EarAcoustic STA Hi End Max

First, a big shoutout to Zoe from EarAcoustic Audio for giving me this set to make this review and to give it my sincere opinions and impressions. EarAcoustic Audio is a new brand who carry the legacy of TFZ, yes, the legendary brand in the IEM world.

The EarAcoustic Audio STA Hi End Max is a very affordable IEM and the top of the line from EarAcoustic Audio dual DD line, driven by a 10 mm DLC dynamic driver and a 6 mm Composite Diaphragm Dynamic Coil Unit, and at a MSRP of 89.9 USD the STA Hi End Max shows how is not needed to pay a lot of money for an amazing experience into the world of HiFi.

You can find it at the Fragrant Zither Official Store at Aliexpress https://www.alie xpress.com/item/1005008527204721.html, also available in other minor retailers online.
TDLR; The STA Hi End Max is a more than interesting IEM, a balanced, bright but not shouty, organic yet technically remarkable, bassy and musical experience bring by EarAcoustic Audio to offer a fun and appealing sound to beginners and experienced audiophiles for an affordable price.

The EarAcoustic Audio STA Hi End Max presents a balanced sound with a nice bass boost, with an organic delivery but also with plenty of technical qualities, a nice extension into the lower and high frequencies, and a building and packaging who puts in a run for the money other competitor products in the market, with a very affordable price and punching above its weight.
Technical specifications:

• Driver Type: 10 mm DLC diaphragm Dynamic Driver + 6 mm composite diaphragm Dynamic Driver.
• Frequency Response: 10Hz-30kHz.
• Sensitivity: 110dB.
• THD: <0.5%.
• Process Materials: ABS resin electroplated cavity, zinc alloy electroplated frame, metal-over-resin process glossy surface.
• Impedance: 30 Ω.
• Jack connector: SE 3.5 mm.
• Connection Type: 2Pin, 0.78 mm.
• Cable length: 1.2m ± 0.2 m.

What comes in its package?

• [STA-Hi End MAX] In-Ear Earphones * 1
• Cable * 1
• Eartips * 6 pairs (3 pairs of wide bore and 3 pairs of narrow bore eartips; S, M, L sizes)
• Storage box * 1
• Instruction manual * 1

Its cable looks very nice and well-built, is tight and sturdy, I personally love it, and it matches perfectly with the shells. The shells are made of ABS resin with a metallic (Zinc alloy) with resin faceplates, well-constructed, with a beautiful faceplate in which you can see the EarAcoustic Audio and the gorgeous Year of the Snake logos respectively, the housing seem prompt to micro scratches and a fingerprint magnet, but for $89.9 you are expecting a quality product to last. It is comfortable to wear for long periods of time, with a nozzle who fits so well in my ears (6 mm diameter) but I advise seeing if is a nice fit for you because it goes in the medium to large size in comparison to other sets.
How the EarAcoustic Audio STA Hi End Max sounds:

The STA Hi End Max with its 10 mm + 6 mm dynamic drivers' configuration offers a very clean, balanced and natural sound with a nice subbass boost and midbass presence with a nice extension into the lower and high frequencies, and a technical capacity who excels sets in the same segment of price and punches above its weight, offering a balanced and organic, bright but not shouty and full of macro and microdetails all-rounder who offers an immersive, musical and fun presentation of sound, in the soundstage department it is very capable, the resolution and imaging are outstanding, and you can distinguish all the instruments and other tracks in the music.

For this review, I changed the eartips included for the new Hi.dizs Sea Anemone eartips (M size) finding the best synergy in comfort, fit and seal. The stock cable is perfect as it is, so I don’t see the need to change it. The graph is taken from the HBB’s squig.link page.
BASS: The STA Hi End Max offers a filling bass shelf, with a more than decent superiority and amount of subbass thump and midbass bump, it is transparent, sufficiently fast, resolving, well extended into the lower frequencies, with a remarkable tonality and dynamics, it bleeds slightly into the lower mids without mudding the male vocals, it sounds very organic yet natural and adds a nice weight to the overall sound delivery. In songs like “Blind Deaf & Dumb” by Atreyu you can feel the weight of the bass guitar and drum kicks in a charming and fetching presentation, in “Watch me Bleed” by Being As An Ocean, the STA Hi End Max shows how the subbass drops are so well delivered, same as the midbass giving weight and presence to the song.

MIDS: As I mentioned before, in the STA Hi End Max the midbass bleeds slightly into the lower mids but male vocals and bass kick are not muddy, neither veiled, maybe a little thin in occasions, but that is a thing easily fixed with brain burn-in and changing the eartips, the mids have a tiny dip until its forwarded and enters the pinna gain with a smooth but not sibilant approach of transparency and enough weight and resolution, with a 5 kHz peak to add to the feel of those plates and cymbals, female vocals are forwarded as well, neither sibilant nor fatiguing yet close to spiciness, a nice 6 kilohertz dip to use the IEM at mid to high volumes.

In songs like “Pulled under at 2000 metres a Second” by Anathema you can see how the plates and cymbals are presented with an impressive quality and not fatigue at all, the vocals of Angela Gossow in “We Will Rise” in the album Anthems of Rebellion by Arch Enemy are very well presented, same as the drum work of their drummer, nice song btw.

TREBLE: In this segment of frequencies, the STA Hi End Max is very clean, crisp and sharp without too much harshness, handling the sibilance nicely, so, it’s not fatiguing in long sessions at least for me (And I have a mild treble tolerance). Songs like “Touch of Red” by In Flames is shown all the drums and guitars details and colorations in the production of the track, the very emotional outro of the song excels in quality and emotion as well, in “Veteran of the Psychic Wars” by Blue Öyster Cult you can just put the STA Hi End Max in your ears, close your eyes and enjoy the ride in this classic song.

TECHNICALITIES: The upper treble extends very well, presenting an airy and spacy sound, the soundstage is wide, and it gives you a abundant sensation of space and depth. In songs like “Plush (Live) (MTV Unplugged)” by Stone Temple Pilots, you can feel inside the scenario in which they recorded the music, jamming the song in all its greatness. The STA Hi End Max has a very resolving presentation of sound with a separation of sound average for its price but that’s not a bad thing, is nicely engaging and musical so that’s an advantage. With fun and busy tracks like “Marciano (I Turned Into a Martian) (MTV Unplugged)” by Molotov you can be sure to hear all its pieces and instruments in the song just to sing and headbang to the music and feel the emotion of the live concert.

Closing thoughts and conclusions:

The EarAcoustic Audio STA Hi End Max stands out as an imposing offering and one of the best options to buy in the under 100 USD segment, its balance and naturalness, and its added bass and treble extension put it as an overall brilliant all-rounder with an organic yet technical, engaging and musical character, making it ideal for seasoned and newcomer audiophiles and other listeners who want a very high-quality audio experience at an affordable cost. It is in various cases a set who presents a better choice in a very competitive market than more expensive sets.

The EarAcoustic Audio STA Hi End Max with its 110dB sensitivity is easy to drive, even with a low powered source, you can try with source interchanging, but it doesn’t need a powerhouse to reach medium to high volumes and enjoy it as is, but with a neutral and uncolored source like the ESS Sabre chips it is presented as more technical than warm, and with a warm source it doesn’t lack technicalities (sources with CX31993 chips for example), and scales very well with more power. The included eartips are more than fine to use it out of the box, but if you want to change them, my advises goes to offers in the market as the Penon Liqueur Orange, Tangzu Tang Sancai Balanced and TRN T eartips, among other offerings (as the eartips I’m using with it).

Can I recommend it? Of course, YES! The EarAcoustic Hi End Max is one of the good options for its price segment and offers a sound you find in more expensive sets, with the EarAcoustic Audio (TFZ) house sound and seal of quality, it is now in my collection, and I’m not giving it away soon.

Again, thanks to Zoe from EarAcoustic Audio for giving me this IEM to testing it, enjoying it and giving me the reasons I needed to recommend it as a product who excels its praise and deserves more acclaim . Thank you, the reader, for visiting my review, and happy listening!

STA HI-END MAX: PREMIUM DESIGN MEETS DUAL DYNAMIC DRIVERS MUSICALITY

INTRODUCTION
When I first came across the STA Hi-End Max, I was intrigued — not just by its dual dynamic driver configuration (featuring a 10mm DLC diaphragm and a 6mm polymer composite driver), but by how confident the tuning and design philosophy appeared for what seemed to be a new brand. That immediately raised a few questions. It’s not every day that a newcomer enters the scene with such a clear direction in both sonic goals and visual identity.

Out of curiosity — and, admittedly, a bit of skepticism — I decided to dig a little deeper into the background of EarAcoustic Audio. That’s when the pieces started to fall into place. It turns out the company isn’t new at all. In fact, they have deep roots in the Chi-Fi world under the name TFZ (The Fragrant Zither), a brand that many long-time enthusiasts will remember for its bold use of dynamic drivers and eye-catching designs. The rebranding in 2024 marked their return as EarAcoustic Audio, with a renewed focus on refinement and professionalism. And with experienced engineer Chen Xinde still leading the acoustic development, it suddenly made sense why the STA Hi-End Max felt so deliberate and well thought-out.

Armed with that knowledge, I approached the STA Hi-End Max with much more interest — now viewing it not as a debut, but as a continuation of a legacy. And from the very first unboxing, that sense of maturity came through. The build quality felt premium, the design was clean and purposeful, and sonically, the first impressions hinted at an IEM crafted with serious intent.

As you continue reading, I’ll be diving into the STA Hi-End Max’s design, sound quality, and every key aspect that shapes the overall user experience — including source synergy, technical performance, and comparisons with other IEMs in its price range. If you’re curious about how this dual dynamic offering holds up in real-world use, you’ll find everything laid out in the sections below.



Specifications and Packaging

• Model Name: EarAcoustic STA Hi-End Max
• Driver Configuration:Dual Dynamic Drivers
  • 10mm DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) Diaphragm for mid-low frequencies
  • 6mm Polymer Composite Diaphragm for high frequencies
• Magnetic Technology: Dual Magnetic Circuit with N50+N50 Tesla-level Magnetic Coils
• Impedance: 27Ω
• Sensitivity:110 dB/mW
• Frequency Response: 10Hz – 30kHz
• Transient Response Time: <3ms
• Intermodulation Distortion: <0.05%
• Low-Frequency Rebound: ≈50ms
• Maximum Magnetic Flux Density: Approximately 10,000 Gauss
• Shell Material: ABS Resin with Zinc Alloy Electroplated Frame
• Surface Finish: Glossy Finish with Metal Coated Resin
• Connector: 0.78mm 2-Pin
• Cable: High-definition interchangeable audio cable with oxygen-free copper core plated with silver
• Plug Type: 3.5mm or 4.4mm Balanced

Build and Design

Materials & Construction


The STA Hi-End Max has a really solid feel in hand, which is something I always appreciate. The shell is made from a combination of ABS resin and zinc alloy electroplated framing, and this mix gives it a premium, high-quality feel while keeping it lightweight. Even though it’s not heavy, it doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy at all — you can tell right away that it’s well-made.

The metal-coated finish on the resin is particularly nice; it adds a subtle elegance without going overboard or making the IEM feel too flashy. It’s shiny, but in a way that still feels refined, not overdone. The whole construction just strikes a perfect balance between durability and aesthetics. It’s the kind of IEM you can tell will hold up well over time, but it still looks sleek enough to catch your eye when you take it out of the case.



Shape & Comfort
I really love how compact the shell is on the STA Hi-End Max. It fits comfortably in my ears, sitting snugly without sticking out too much. For me, comfort is key, and this IEM doesn’t disappoint. It feels natural and stable, even for long listening sessions. The design is sleek but also durable — so I’m confident it’ll hold up well over time. It’s one of those IEMs that you don’t have to constantly readjust, and that makes it easy to wear for hours without any discomfort.Cable & Connector

Now, the cable is a standout for me. It’s soft, lightweight, and incredibly flexible. I really appreciate that it doesn’t get tangled easily and feels comfortable during long listening sessions. It's also made from oxygen-free copper with silver plating, which helps with sound clarity and stability. The 0.78mm 2-pin connector is standard, making it easy to pair with other compatible devices.

Design Aesthetics

On the design side, the STA Hi-End Max immediately impresses with its glossy, silver finish that strikes a perfect balance between eye-catching and elegant. It’s definitely shiny — but not in a cheap or flashy way. Instead, the subtle gleam gives off a premium, high-end feel that reflects the “Hi-End” name quite literally.

The shell is made from a combination of ABS resin and a metal-coated resin surface, resulting in a build that feels both solid and lightweight. This blend of materials not only enhances durability but also gives it that refined, mirror-like luster that catches light beautifully. It’s a design that manages to stand out without shouting, offering a modern, polished aesthetic that looks just as good in hand as it does in the ear.

From the shape to the finish, it’s clear that attention was paid to both form and function — and for an IEM in this price bracket, the STA Hi-End Max delivers a design that feels well above its class.



Sound Signature & Timbre
The sound signature of the STA Hi-End Max really stands out to me as being balanced with just a touch of warmth. It doesn’t follow the typical V-shape where the bass and treble overpower the mids; instead, it strikes a mild V-shape that becomes more noticeable depending on your gear pairing and tips. When paired with neutral or warm gear, the overall balance stays intact, and the sound remains even across the frequencies. But with more dynamic or treble-forward gear, you might hear the bass and treble coming through a bit more.

The warmth in the sound adds a natural richness that complements the balance without overwhelming anything. The mids aren’t pushed back too much, so vocals and instruments still come through clearly, but there's definitely a subtle emphasis on the bass and treble, which can give the sound a bit of excitement depending on your setup.

When it comes to timbre, I find it quite natural and organic. Vocals and instruments have that lifelike, engaging quality that makes them sound very real. However, when I first tried the STA Hi-End Max, I noticed a slight metallic edge in the highs. After some burn-in, though, the sound became smoother, and that metallic sharpness softened, making the overall sound more controlled and pleasing.

Overall, the STA Hi-End Max gives me a musical, detailed experience. It’s not overly warm or analytical, but rather a balanced sound with just enough bass and treble to keep things interesting without being fatiguing. Its mild V-shape doesn’t dominate the mix — it’s flexible, and depending on the pairing and tips you use, you can fine-tune it to suit your preference.





User Experience

Using the STA Hi-End Max has been a smooth and enjoyable experience, whether I’m listening for just a few minutes or for several hours. The design, as I mentioned earlier, is lightweight and ergonomic, which means I can wear them for extended periods without discomfort. That’s really important to me because, sometimes, bulky or poorly designed IEMs can cause ear fatigue. But with these, I didn’t have that issue at all.

The fit is secure but not overly tight, which makes a big difference when it comes to comfort. I’ve used other IEMs where the seal wasn’t great, or they would slip out during movement, but the STA Hi-End Max stayed firmly in place. That’s crucial for me, especially when I’m moving around or listening on the go.

When it comes to audio content like movies and YouTube, these IEMs really shine. You can hear the separation of sound layers, and the bass hits just right, making explosions in movies feel punchy and realistic. It’s also great for YouTube, where you get clear dialogue and crisp details in every video.



Bass Performance

The bass on the STA Hi-End Max is well-balanced and tight, with an analogue timbre that adds a layer of warmth. It delivers just the right amount of impact, with a satisfying rumble that gives it a deep, engaging presence without overpowering the other frequencies, which I really appreciate. The 10mm DLC diaphragm driver ensures that the low end is controlled, precise, and full-bodied. Even with bass-heavy genres like electronic and hip-hop, the STA Hi-End Max provides a defined and enjoyable experience, where the bass doesn’t become too dominant or muddy.

For example, when listening to "Mess We Made" by The Paper Kites, the bass creates a solid foundation that complements the track’s vocals and delicate instrumentation. The low end adds depth and dimension, bringing a palpable weight to the music without overshadowing the other elements. The bass remains tight and articulate, which is crucial for genres like alternative music, where you want the bass to have an impactful

presence but not be overbearing. The rumble in the bass reverberates with a satisfying warmth, creating an engaging and immersive listening experience.

What I like most about the STA Hi-End Max is its control over the bass. It’s full and deep, but it never bleeds into the mids or affects the clarity of the treble. This makes the IEM versatile across different genres I've tested — from bass-heavy tracks to more delicate acoustic music. I even tried some lofi tracks, and it still sounded really good, maintaining a clean attack with that little “oomph” and satisfying thump when the bass hits.

Midrange Performance

For me, the midrange of the STA Hi-End Max really feels like the heart of its sound. It carries a natural warmth and musicality that I personally find very enjoyable. Vocals, whether male or female, come through full and rich — never thin, and never shouty or piercing. It’s just the right amount of body and presence, relaxed but still engaging.

Instruments are presented in a very natural way. Guitars have a nice crunch and texture, and pianos sound organic, almost like you’re hearing them live. There’s a slight thickness in the lower mids too, which, to me, adds extra warmth and body — although with very busy tracks, the mids can feel a bit dense, but never bloated.

One song that really highlights this is "Make It With You" by Susan Wong. Her vocals sound organic, with a pleasing richness that makes the listening experience very engaging. Thanks to the dual dynamic driver setup of the STA Hi-End Max, there’s also a subtle rumble in the mids — in a good way — that gives the sound more depth and dimension. I can tell the difference between this and the typical midrange you get from a hybrid setup with one dynamic driver and two balanced armatures. It really depends on the tuning and preference, but for me, the tuning here on the STA Hi-End Max is done very well.

The transition from the lower mids to the upper mids is mostly smooth, though there’s a slight forwardness as it climbs toward the upper registers. It's nothing harsh or painful, but it adds a bit more energy to vocals and instruments without making the overall presentation fatiguing. This isn’t the kind of midrange that’s overly analytical or razor-sharp in detail, but it leans more toward a musical and natural character — and that’s exactly the kind of presentation I personally enjoy.


Treble Performance

The treble on the STA Hi-End Max has a clean, extended presence that adds sparkle and liveliness to the overall sound. It’s not overly smoothed-out or dark — instead, it has enough energy to bring out the finer details in music without being harsh or fatiguing. Right out of the box, I did notice a bit of sharpness in the highs, but after some burn-in time, that edge softened nicely. With the right source and tips, the treble becomes much more refined and easier on the ears.

Even though it uses dynamic drivers, the treble carries a touch of air and openness — not in the same way that a BA driver might deliver, but in its own natural and spacious way. It doesn’t feel closed-in or compressed. Instead, it gives instruments and vocals room to breathe, making the overall presentation feel more immersive.

The 6mm driver responsible for the highs handles transients well and keeps things articulate and snappy. There’s a sense of control here, and I didn’t experience any sibilance. It walks the fine line between clarity and smoothness, and I think EarAcoustic did a great job balancing those traits in the tuning. The treble stays engaging but avoids going into overly sharp or clinical territory.

One important factor that really shapes the treble experience is tip rolling. Different ear tips can change how the treble is perceived — some tame it slightly, while others enhance clarity or openness. I enjoyed experimenting with this, as it gave me the flexibility to fine-tune the highs based on my mood or gear pairing.

Listening to "Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman, the STA Hi-End Max delivered those delicate guitar plucks with a gentle sparkle that felt crisp but not fatiguing. Her voice came through clearly and naturally, with just enough brightness in the top end to add air and a touch of liveliness to the track without overshadowing the emotion in the vocals.



Who Is the STA Hi-End Max For?
If you're like me — someone who appreciates quality sound without needing to spend a fortune — the STA Hi-End Max is definitely worth a look. At just $89.90, it offers a strong value proposition, especially considering its build, sound quality, and dual dynamic driver setup. While it may not outperform top-tier IEMs, it delivers a satisfying experience that can easily hold its own against other sets in its price range and even a bit above.

This IEM is especially enjoyable for listeners who enjoy a dynamic, mildly V-shaped tuning with engaging bass and clear highs. It pairs well with a variety of genres, particularly electronic, hip-hop, pop, and alternative, thanks to its punchy low end and vibrant overall signature. The mids stay present and natural, and with the right gear pairing and tips, the sound can lean warmer or more neutral depending on your preference.

If you’re on a tight budget but still want an IEM that feels refined and musical, this is a solid option. It's not trying to compete with $500 models, but for what it offers at this price, I think it's a great starting point — or even a strong daily driver — for budget-conscious audiophiles or casual listeners alike.

Pairing and Synergy:

When it comes to pairing the STA Hi-End Max, I’ve had some really exciting results with a few different sources, and each one brings out something unique about the sound. Let me walk you through my experiences.

First off, I tried the Earmen L-Amp, and let me tell you, this pairing was pure magic. The L-Amp is one of the best dongle DACs I’ve tried, and it has this tube amp like sound that really makes the STA Hi-End Max sing. The synergy between them is so fluid—like you’re floating on a cloud made of chocolate. The bass becomes even tighter, and there’s a sense of warmth and richness that fills out the sound. The treble smooths out just right, and the mids become more engaging. It's a super enjoyable pairing that definitely brings out the best in the STA Hi-End Max.

Next, I hooked it up to the Earmen Colibri, which is another TOTL-level dongle, but this one leans more neutral and transparent. And wow, the STA Hi-End Max really shines here in terms of clarity and transparency. You can really hear everything clearly, with a pristine, natural sound that makes you feel like you're right there in the room with the artist. However, one thing I did notice, especially with this pairing, is that the treble’s hotness can become more apparent. It’s still enjoyable, but I think if you're more sensitive to highs, the Colibri might bring that out more. Still, it’s a great pairing if you like that detailed, open sound.



Then there’s the Ibasso DC Elite, which is another TOTL portable DAC/AMP combo. This pairing was honestly something else. It really revealed the emotional mids of the STA Hi-End Max, and I was blown away by how much more involved I felt in the music. The synergy here was incredible—everything sounded so dynamic and full of emotion. It felt like the STA Hi-End Max reached its full potential here. The sound is extremely revealing, with every little nuance of the track coming through, and the mids were just gorgeous. It’s as if you’ve found that sweet spot where everything falls into place.

What I learned from these pairings is that the STA Hi-End Max scales up quite well depending on the source. If you pair it with a warmer, smoother source like the Earmen L-Amp, it creates a more relaxed and musical sound. On the other hand, with a more neutral or transparent source like the Colibri, the STA Hi-End Max really showcases its ability to resolve detail, but with a bit more emphasis on the highs. And with the Ibasso DC Elite, you get a more revealing and emotional sound, with the STA Hi-End Max performing at its peak.



Each source changes the flavor of the STA Hi-End Max, but in all cases, it delivers a great experience. So, the key takeaway here is that the STA Hi-End Max is pretty flexible with different sources, and you can tailor the sound to your taste depending on the equipment you pair it with.


Lets have some Comparisons
STA High-End Max vs. Simgot EA500 vs. Aful Explorer

When comparing the STA High-End Max to other IEMs around its price, like the Simgot EA500 and the Aful Explorer, each one really has its own flavor depending on what you're after.
The Simgot EA500 is tuned more toward a neutral-bright sound. It's got a nice punch to the bass — not overwhelming — and the mids are clean and clear. The highs are airy and crisp without crossing into harshness, which makes it a safe, versatile pick for a lot of genres. I think it's a good all-rounder if you like a brighter sound that still keeps some musicality.
The Aful Explorer, on the other hand, sounds more neutral to my ears — with a nice balance from bass to treble. What stands out for me is how beautiful and clean the mids are. The vocals sound natural and effortless, and the treble is airy but tuned safely, without being harsh or shouty. It's a very safe and relaxed listen that's easy to enjoy for hours, especially if you're sensitive to upper frequencies.
Now, the STA High-End Max really feels different. It's using dual dynamic drivers, and you can hear it in the way the sound feels rich and alive. The highs have energy, but they don't cross into painful harshness. There's good air and extension without becoming fatiguing if you use the right source and tips. The bass is impactful and rumbles nicely without muddying up the mids. The midrange here is emotional, transparent, and carries a lot of weight and presence — it's really satisfying, especially with good sources.
One thing I personally noticed is that the STA High-End Max scales depending on your source. If you pair it with a warm, smooth DAC/amp, it sounds more lush and fluid. If you use something clean and neutral, the detail and slight edge in the treble comes out more. This is a real strength for me — it means the IEM has room to grow with your gear.
If you're deciding between the three, I'd say the STA High-End Max gives you a dynamic, musical experience that hits that sweet spot between technical performance and musical engagement. Especially if you love a bit of rumble, lively mids, and don't mind a touch of energy in the treble, this one could be perfect for you.


STA High-End Max vs Budget IEM Contenders
Breaking the Limits: Dual DD Mastery for Under ₱5,000

In today’s crowded budget IEM market, finding true standout performers is rare. But the STA High-End Max breaks through the noise. Competing with models like the Aful Explorer and Simgot EA500, the STA High-End Max offers a musical, detailed, and highly dynamic sound that easily challenges higher-priced options. If you're looking for something that sounds emotional, energetic, and alive — without spending big — this might be the one for you.

Sonic Overview
Technical Comparison


Final Verdict: STA Hi-End Max

For me, the STA Hi-End Max is one of the more practical and well-tuned IEMs you can get for under ₱5,000. It’s not trying to be a flagship killer or wow you with crazy technical performance—but what it does offer is a solid, mildly V-shaped tuning that just works for a wide range of music.
I really like how it sounds clean and clear, with enough bass to keep things exciting, mids that aren’t drowned out, and treble that has sparkle without getting fatiguing — especially after some burn-in and the right tip and source pairing. It’s not overly emotional or colored, but it has that kind of honest, engaging sound that you can just enjoy for hours.
Build-wise, it's compact, solid, and feels more premium than what you’d expect at this price. And it scales depending on your source — which is a big plus if you like to roll dongles or use better gear.
If you're looking for something affordable, well-built, and versatile that doesn’t compromise on sound quality, the STA Hi-End Max is definitely worth checking out. It’s not perfect, but for what it is and what it costs, I think it’s a very smart pick.

EarAcoustic Audio STA Hi-End Max​

EarAcoustic Audio is a new brand in the IEM market, and their new release called STA Hi-End Max is surely a eye-catcher. With it's flashy look and premium build, it's look and feel like something really expensive. But now the main question is, does it sounds good too or just look good?


Let’s see.

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Disclaimer​

I got the STA Hi-End Max sent over by EarAcoustic Audio for review, just to be clear. Everything I’m saying here is just my own thoughts, nobody told me what to say or anything like that. They didn’t pay me either, just sent the unit, that's all.


Quick note tho: I’m the type who’s all about that warm, analog kinda sound. you know, where the music feels thick and cozy, bass and mids got a little extra oomph to 'em. I love when stuff sounds full and kinda soft around the edges, like vinyl. Natural, chilled out, not all sharp and clinical. That’s the kinda sound that really pulls me in, makes me just sit back and lose track of time. So yeah, just keep that in mind, that's the sorta thing I’m basing this review on.

If you’re thinking about grabbing one, you can check it out at EarAcoustic Audio.

Click to expand...

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Build & Design:​

To be honest, this IEM is one of the most beautiful looking one’s I seen in this price. One side of the faceplate have the EarAcoustic logo, and the other side have a Snake design. The whole faceplate is surrounded with small crystals, which gives it a shiny and cool look.


The shell is made with CNC aluminum, and it’s feel really strong and premium in hand. Even tho it looks a bit heavy, it's actually pretty comfortable to wear, and the shape is nice fit for ears.


The cable also looks good, it's 2 pin cable with 3.5 mm plug. It’s looks stylish and have premium feel too. At this price, the cable is really decent. No complains from my side.


Also it comes with a silver color pouch that have EarAcoustic logo on it. The pouch look and feel premium. It's soft and good quality and match the whole theme very nicely.

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Sound Impressions:​

Now let’s talk about the sound, which is the most important part actually.


I feel the tuning is kind of V-shaped. That means bass and treble are boosted while mids are not that forward.

Bass:​

The mid-bass have a good punch, which can be fun in bass heavy tracks. When I play “Still Got the Blues” by Gary Moore, the guitar notes felt warm but the low-end had that extra slam which little bit overpower the mids. Sub bass is okay, not that deep but it gives some rumble when listening to “Toy Soldiers” by Martika. It's more of a mid-bass focus than sub-bass extension.

Male Vocals:​

This part is little bit weak. The mids are too recessed, and to my ears, the male vocals sounds little thin and not full. When I play “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, the layering of vocals don’t sound clean. it's kinda congested. Even “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin doesn’t give that open airy guitar feel in the intro, feels closed in. The instruments and vocals get blended together too much in complex tracks.

Female Vocals:​

Surprisingly, female vocals sound better than male in this IEM. They got nice energy and sparkle, specially in the upper mids. When I play “Someone Like You” by Adele, her voice feels emotional and bit airy, but still little sharp sometimes. “Don’t Know Why” by Norah Jones also sound smooth and engaging, the sparkle in her voice comes through nicely. Even “Toy Soldiers” by Martika has that emotional punch in the chorus part.

Treble:​

The treble have nice energy, specially on tracks with cymbals and electric guitar like “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. There’s a sparkle which makes the sound feel lively. But sometimes, if volume is high, it can sound a bit sharp. Detail is okay-ish but not that high level clarity.

Soundstage & Imaging:​

The soundstage is not that wide, feels like all the sounds playing inside your head. I tried some orchestral parts and live versions, but it still didn’t open up. Imaging is also average, hard to pick instrument positions especially in tracks with lot of layering.

---

Conclusion:​

The EarAcoustic Audio STA Hi-End Max is a very good looking IEM with solid build and premium design. It fits well and comes with cool accessories too. For beginners who want a nice looking IEM with decent sound, this can be a good starting point.


But, if sound is your main priority, then I think there are better options in same price range. The tuning still needs more work. The mids is weak, and soundstage and separation also not great.


That said, if EarAcoustic Audio improve their tuning, they can be a strong brand. Because their design and build quality is already amazing.


Happy Listening

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★ Introduction :-

There was a time when the entry level IEM market was filled with KZ offerings. At that time, when people were fed up with using these, a brand called TFZ came to the market as a ray of hope for them.TFZ or The Fragrant Zither, this brand initially created a fairly good position for itself by releasing several market hit products in their product lineup. I personally purchased their my love edition 2019 IEM which I thought was a value for money IEM at the time. And later around the end of 2019 I purchased their king pro IEM. Tfz was behind the chi-fi market for a long time but recently they have introduced themselves in the market with a new name "Ear Acoustic" as well. Ear acoustic recently sent me their entry level IEM "Sta high end max ($89)" which I have been using almost regularly for two weeks.Today, I basically representing my complete experience about this IEM and I also going to highlight how strong position it will be in the current market scenario.



★ Disclaimer :-

First of all, I would like to thank
@EarAcoustic88 for sending me this review unit. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. So the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.

★ Box content at a glance:-

The Sta high-end max IEM is from their sliver angel series so everything about it has a touch of silver colour. This IEM comes with a premium looking also quite large silver colour box. Out of the box the IEM, stock cable, two types of six pairs of eartips and a circular looking carrying case with engraved branding of ear acoustic. I don't think anyone who will purchase it they will have much to complain about at least considering its price aspect. So it is clear that it brings with a complete package.



1. Sta high-end max IEM × 1
2. Two core braided cable with single end jack × 1
3. Circular shape carrying pouch× 1
4. Two kinds of six pairs eartips
5. Some extra paperworks

Out of box IEM comes with almost all necessary accessories. Although they do not deserve much praise in terms of quality, they can be said to be okay as a budget set offering. Stock cable is basically ofc copper cable which is made with a kind of plastic coating. The property of this cable is very soft, besides, polymer coating has been used in its connector portion, splitter, chin slider and 3.5mm jack termination area. However, the cable feels somewhat cheap to use but its good feature is that it is easily tangle free most of the time. On this stock cable, Ear Acoustic was employs a synthetic leather strap guider to better help keep it tangle-free. I would like to say here about another strength of the cable that doesn’t create any unwanted microphonics during use. So it provides good support during the listening season.The circular shape carrying pouch looks very nice and practical. Although ear acoustic claimed that it is made of leather but it is actually made of artificial leather type material.This silver color pouch has good space inside. As a result of this IEM with the cable can be stored well there.The quality of the stock eartips was just ok type, but anyone who wants to use them can continue initial listening. In this case, my advice would be to use some good aftermarket eartips and it is better to say that I have benefited more by using divinus velvet & dunu candy eartips in my testing.

★ Specifications :-

Model :- STA-Hi End MAX
Driver Unit :- 10MM Ultra Clear Analysis Dual Magnetic DLC Diaphragm+6MM Composite Diaphragm Dynamic Coil Unit
Sensitivity :- 110dB
Impedance :- 30 ohms
Frequency response range :- 10-30000Hz
Wire specification :- 0.78MM dual pin oxygen free copper and silver plated wire mixed weave 1.20M

★ Design, Build Quality & Comfort :-

Design wise it's one of the most attractive IEMs I've seen so far, at least in the sub 100$ range with nicer looking shell construction. The sparkly faceplate design & shiny texture with ear acoustic logo on the faceplate of the IEM gives its beauty a different dimension. At first glance, many will mistake these two IEM shells for CNC-machined aluminum alloy chassis which I'm pretty much sure about. Because at first glance no one will think that they are not metal constructed shell.

Actually, ear acoustic has used a kind of ABS resin and zinc alloy combination as shell material even the part of the nozzle is the same. Due to the resin build, they are quite lightweight and at the same time able to provide good fit & comfort which gives a satisfying feeling in longer usage. On the other hand its sound isolation was quite good if secure fit can be ensured. Then out side noise also comes down but I will not include them in passive isolation in any way. This IEM has a mirror finish look throughout most of the shell so it deserve easily finger print & scratch magnet tag in regular usage. As I have already said that they're not crafted by metal but I don't see much chance to complain about the durability. Even if you hold it in your hand it doesn't feel cheap. So if someone is not expecting durability like metal construction then I believe it will not disappoint for anyone.

★ Gear used :-

1. Questyle Audio Engineering CMA Fifteen
2 . Xduoo xd05 bal 2 (Se & Bal both)
3 . Sony Wm1a (Se & Bal both)
4 .Questyle m15 (Se & Bal both)
5 . Quloos Mc01 (SE & Bal both)
6 . Epz Tp50 (Se & Bal both)
7 . Fosi Audio k7 (Se & Bal both)
8 . Fosi Audio Ds1 (Se & Bal both)
9 . Roseselsa Rs9039 (Se & Bal both)
10 . Ddhifi Tc44Pro E2 (Bal only)
11 . Tempotec Sonata Bhd Pro
12. Blon V1 (Se & Bal both)

"Sta high-end max" is a set of 30Ω impedance whose sensitivity level is 110dB. Practically it doesn’t require very powerful amplification to get optimum sound from here. I got decent loudness from the phone's 3.5mm port but if a good quality dac amp or portable player is used, then it gets scaled up with the sources (neutral-warm)and becomes better sounding.

★ Sound Aspect :-

After the transition from Tfz to ear acoustic they retain their v shape sound profile. Sta high-end max is a fairly well tuned v shape set with plenty of bass and treble. On the other hand, the short comings of the mids section are here, which is a common problem of this tuning. This IEM features a 10mm dlc as well as a 6mm composite diaphragm to handle the entire sound frequency range. The most key strength of DD sets are its natural coherency, although they wasn’t very strong in that aspect but it was fairly good because there was no major timbre issues.This IEM is usually sub bass focused and I found the mid bass punch to be a bit mellow where minor bloated was noticed quite often. On the other hand, the bass slam was not very satisfying, even the lack of adequate transient response in the instruments sounds like kick drums & bass guitars can be easily noticed.

However, the sub bass had a decent presence and reached quite deep as well as being able to provide a gentle rumble. Bass section wasn’t very strong for high-end max because the definition & layering were towards average quality. Midrange was on the neutral to slightly forward side and it can retain a decent amount of clarity as well. Vocals timbre was not very realistic here but could maintain a smooth manner most of the time. There's a slight upper-mid emphasis which balances the vocal presence and tries to represent the vocals & instruments well to avoid harshness.

Again, due to the recession in the lower mids region there wasn’t much articulation in the mids section.Which was more noticeable in acoustic or vocal-centric genres. It's good to say that some recorded tracks might feel a bit intense at higher volumes for upper midrange energy which might bother sensitive folks. In the treble section the "high-end max" is able to provide good extended treble. The extension from lower to upper treble was solid without any roll-off issues but the adequacy of airy & openness was just right.The treble section has been tuned in an air-sparkly manner where I didn't notice any unwanted boost.Treble region was usually energetic but not very fatiguing so cymbals, hi-hats, and string overtones come through naturally without being harsh. It's 5khz region was fairly controlled but there is a slight peak at 7-8khz which lends sparkle but in some cases it may seem a little spicy or hot for long time enjoyment but the interesting thing is that it can be adjusted with source matching.

This one may not be ideal for those who are very treble sensitive, but I think the majority of folks will be able to satisfy this kind of treble. In terms of technical ability this set performed well but nothing very impressive. The sound stage height was a little better than average and its width was just ok type. On the other hand due to the lack of stage depth, the sound presentation seems to be playing inside the head sometimes which gives an outward type experience. This set simply gave excellent results in imaging capability for its price point. Because it tries to accurately portray the placement & positioning of the instruments with good stereo separation.




Sta high-end isn’t perfect in the tonality & timbre accuracy wise of course but it will not seem too unnatural. Timbre is acceptable but acoustic instruments sound ok-ish with slight artificial edges.That's why It's not possible to push ahead. Moreover, it is normal to have such a minor drawback as a budget set. Apart from that detail retrieval is a bit on the thinner side and the micro detail was quite sharp but the macro detail was poor and suffers from imperfections. Dynamics & speed are moderately good and bass note less rounded but not sluggish. Bass region has softer edges rather than a tight or impetuous punch. As for mids & treble, the result is faster and a bit more politer than bass. As a budget DD set, the transient in snare hits, plucks also vocal offers decently clean invitation.



★ Comparisons :-

~Trn Shell vs Sta high-end max~

Trn shell packaging & accessories wise offers something better compared to high end max. Build construction was good for both of them but the build of trn shell like a tank. Which it can be slightly less comfortable for small ears due to shape. The sound signature of both are almost similar (v shape). Shell will be ahead here due to its swappable tuning nozzles versatility. Shell's mid bass section was comparatively more forward and punch can be said to have a fairly satisfying level.



Where the high end max will lag behind for its bloated characteristics. Sub bass section strength for high-end max which is roll-off in case of shell. Treble extension is appreciable in the high-end and is extended enough that the presence of air & sparkle can be enjoyed very well. Its upper treble emphasis may be a problem for some sensitive folks, while the trn shell's modular tuning nozzle may be a little more convenient for them. Technically both are good, sound stage height is a little bit better of shell & width similar but stage d epth of both are average. Imaging capability of both of them are good but none of them were highly capable of bringing holographic image in the sound. I had better expectations about the technicalities from trn shell for its quad-driver setup but unfortunately I did not get impressive results from here. Moreover, separation & layering both are performed at a close level, but it is good to say here that in the recordings where many complicated instruments are played together, then it becomes a little more challenging for the trn shell where the sta high-end max performs better.

~Kefine klean vs Sta high-end max~

Kefine klean is a very popular entry budget dd set which has interchangeable nozzle facility. Aesthetics wise the high-end max is definitely the real winner. Both of them are equally satisfactory in fit & comfort section. In terms of sound tonality, Klean can contribute to the needs of almost all kinds of folks, but detail retrieval was more prominent in the offering of ear acoustic. Klean on its black nozzle provides a somewhat bright & fatiguing sound with somewhat leaner note weight whereas the high-end max is able to produce a little bit more mature & resolving sound.



Both have recession in mids section but in case of klean it was noticeably less engaging. Neither of them is strong in the bass section, but the high-end sub bass rumble impact is more pronounced & deeper compared to klean. Treble section of high-end max is one of the key strength in this case it will naturally lag behind in the klean due to its lean note definition.Technically klean performs ok with the black nozzle on the other hand in terms of staging, imaging & dynamics the high-end max was simply better compared to kefine klean.

★ Conclusion :-

Chi-Fi brands have many offerings in the current market under 100$. Ear Acoustic recently launched the high-end series to enrich their entry level segment. Now the big question is is it worth it to enter the new competition under 100$ bucks? In this case, I would definitely say yes. Because in terms of sound, it was not far behind its competitors except for the minor drawback of the bass section. This one looks & design will top the list of best looking IEMs in this budget. Moreover, it has decent amount of detail, resolution & dynamics as its fun v shape sound. Undoubtedly it can be said that this IEMs totally justified in its own price category. The slight bright nature of its upper treble may cause some problems for sensitive folks. Even I have already said about its bloated bass, That's why you will not get any bass head level bass quantity or quality from here. Here I can definitely say that this IEM will satisfy those who like well balance v shape sound. So if anyone has a plan to buy something in such a budget, then I will tell them to keep sta high-end max in the choice list.




I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience

Hifigo (link isn’t affiliated)

DISCLAIMER
The review I'm about to share reflects my personal experience and provides an honest evaluation regarding this set. I am completely unaffiliated from the brands I review. I did not receive (or will receive) any financial or monetary incentives in exchange for writing this review, I wrote this review of my own free will and all of the opinions you'll read are my own.

This unit was provided by EarAcoustic Audio for free in exchange for an honest and detailed review. Rest assured, this does not affect my opinions about this set. Thank you, EarAcoustic Audio, for your continuous support!



INTRODUCTION
I remember the time I unboxed the package from EarAcoustic Audio. They sent three IEMs for review and after unboxing these a while back, I tried each one of them on to test their sound performance. During that initial testing, I remember that this, the STA Hi End Max, was my top pick. And honestly, I still have the same exact sentiments after almost a month of including this IEM on my daily rotation.

Here are the gears I have used for the past few weeks to review the EarAcoustic STA Hi End Max:

Eartips: Tangzu Sancai
Cable: Stock cable
DAC/Dongle: Shanling H5, and iBasso DC07 Pro
Phone/Device: Either my iPhone XR or my laptop
Music Player: Spotify, and Apple Music

PACKAGING
Just like my previous review, the EarAcoustic STA Hi End Max has the same unboxing experience and inclusions except the included carrying case. The included carrying case is slightly downgraded (I mean, is cheaper) in terms of design and materials, but it seems to have the same build quality. The case of STA Hi End Max is also a hard case that can definitely protect any IEM inside during transport and is more than spacious for a single IEM.

This set still has the usual stock eartips from EarAcoustic, one set for standard and one is smaller but has a wider bore. Box is the same too, which is surprising knowing that this IEM is cheaper but it has almost the same premium packaging as their higher-end sets.


(Photo from EarAcoustic Website)

BUILD QUALITY, DESIGN, AND COMFORT
Build quality? Pretty great for a 90usd IEM. Both the shells and the cable feel well built and very durable. The shells seem to be built with metal that is weighty with a shiny chrome finishing and resin faceplate that looks very good when compared to the silver chrome base color. There are no microphonics on the stock cable, but it slightly retains memory/forms when coiled.

Regarding the comfort, the STA Hi End Max’s shell design is slightly on the smaller side with nozzles that aren't that wide and that long so it makes this IEM pretty comfortable and despite its weight, over time, you will likely won’t notice it once you are immersed with the music.



SOUND IMPRESSIONS
The STA Hi End Max is an energetic v-shaped IEM that has a lot of bass and treble. This IEM has a lot of energy on both ends that sounds really engaging but maybe fatiguing overtime especially if your playlist is filled with busy tracks. Nonetheless, as a neutral-bright lover, I still enjoyed using this IEM. I would even say that this IEM has become one of my beater sets since the first time I used this.

This set is different on EarAcoustic’s SPA line. The SPA line leans more on a bright v-shape with toned down bass, but the STA seems to tilt more on the bass with lesser upper-mids and lower-treble but has a lot of extension and energy up top on higher treble to compensate for its bass region.

Bass
Bass is very authoritative and has a lot of power but the quality is not compromised. The combination of sub-bass and mid-bass makes the bass attack punchy and whole. Sub-bass rumble is not that textured but it does its job well to support the bass punch so it can have a good amount of sustain to not sound too congested.

The only problem I have with the STA Hi End Max’s bass is that it slightly bleeds through the mid-range, it is not that well controlled. But other than that, this set’s bass sounds pretty and for me it is the highlight of this IEM.

Mids
When it comes to the mid-range, this IEM is just okay. Lower mids has a certain thickness that makes this IEM more musical in exchange for mid-range clarity (both for instruments and vocals). It has a justifiable amount of warmth to make it sound musical and not make the vocals nasal or boxy at the same time. Upper-mids is not that forward and is nowhere near being aggressive, it basically just balances out the lower-mids to avoid having an unnatural timbre. Vocals are not forward, has decent timbre, and the sharpness is just right.

Treble
Treble is not bright nor aggressive, at least for me. It has a good amount of energy that peaks later at the frequency, not on the lower treble so it gives off a unique presentation that can’t be found on a usual v-shaped IEM. The treble energy comes from the upper treble which makes the treble bite airy and has a good amount of sustain so it doesn’t make the treble dry and grainy. This area is not that textured and is slightly smoothen out, but I think it balances the authority and quantity of the bass so it retains a good amount of detail sharpness like on the cymbal crashes, acoustic guitars, or the high notes of vocals.

One downside I experienced regarding this set is that its rebel doesn’t sound that snappy and tactile. Treble bite sort of decays slower than average, I think too slow at times but most of the time, it is tolerable.

Details, Imaging, and Soundstage
Not much to say, technicalities aren’t that good and not that special. Soundstage has an equal space in both width and height but is slightly congested. Detail retrieval is not that good also. Imaging is pretty average for a sub 100usd IEM.



CONCLUSION
Out of the three IEMs that EarAcoustic Audio sent me, this by far is my most used one. From time to time, whether I am at the office or at home, I always find myself reaching out for this set because of its “comfortable fun” tuning presentation and uniqueness, and I am really glad they included this one in the package for review.

I am surprised that the STA Hi End Max, that is cheaper, sounds way better than their more expensive sets (which already sounds good on their own). This kind of tuning from EarAcoustic has a lot of potential and I hope that they will put a good use to it in the future.