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
- Natural timbre and a lush, organic sound, balancing detail and technical performance with enveloping warmth
- Smooth and balanced sound signature with excellent body, rich mids, and gorgeous vocals, making it enjoyable for long listening sessions
- Vivid imaging and a vast soundstage, giving a sense of grandiosity and wonder, enhancing its articulate clarity
- Quality materials like carbon fiber are use for durability and light weight, with an aesthetically pleasing faceplate
- Great detail retrieval, and some details are further back in the layers of music, but it is still there
Product Considerations
- May be too big for those with smaller ears due to its moderately large size and wide nozzle
- Bass is more focused on midbass with some euphonic bleed into the low mids, and subbass rolls off, which may not satisfy bass enthusiasts
- The silicone tips included may be hard to use
- Not a reference tuning
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Noble Viking Ragnar: The Viking Ragnar emphasizes treble more, with a stronger sense of air and definition, while the Phönix is more relaxed, the Viking Ragnar is for analytical listening, while the Phönix is for a more relaxed experience
- Vs Empire Ears Odin: The Odin has more bass texture, resolution, and deeper extension, the Phönix has fuller and richer mids
- Vs Empire Ears Legend Evo: The Legend Evo is bassier and more exciting, while the Phönix places bass more in line with the rest of the signature and has a wider stage
- Vs 64 Audio Noir: The Noir sounds grander and bigger, with stronger bass, while the Phönix has a more balanced signature and better-controlled bass
- Vs Vision Ears Erlkönig: The Erlkönig's bass is softer, and the Phönix pushes more volume in the upper-mid and treble sections, the Phönix gives more glow and better extension up top
- Vs Vision Ears EXT: The EXT has more sub-bass, with better texture, control, and resolution, the Phönix has fuller and richer mids, while the EXT has lighter vocals
Takeaway: The Vision Ears Phönix is a great choice for anyone looking for a flagship IEM that will make music come alive with a smooth, detailed, and natural sound. It is made for long listening sessions and pure music enjoyment.
All
PHÖNIX
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Manufacturer details
- Drivers: 13 Balanced Armature drivers per side
- Crossover: 5-way passive crossover
- Cable: 4-wire 23 AWG Silver-Gold alloy and OCC copper
- Connector: 4.4mm balanced
- Shell Material: Pure carbon fiber blocks
- Faceplate: CNC milled anodized aluminum with sapphire glass and dark red chrome layer
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:
Select products
VE ONE
- Positioning: An entry-level custom in-ear monitor offering a solid introduction to professional sound quality.
- Description: Delivers a balanced and energetic sound using a hybrid system with one dynamic and one balanced armature driver that provides improved resolution and natural tone. Compared to higher models in the lineup which offer more drivers and advanced features, it suits users with smaller rooms, modest budgets, and basic functionality needs.
VE XCON
- Positioning: A versatile custom in-ear monitor that emphasizes adaptability with sound profile switching.
- Description: Features a magnetic switch that allows users to easily switch between a powerful, engaging sound and a neutral, analytical signature. Compared to the simpler VE ONE and more intricate VE ZEN, its complex four-way crossover and dual sound modes provide varied functionality.
VE ZEN
- Positioning: A high-end custom in-ear monitor designed as the flagship with an advanced multi-driver setup.
- Description: Combines nine balanced armature drivers with a dynamic driver and integrated pressure relief valve to deliver a spacious and detailed sound stage. Compared to the entry-level VE ONE and the versatile VE XCON, its superior resolution and broader frequency range meet the demands of larger rooms and users with higher technical expectations.
EXT MK II - LIMITED EDITION
- Positioning: A premium limited-edition in-ear monitor from the Premium Line built for refined sound performance.
- Description: Uses advanced technologies such as a three-way crossover, re-designed dynamic drivers, and second-generation HALC tuning to produce deep, accurate lows and clear highs. Compared to the PHONIX, it offers innovative tuning and a distinctive design.
PHÖNIX
- Positioning: A top-tier premium in-ear monitor featuring sophisticated engineering and an elegant, multi-material design.
- Description: Integrates 13 balanced armature drivers per side managed by a passive five-way network to deliver a powerful and finely detailed sound profile with natural mids and airy highs. Compared to the EXT MK II Limited Edition, its refined aesthetics and balanced tonal characteristics showcase comprehensive functionality.
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Used
Vision Ears
What if you spend more?
Product Strengths
- Build quality is sensational, handmade in Taiwan, and has thousands of man hours put into it
- The kit has detachable clickable connections, and high-quality pure copper cables
- Comes with accessories such as replacement parts for the earbuds, and adapters (3.5, 4.4 for balance, and 2.5 balance)
- Accessories are beautifully made with wood and good hinges
- The product features a two-way speaker system inside an earbud
Product Considerations
- It demands good, abundant power to be driven, due to its specifications of 93dB sensitivity, and 182 Ohms
- Needs to be burned-in (driven) for no less than 200 hours, and most possibly 300 hours
- The stock cable has tiny connectors which make it very difficult to connect any wire beyond 26-28awg
- The outer packaging box seems to be a reformed cardboard box, which is huge and white, and may not be durable in the long run
- The proprietary MMCX-designed connectors means the cable’s tiny connectors make it very difficult to connect any wire beyond 26-28awg and perhaps a very thin 2 or 4 wire at best
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The oBravo RA-C-CU excels versus the Vision Ears EVE2020 across every parameter, though there is a warmth across the EVE’s midrange via its dynamic driver, that moves it to, at least, competitive with the RA-C-CU and its Neodymium Dynamic Driver
- There were no aspects between the Vision Ears ELYSIUM and the oBravo RA-C-CU where the oBravo did not excel
- The oBravo RA-C-CU extends a competitive advantage across all relevant parameters from bass extension to treble extension to transparency to a coherency that holds together through the most complex and dynamic passages to a more expansive soundstage, compared to the oBravo EAMT-2C
Takeaway: The Ra-c-cu (21.5) is a very well-made earbud that gives a sensational listening experience like high-end speakers in one's ears. If one wants to treat oneself with serious earbuds where money is not a problem, this is the way to go.
Video review
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Considered by many as having the best sound achievable in an in-ear headphone, making it an exceptional audio experience
- The sound signature is mostly balanced with tasteful coloration, where the treble imparts a particular element that is potentially preferable
- The midrange is extremely well done
- Features unique SLAM subwoofer, woofer, midwoofer, mid tweeter, tweeter and EST technologies
- Built with Grade 5 titanium, providing sturdiness and high quality
Product Considerations
- Treble performance can be hit or miss depending on the listener's anatomy and HRTF
- Requires more power than typical IEMs, potentially draining the battery of portable audio players
- Shells are on the larger side
- The included cable is nice, but the chin cinch tends to slide down
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Hi-Senior Megafest and Dusk Default DSP, the Storm is an editorialized or enhanced version of those IEMs, particularly regarding bass and mids
- Compared to the 64 Audio U6T, it has similar balance with similar tasteful colorations, but Storm's bass is more punchy and the upper treble is more to the reviewer's preference
- Compared to the Empire Ears Odin, the Storm is preferred because the Odin is not as versatile, and the Storm sounds more detailed
- Compared to the Empire Ears Raven, the Storm is more normal in a good way because the Raven has massive bass and a strange lower midrange resonance feature
- Resolution, stage and tonality are better on the Storm compared to Grand Maestro
Takeaway: The Storm is a high-end IEM with exceptional sound quality and great build, even if pricey. It could be worth buying for those who want the best possible audio experience and appreciate a balanced sound with unique features.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Fuller body smooth analog tonality and a neutrally balanced sound signature
- Naturally resolving treble
- Expanded soundstage
- Beautiful, exotic material shells and premium leather accessories
- Very light weight
Product Considerations
- The high price is a significant consideration
- Performance is source pair-up dependent
- The included PWA First Times Shielding Pro cable has some microphonics
- Shells are a little bigger in comparison to previous Mason FS models and MM/AP models from Mentor-series
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Unique Melody Amber Pearl, the Soleil Tombé has less bass and is more neutral, allowing for clearer mids compared to the Amber Pearl's stronger bass presence
- Vs U12T, the Mason FS has better bass impact and texture, while the Mason FS also presents vocals as warmer and fuller, with more atmosphere, while the U12T presents a very clean and clear sound, though it is less energetic
- Vs Noble Onyx, the Mason FS is warmer, while the Onyx has a larger, more open sound, though the Onyx can be clearer in higher registers but loses clarity in lower registers compared to Mason FS
- Vs UM Mason FS Le Jardin (LJ), the 2024 model is just $499 more
Takeaway: The Mason FS Soleil Tombé is a very good-looking IEM that provides a unique listening experience with balanced sound and beautiful mids. It is for people that want something different than other products in the market.
Video review
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What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent technical performance and detail retrieval, considered several cuts above other IEMs
- Outstanding imaging performance, with precise soundstage and instrument separation
- The bass response is a highlight, delivering a punchy sub-bass with texture and articulation
- Offers a warmer tonal balance that is easy to get into with a mostly 'neutral' sound
- Bone conduction enhances low-frequency extension, reverb, and detail
Product Considerations
- Large chassis that may be uncomfortable for some users, particularly those with smaller ears
- The subdued treble range may not provide enough energy and sparkle for some listeners
- Stock cable is lackluster in terms of usability due to its plasticky feel, rigidity, and microphonic feedback
- Driver flex (a harmless crinkling sound upon insertion) is present
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Legend Evo delivers a stronger bass impact, depth, and extension than the Legend X
- Legend Evo produces better constructed highs than the Legend X
- Legend Evo shows better clarity than the Legend X, and has more detail
- The Legend X can sound veiled concerning the Legend Evo
- The Legend Evo feels a touch smoother than the Empire Ears ODIN
Takeaway: The Legend Evo is a top-tier IEM with innovative bone conduction technology that creates a unique and immersive listening experience with enhanced bass. It is a great option for those seeking flagship-level performance with a warm, bass-focused sound signature.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent detail retrieval, resolving with the best over-ear headphones, challenging the brain to take it all in.
- Wide soundstage with precise imaging, creating an immersive, holographic 3D image.
- Easy to drive, delivering speed and impact even with low-power sources.
- High level of craftsmanship and build quality, using premium materials like CNC-machined aluminum and Damascus steel faceplates.
- Comes with the Magnus cable, a high-quality 8-core cable constructed with graphene, monocrystalline silver, and copper-silver alloy.
Product Considerations
- Treble can become a bit hot and fatiguing over long periods, but can be mitigated by using foam ear tips.
- Bass presence is more nominal and cohesive, not dominant or overpowering like some bass-head IEMs.
- Fit may be an issue for some due to the larger-than-average size of the IEM.
- Could be fatiguing over time due to sensory overload from extreme detail.
- Some reviewers found that the upper mids/lower treble frequency range could use a little boost.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Offers a stronger balance of detail, performance, and musicality, a fuller, richer midrange, and better texture and timbre, when compared to the Empire Ears Odin—Odin has stronger holographic separation, an intense sense of vocal performance, and more potential for fatigue.
Takeaway: The Noble Viking Ragnar is a top-tier IEM, offering incredible detail and a wide soundstage for an immersive listening experience. Its build quality and design are exceptional, making it a great choice for those who want some of the best IEMs in the market.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Tremendous transparency, offering a wealth of microdynamics and spatial cues, critical in determining positioning and layering.
- Incredibly clear sound, yet wrapped in a warm, lush, and inviting overall picture.
- Highs are extended, detailed, and wonderfully resolved, easily able to summon the ethereal or holographic when called for.
- The soundstage is quite impressive—deep, wide, with very good headroom, and holographic when called to be so.
- The shell design is comfortable with a short nozzle, and light weight.
Product Considerations
- The treble is a little bit relaxed, and some songs may not cut through the way they need to.
- Amplifiers for this particular headphone are going to matter, and they are going to make a difference between several different amplifiers.
- The bass does not bring the rumble, nor the impact, nor does it reach to the stygian depths of the Holy-Bass-Head-Grail.
- Though the Odin provides for a comfortable fit, it can be uncomfortable for people who have really small ear holes, as the stem itself is quite wide.
- The 'Bifröst' faceplate design might be too flashy for some.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Empire Ears Zeus: The Odin smashes the Zeus all day, every day, for sound quality, with a better midrange and significantly nixed highs.
- Vs 64 Audio U12T: Odin is at least as good, if not better, in the mids and the bass, and has better punch and slam to the bass frequencies.
- Vs Empire Ears Legend X: The Odin is a much more balanced-tuned IEM.
- Vs 64 Audio Tia Forte: The Odin has a more agreeable frequency response.
- Vs Thieaudio Monarch: The Monarch has a really nice bass shelf, but the Odin has better technical performance and a better frequency response.
Takeaway: The Empire Ears Odin offers an easygoing listening experience and clear sound, and has tight bass response with a great midrange. It could be a great choice for those seeking a warm IEM with finesse.
Video review
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