, as the out-of-the-box tuning may not be ideal
  • The included case design can be unwieldy and annoying to open
  • Ambient port plugs are small and can be easily lost

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Simpler implementation of drivers in the Sennheiser can yield better results

Takeaway: The Premier are a high-end custom in-ear monitor option with excellent sound reproduction, build quality, and personalized fit. For those who prioritize sound quality and custom fit, the Premier could be worth the investment for critical listening or professional use.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Ultimate Ears Professional specializes in custom in-ear monitors featuring their proprietary IPX/T2 connector system for touring reliability, 3D laser ear-scanning for digital custom builds, and the flagship UE Premier with 21 balanced-armature drivers per earpiece. The brand offers configurable Ambient ports for adjustable stage isolation, and specialized accessories like Sound Guard spike limiting for professional touring musicians.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

HIFIMAN
Svanar
1999
/
Released
2023
SVANAR — HiFiMAN's Flagship Single Dynamic Driver IEM with Over-Ear Detail.
Check Amazon
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

  • 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
Bang & Olufsen
Beoplay H95
1250
/
Released
2020
Immersive noise cancelling headphones. Hear every detail. Moving. Meticulous. Mesmerising. Immerse yourself with our adjustable noise-cancelling headphones that put a spin on grab-and-go-listening.
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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

  • 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
Symphonium
Helios - Technical Reference
1099
/
Released
2021
A compact balanced armature IEM featuring PHAT™ (Phase Harmony Attenuation Technology) for enhanced treble extension in a small shell, a visceral U-shaped sound signature with punchy bass and extended treble, and built from durable T6 heat-treated AL6061 aluminium. Includes a custom Nightjar Acoustics cable tuned to match its sound profile.
Check Amazon
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.
Expand Details

Our Summary

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
HIFIMAN
Audivina
1999
/
Released
2023
AUDIVINA — Closed-Back Planar Headphones delivering spacious, high-fidelity sound through Stealth Magnet technology in a stunning, ergonomic design.
Check Amazon
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

  • 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
Symphonium
Crimson
1699
/
Released
2023
A high-performance 4-balanced-armature IEM featuring TrueX™ Custom 4-Way Crossover with FLAT™ technology and PHAT™ tuning. It boasts a refined, ergonomically improved T6 heat-treated AL6061 aluminum shell with forged carbon faceplate. Includes exclusive Altalune Novaron cable (4- or 8-wire), OE interchangeable 3.5 mm/4.4 mm plugs, and premium eartip selection for a personalized fit.
Check Amazon
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.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Ergonomically comfortable for long listening sessions, and has significantly improved from the earlier Helios model.
  • The bass is exceptional in quality, it's tasteful, well-controlled and doesn't intrude into the mids or lower mids.
  • The Crimson delivers above and beyond expectations if the fit and power requirements are met, demonstrating quality of drivers over quantity.
  • Dynamics, soundstage, and resolution are at a flagship level, offering an immersive listening experience.
  • The all BA configuration allows the bass to slam hard as some of the best dynamic driver IEMs out there.

Product Considerations

  • The upper treble can be too bright and zingy, potentially causing listening fatigue, particularly on certain tracks and sources.
  • The sealed, ventless design can create pressure buildup in the ear canals, leading to discomfort, especially during flights or long train rides.
  • The Crimson requires a powerful source to perform at its best, and may sound bland if not adequately powered.
  • The short nozzle and specific design may cause fit issues for some users, requiring experimentation with different ear tips for optimal fit and seal.
  • The stock cable's ear hook is practically non-existent and not doing anyone any favors.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the 64 Audio U12t, the Crimson is technically superior, particularly in bass and upper-midrange, but lacks venting for longer listening.
  • Compared to the Elysian Diva, the Crimson has an edge in technical performance—particularly for a sense of sound stage.
  • Compared to the Unique Melody MEST MKIII, the Crimson has much sharper sounding treble, and it has way more energy in the upper treble unlike the MKIII.

Takeaway: The Symphonium Crimson is an IEM that delivers exceptional sound quality and powerful bass despite having only 4 BA drivers, making it great for listeners that want to enjoy a highly detailed and immersive listening experience. For those seeking a unique and high-performing audio experience, the Crimson is worth considering.

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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