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.
All
Alba
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Transducer Type: Dynamic
- Sensitivity: 109 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz
- Transducer Size: 10.8 mm
- Input Connector: 2-Pin
- Frequency Range: 15 Hz - 25 kHz
- Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.1% at 1 kHz
- Impedance: 32 Ω
- Weight: 14 g (0.5 oz.)
Description
Designed for the curious and the free-spirited, for the stylish travellers and people on the move, the ALBA in-ear monitors are a perfectly accessible and qualitative introduction to the world of elevated audio enjoyment. ALBA [ Romanian noun | 'alba — first light] also features a custom-made 3.5mm to USB-C adapter with a built-in DAC/AMP for a complete and immersive listening experience on the go.
Release Timeline
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:
- Meze's products exhibit a distinctive aesthetic, often incorporating natural materials like wood and leather, offering a blend of modern and classic design elements.
- The brand prioritizes repairability and longevity in its designs by using screws and metal fixings to facilitate easy disassembly and part replacement.
- Meze headphones consistently receive praise for exceptional comfort, due to features such as self-adjusting headbands, well-designed earcups, and carefully selected padding materials.
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Select product comparisons
Alba
- Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and portability.
- Description: Offers a balanced sound profile with a touch of warmth, making it ideal for those new to high-fidelity audio. Its standout feature is the inclusion of a USB-C DAC/AMP, which is not found in other Meze products, enhancing its compatibility with modern devices. This makes it perfect for users seeking a portable and budget-friendly option without sacrificing sound quality.
99 Neo
- Positioning: Mid-range closed-back headphones, offering a blend of style and performance.
- Description: Features clear and balanced sound, with a design that emphasizes comfort and durability. Unlike the Alba, it features a self-adjusting headband and medium-density foam ear pads for better sound isolation, making it suitable for home use where noise isolation is important.
105 AER
- Positioning: Versatile open-back headphones, designed for a wide range of musical genres.
- Description: Features lightweight design and premium materials, offering a lush and immersive sound experience. Its unique W-shaped dome and ultra-thin torus provide enhanced clarity and detail, setting it apart from the 99 Neo's closed-back design.
Liric
- Positioning: High-end closed-back headphones, focusing on luxury and advanced acoustics.
- Description: Features isodynamic hybrid array technology, delivering a powerful yet nuanced audio experience. Its closed-back design and detachable magnetic ear pads offer superior sound isolation compared to the open-back 105 AER. The use of premium materials like Macassar ebony wood adds to its luxurious appeal.
Elite
- Positioning: Flagship open-back headphones, representing the pinnacle of Meze's audio engineering.
- Description: Equipped with groundbreaking Rinaro's Isodynamic Hybrid Array technology, providing an ultra-high resolution audio experience. Its open-back design and advanced driver technology offer a wider soundstage and more natural sound compared to the Liric. This makes it the ultimate choice for audiophiles seeking the finest in sound quality and craftsmanship.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
3
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
89
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
16
Founding Year
2011
Our take on the brand
Meze Audio is a hifi brand known for their unique Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver technology, which provides an immersive sound experience with a frequency range of 3 Hz to 112 kHz. Their headphones feature distinctive design elements like black walnut wood ear cups and detachable magnetic ear pads, setting them apart from typical plastic or metal designs in the premium headphone market.
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?
Our strongest differentiator is adding the comfort element to the equation. Most headphone models are focused only on technological advancements, forgetting that comfort and ease of wear are also very important factors when choosing an object that you intend to wear for hours on end.
That is why our headphones are specifically designed to be lightweight and to combat any pressure points that can occur when wearing them for long periods of time.
What's your approach to customer support?
Our clients have the possibility to contact either the dealers/distributors or our support department directly, through our support page: https://mezeaudio.com/pages/contact.
Our headphones are designed to be fully serviceable, so every part is easy to change, in case there’s an issue. There is no glue, just nuts and bolts, so anyone can change any part of the headphone with just a screwdriver.
We are quick to solve any problem as soon as it occurs and in some instances, we do go above and beyond to help our customers. One time, I remember someone was actually wondering if our 109 PRO model's ear cups are really made of wood, so we disassembled a unit, removed the ear cups, broke them into pieces and sent him pictures with the wood pulp, to show that we do use real wood, haha!
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
My favourites would be (not necessarily in this order): Sevdaliza - Bluecid, Isaac Gracie - Silhouette of you, and lately, Sleep Token - Damocles or Caramel.
What other products pair best with yours?
Thankfully, there are a lot of good products on the market that have strong synergy with our products, and we are fortunate enough to have great partners in the industry to pair our headphones with.
We also received very good feedback from our customers testing the pairings at different trade shows, and they prefer the following: Chord Dave, Feliks Envy, Ferrum Wandla + Oor + Hypsos combo, the DCS Lina stack, Auris Headonia, Linear Tube Audio Aero + Velo combo, and many many more, these is just top of the mind.
From our interview with
Alexandra Rizoiu
.
Brand Page
Used
Meze
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What if you spend more?
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Thieaudio
Monarch MKIII
999
999
/
13
Reviews
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
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Offers excellent midrange resolution, highlighting subtle details in instruments
- Features a safe yet exciting U-shaped tuning suitable for all genres
- Presents a dynamic and exciting sound signature, clear vocal performances, and a resolving staging performance
- The included cable is of high quality and features interchangeable plugs
- Has great audio reproduction accuracy and consistent audio delivery
Product Considerations
- The upper treble may be a little exaggerated for some listeners
- The shell is larger than average for a universal IEM, which may cause fit issues for some
- Stock ear tips are just okay
- Bass resolution could be better
- Does not have an integrated microphone, so a standalone mic is needed to take calls
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Monarch MKII: The MKIII has increased richness in its midrange and an upper treble exaggeration, offering a slightly U-shaped signature compared to the MkII's balanced profile
- Vs. Symphonium Helios: MkIII's midbass body contrasts Helios' dipped lower mids, MkIII has better overall resolution, but a more exaggerated treble
- Vs. 64 Audio U4s: The MkIII is better tuned compared to the U4s, with the U4s having a thicker midrange and weightier timbre
- Vs. MOONDROP x Crinacle DUSK: The THIEAUDIO have a more detailed treble range
- Vs. MOONDROP Blessing 3: The THIEAUDIO have a more elevated bass range
- Vs. TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO: RED: The THIEAUDIO do a better job blocking out external noise and leak less audio
Takeaway: The Monarch MKIII is a well-tuned IEM that is great for all kinds of music and has excellent technical performance. If one is looking for a high-end IEM with a versatile sound, this could be a great choice.
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
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Sennheiser
IE 600
899
899
/
13
Reviews
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
Product Strengths
- Agreeable, natural sonic signature
- Sounds very good, feels tough, and comes with most of the accessories needed
- Precision-milled housings follow the company’s IE 900, IE 200, and IE 300 models, shape wise, and therefore comfort wise
- A well-engineered product that sounds excellent
- Measured performance closely aligns with a headphone preference curve, so it sounds excellent
Product Considerations
- Basic silicone eartips that don’t fit everyone
- The MMCX connector is an atypical version that will not work with most other cables
- The texture of the AMLOY-ZR01 finish is not everyone's favorite to wear
- Treble is a bit subdued with cymbals resolving reasonably well, but way behind the IE 900
- Stock tips that come with Sennheiser's earphones are poorly designed; the silicone lacks rigidity to the point of which it more often than not collapses against the ear when one inserts the IEMs, thus making a proper seal very difficult to achieve
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs IE 900: The easier-to-drive IE 900 have a tighter, less thumpy low end and a leaner midrange, which results in better separation between the two, and also in better midrange resolution and clarity
- Vs IE 900: The IE 900 also have a much superior (perceived) treble extension and resolution, and a much wider soundstage
- Vs Final E5000: The final E5000 offer fuller voices, more bass, but less treble than the IE 600, and a narrower stage
- Vs Meze ADVAR: The ADVAR's sound is taller than the IE 600, the latter has more width, and imaging is tight and well-produced in both IEMs, with the IE 600 edging out the ADVAR by the slightest of margins
Takeaway: The IE 600 is a great set of earphones that will appeal to listeners owing to their punchy tonality and is pretty much unparalleled in their class. With the IE 600, listeners get undistorted audio and great isolation, and durable materials that will always sound good.
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.
Product Page
Product Page
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Westone Audio
MACH 60
846
846
/
12
Reviews
Westone Audio specializes in in-ear monitors designed by and for musicians, offering universal-fit and custom models engineered for accuracy, comfort, and stage-ready reliability. The MACH series delivers their popular custom-quality sound in a universal fit, the AM Pro X line preserves on-stage ambience for performers, and the Pro X series uses efficient sound channels for cleaner, more balanced frequency response. Praised by musical icons for decades, Westone emphasizes uncompromising performance for both professionals and discerning listeners.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Very comfortable, suitable for long listening sessions and wearing in bed, due to its small size, lightweight design, and ergonomic shape
- Delivers a neutral and natural sound presentation, making it appropriate for stage and studio monitoring
- Excellent sound isolation, effectively blocking out external noise
- Good detail retrieval and resolution, presenting information accurately
Product Considerations
- May sound a bit boring or dull if one is looking for a more dynamic and engaging sound with more bass and treble emphasis
- The plastic build quality may not feel as premium as some other IEMs
- Requires a bit more power to drive it to sound best
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Mach 60 has a more neutral presentation, while ADV M512D is more elevated in the mids and treble and has more bass impact
- Mach 60 is more neutral and natural, while Unique Melody MEST delivers excellent detail and resolution
Takeaway: The Westone Mach 60 is a comfortable and well-built in-ear monitor that delivers a neutral and natural sound, great for musicians and audiophiles looking for an accurate representation of their music. It is a great tool as a stage monitor and comfortable for long listening sessions.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Westone Audio specializes in in-ear monitors designed by and for musicians, offering universal-fit and custom models engineered for accuracy, comfort, and stage-ready reliability. The MACH series delivers their popular custom-quality sound in a universal fit, the AM Pro X line preserves on-stage ambience for performers, and the Pro X series uses efficient sound channels for cleaner, more balanced frequency response. Praised by musical icons for decades, Westone emphasizes uncompromising performance for both professionals and discerning listeners.
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Product Page
FIIO
FH9
558
558
/
12
Reviews
FiiO stands out for integrating unique features into portable audio devices, such as their BTR7 DAC/amplifier with its screen and wireless charging, and their KB3 mechanical keyboard with a built-in DAC/amp. The brand caters to audiophiles seeking personalization through products like their pioneering X7 music player with interchangeable amp modules and their compact R7 desktop system that combines streaming, DAC, and headphone amplification capabilities.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Convincingly balanced sound performance with a slight bass emphasis
- A wide and deep soundstage
- High-quality build, using a titanium housing, making it feel robust
- Good clarity and sparkle in the highs, with a natural and airy treble that feels relaxed
- Comes with a decorative, braided balanced cable made of silver wire, with interchangeable ends
Product Considerations
- A larger earbud which may affect the fit for some users
- A slight emphasis in the bass area and a sober sound, which may be a matter of taste
- Semi-open design is less isolating
- High frequencies might be too elevated for some
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs FiiO FH5s: Better bass texture, transparency, resolution, and treble definition, and sounds more cohesive and balanced
- Vs FiiO FH7: Better design, a better carrying case, more accessories, better build quality, better refinement, more resolution, transparency, treble definition, dynamism, and a wider and deeper soundstage
- Vs Kinera Norn: Better mid-range definition, tonality, and transparency, the Norn has a more V-shaped sound signature with splashy and aggressive treble
Takeaway: The FiiO FH9 is a well-crafted IEM with a balanced sound signature and customizable options, making it enjoyable for a wide range of listeners. It has excellent detail retrieval and a wide soundstage that immerses the listener in the music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
FiiO stands out for integrating unique features into portable audio devices, such as their BTR7 DAC/amplifier with its screen and wireless charging, and their KB3 mechanical keyboard with a built-in DAC/amp. The brand caters to audiophiles seeking personalization through products like their pioneering X7 music player with interchangeable amp modules and their compact R7 desktop system that combines streaming, DAC, and headphone amplification capabilities.
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What competes at this price?
Bowers & Wilkins
Pi7 S2
259
/
Released
2023
What does it take to create category-defining True Wireless earbuds? High-resolution sound and crystal-clear voice calls, an industry-first wireless audio retransmission case, plus a choice of three elegant colors.
Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent sound quality with clarity and detail
- The charging case doubles as a wireless transmitter, connecting to non-Bluetooth devices via USB or 3.5mm jack
- Improved Bluetooth connectivity and an extended range of up to 25 meters compared to the original PI7
- Premium design and comfortable to wear for longer durations
- Excellent bass response
Product Considerations
- The B&W app lacks EQ customization options
- Transparency mode has noticeable hiss and is not easily accessible via the earbuds, requiring the app to activate
- Noise cancellation is good, but not class-leading compared to some competitors
- Some reviewers find them bulky and not very comfortable for prolonged use
- No multi-point pairing
Takeaway: The Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 is a great choice for those who prioritize exceptional sound quality and appreciate the unique wireless transmitter feature. It provides an immersive and detailed listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
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Truthear
Nova
169
/
Released
2023
NOVA is a 1DD+4BA in-ear headphone with 3-way crossover composite structure. Compared with HEXA, the original design intention is to further improve the high-frequency performance while maintaining a reasonable and efficient configuration, and also strive to bring users a mature earphone with a hybrid 3-way crossover structure at a reasonable price.
Truthear is a brand that has continued to design products not just in response to but in collaboration with the audio community and influential figures such as Headphones.com's 'Listener' and The Hangout's 'Crinacle'. Delivering products that achieve excellent adherence to preferred targets at extremely accessible prices.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Sound signature is likely to be palatable for a wide range of people at its price point.
- Good emphasis in the upper midrange, decent timbre, good resolution, the upper midrange is upfront with the vocals, nice details, and it works well with a smooth treble.
- Very smooth treble and the absence of sibilance.
- Good dynamic bass that's nicely textured and has a decent rumble.
- Imaging is accurate.
Product Considerations
- The Truth Ear Nova does not sound better or more balanced than the Hexa, since the reviewer prefers a more balanced sound signature.
- Nova is not a thick-sounding IEM, it's quite thin.
- The midrange is chiefly defined by a cavernous suckout in the low-midrange.
- Soundstage is a little narrower than preferred.
- Shell size may be slightly large for smaller ears.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Moondrop Variations: Nova is significantly cheaper and close enough in performance that one should save money and go for Nova.
- Vs. Truthear Hexa: Nova easily has a smoother treble presentation, has more dynamic bass, and is more ergonomic, but Hexa has one of the best midranges in this price tier.
- Vs. Truthear Zero: RED: Zero: RED beats Nova almost across the board in tuning and simply sounds more normal.
Takeaway: The Truth Ear Nova is commendable for achieving its tuning at its price point, especially for those looking for a V-shaped presentation or Harman-esque kind of sound signature. If the Harman IE target is to one's liking, Nova is probably as safe a choice as any of the other Harman options out there.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Truthear is a brand that has continued to design products not just in response to but in collaboration with the audio community and influential figures such as Headphones.com's 'Listener' and The Hangout's 'Crinacle'. Delivering products that achieve excellent adherence to preferred targets at extremely accessible prices.
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FIIO
FH5S/FH5S Pro
254
/
Released
2021
Thanks to the excellent designs and great sound, FiiO balanced armature and dynamic driver hybrid earphones have always been highly praised and become best sellers due to positive word-of-mouth. The all-new rookie FH5s is a true upgrade from the veteran FH5, with significant advancements and innovations in all aspects including appearance, comfort, sound quality. The student has now surpassed the master.
FiiO stands out for integrating unique features into portable audio devices, such as their BTR7 DAC/amplifier with its screen and wireless charging, and their KB3 mechanical keyboard with a built-in DAC/amp. The brand caters to audiophiles seeking personalization through products like their pioneering X7 music player with interchangeable amp modules and their compact R7 desktop system that combines streaming, DAC, and headphone amplification capabilities.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Detailed and clean sound, putting plenty of micro-details on the foreground
- Good build quality and comfortable design
- Swappable audio plugs included
- Tuning switches featured
- Open and wide soundstage
Product Considerations
- Treble can be a bit sharp and metallic sounding
- A dedicated DAP, Bluetooth dongle, or external DAC/Amp is needed to shine
- Below-average noise isolation due to its semi-open nature
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Approaches the FiiO FH7 closely, but is not exactly as punchy and engaging when bass notes are coming to play, FH7 has a better midrange rendition
- The FH5s gives a harder edge to treble notes, but at the same time creates a wider and more spacious soundstage
- The FiiO FD5 emphasizes warmth, smoothness, and a lush sound with prominent bass and midrange, where the FH5S has a more textured midrange, and a cleaner bass with less emphasis
Takeaway: The FiiO FH5S provides an outstanding unboxing experience and impressive features, along with a clear sound. The IEM allows for long listening sessions.
Video review
Our take on the brand
FiiO stands out for integrating unique features into portable audio devices, such as their BTR7 DAC/amplifier with its screen and wireless charging, and their KB3 mechanical keyboard with a built-in DAC/amp. The brand caters to audiophiles seeking personalization through products like their pioneering X7 music player with interchangeable amp modules and their compact R7 desktop system that combines streaming, DAC, and headphone amplification capabilities.
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Moondrop
Aria2
99
/
Released
2023
The MOONDROP Aria 2 is a dynamic driver in-ear monitor crafted with a zinc alloy cavity and brass nozzle. Designed for accurate sound reproduction, it provides a balanced and engaging audio profile with low distortion and durable build quality.
Moondrop is a hifi audio brand with distinctive driver combinations, including tribrid designs that incorporate multiple planar drivers in single IEMs. They are known for offering exceptional performance at affordable prices, as well as unique features such as their DSP-in-the-cable solution the FreeDSP Pro.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Improved build quality with a new alloy casing that feels solid and durable
- Comes with a high-quality cable, including swappable jacks, supporting 3.5mm TRS and 4.4mm balanced ends
- Balanced U-shaped signature that works well with many genres
- Improved clarity and lower distortion compared to its predecessors, enhancing the overall listening experience
- Good soundstage and imaging for a sub-$100 IEM
Product Considerations
- Weight (11.8g per earbud) can lead to discomfort over time for some users
- Upper mids can sometimes sound a bit shouty
- Some reviewers find the bass response leaner compared to the original Aria
- Stock tips are not great and reduce clarity
- Some listeners may be disappointed by the boosted treble prominence over the bass
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Moondrop Aria 1: Deeper bass, better midrange clarity, and improved soundstage and imaging
- Vs. Moondrop Aria Snow: Deeper bass and more presence in both sub-bass and mid-bass
- Vs. Truthear ZERO: RED: Better build quality, while the ZERO: RED is more technically capable with better clarity
- Vs. Moondrop KATO: Measures essentially identically to the KATO, but the KATO is clearly more detailed and technical
Takeaway: The Moondrop Aria 2 is a well-built IEM that provides good sound quality and useful features. It's a solid choice for anyone looking for an enjoyable listening experience, especially as an entry point into higher-performance IEMs or as a companion to more analytical sets.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Moondrop is a hifi audio brand with distinctive driver combinations, including tribrid designs that incorporate multiple planar drivers in single IEMs. They are known for offering exceptional performance at affordable prices, as well as unique features such as their DSP-in-the-cable solution the FreeDSP Pro.
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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.
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
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