Hisenior Mega5-EST

-HISENIOR FEBOS MEGA5EST 7TH Anniversary Edition review-



TONALITY: 8.5/10
TECHNICALITIES: 8.8/10
TIMBRE: 8.5/10
SOUNDSTAGE: 8.5/10
IMAGING: 8.5/10
MUSICALITY (subjective): 8/10
CONSTRUCTION: 8.5/10
ACCESSORIES: 9.5/10
SOUND VALUE: 8.2/10


INTRO

Hisenior is an IEM company from China that was established in 2016 and creates custom and universal fit earphones aimed for musicians, audio engineers and audiophiles.

They specialize in multi balanced armature IEMs at their beginning and then make hybrid and tribrid IEMs too.

I discovered them 5 years ago with the T2 classic, which I bought at full price, unlike other IEMs which were loan or review samples. The T2 was nothing less than a revelation of how high sound value can go in sub-100$ market, this is due to the fact it uses 2 high end knowles BA as well as being well tuned, monitor like way.

Since then, I've always follow Hisenior releases.

Today I have the opportunity to review the only tribrid they do (in 3 versions), the Mega 5EST 7th Anniversary Edition.

Priced 550$, the Mega 5EST is a tribrid using 1x 10mm bio cellulose diaphragm dynamic driver+2 balanced armature (knowless?)+2 session EST. It’s stated to be referred to as a harman tuning target, which I'm not supposed to be a fan of…

So let's see in this review how it turns out in terms of musical enjoyment and technical performance!

PS: The 7th Ann version has these ‘’upgrade’’

‘’What's New: (New Smaller shell/New Sound Nozzle/ New Inner Drivers-configuration/New Air Vent/ New Tuning Sound (Harman IEM target curve + Hisenior Exclusive Smooth Coherence from bass-treble))’’

CONSTRUCTION&ACCESSORIES


(i pull off the mesh to show 3 holes connected to tube, to note that HS include 2 extra mesh pair)


The construction is great, but will not wow anybody in terms of design aesthetic, which is sober and low profile, with a dark shiny back with silver lettering of Febos brand.

The quality is what 's important and thick medical grade resin plastic used is recomforting in terms of durability potential, the shell feels like molded in one piece, I'm not afraid of dropping this IEM on hard floor which already happens because of how smooth and slippy the plastic used.

The shell is chunky but not too big, it’s quite compact for a 5 drivers IEM in fact. 2 pin connectors are solidly embedded in the shell, not recessed, which have pros and cons in the sense pros is about versatility of cable fitting, con is about being cautious when you connect it so the pins are well aligned with female connectors.

Then, since these are light, have an ergonomic ‘’ear molded’ like shape, these are very comfortable for long time use and the passive isolation is above average too, again, surely due to thick high quality plastic used.



The included cables are nothing less than excellent, from all Hisenior IEM i’ve tested, this is the best for sure. This is the White Whale cable which HS sell 100$ in their store. It’s a 2 strands, 24AWG, coaxial shielded 290 cores OCC silver plated cable with thick strand that are smooth and flexible as well as 4.4mm balanced termination that is very sturdy (and sexy looking). Everything screams premium quality, and this cable is now in my top 5 favorite. Sure, I would have preferred a modular cable, but perhaps it would affect negatively long term durability. This one seems to promise years and years of carefree use.
Cable link: WhiteWhale In-ear Monitor Cable Premium UP-OCC(Silver Plated) 290Cores – hisenior


https://www.hisenior-iem.com/products/whitewhale
Finally, when it comes to package presentation, HS is minimalist in terms of eco unfriendly packaging and maximalist in terms of high quality, valuable accessories.
Let’s begin with the TOTL protective case that is included, which is my no1 carrying case for multiple reasons, including Invincibility.
It’s the 30$ 1010A Gen2 pelican protective case, it use hard thick ABS+5% GF polycarbonate plastic body that feel sturdier than sturdy, inside have PVC buffering layer to avoid IEMs get scratched, their an inner pouch with zip to put accessories too, it’s the army knife of portative case and the one infantry soldier will bring on their war zone too, since it’s shock and waterproof.
Link here:Hisenior 1010A Gen-2 Protective Case Waterproof Crushproof Drop-proof – hisenior
https://www.hisenior-iem.com/products/protect-pelican-case
Apart from an excellent case and cable, we have a generous amount of ear tips, 12 pairs of silicone in 6 models and 2 pairs of memory foam eartips. We have cleaning clothes and a nice cable clip too.

All in all, I'm more than impressed by the number and quality of accessories included.


SOUND IMPRESSIONS


The tonality of Mega5est is a naturally balanced smoothen W shape that can be perceive as U shape without recessed mids in the sense we have notable sub bass boost, forwards, clean and open mids and a delicate and crisp treble that add air and extra attack definition, as well as fine micro details and percussions sharpness.
It’s not an aggressive sounding IEM, nor a pumped up in macro dynamic energy, it’s musicality is laidback and immersive, transparent and polished, timbre is spot on without the help of over coloring that will cream the tone too much, and not feeling lacking in texture even of details aren’t boosted and favor limpidity over abrasivity.

Refined musicality à la harman target like this might not be for everyone, even with this potent sub bass boost which is dense, vibrant and elastic, or the expressive presence of mid or sparkly treble on top, some might in fact find it boring, lacking in hard bass punch, mid range bite and macro dynamic loudness.

Logically, when we aren’t too warm or too cold musical territory, we are into lukewarmness. And this is the case here with Mega5EST, which in my dictionary is a statement of tuning talent and elegance, permitting a wide versatility yet not injecting extra fun or tonal bias to it.

Apart from this sub bass boost which avoids Mega to be considered plain neutral.

From my more than 500 IEMs testing experience,I consider their 3 types of musical dynamism, the contemplative (immersive yet balanced and non offensive), the pro-active (anything unbalanced and favoring specific freq range) and the plain static (dynamic less-ultimate neutrality).

The Mega5est is from the ‘’contemplative’’ crew, but not in a dull way, nor in a dynamic way. Sense of openness, natural timbre and bass slam and vibrancy as well as clean and sparkly treble induce a calm yet captivating experience were you can travel in vast airy spatiality fulfill with smooth sound layers, weighty dense but not wrongly resonant bass and focused, centered yet not compressed vocal and instruments, all complete with this understated but talented treble extension of 2 sonions electret.

In 2024, lot of audio companies aim some kind or other harman target, Mega5 has some of this DNA in them, but in a more refined way, it feel like gourmet harman, with it’s own persona since it don’t lack bass, upper mids aren’t shouty or plain thin and treble isn't rolled off or overly favorizing upper harmonic register.



The lower range is as noted more boosted in sub bass, the mid bass punch isn’t very dynamic when it come to acoustic music but can achieve round vibrant weighty slam with modern pop, electronic, R&B, soul etc, all type of music that benefit from sub bass boost and go more engaging and fun with proper bass dynamic.
This means in acoustic music, the bassist will be more focused than kick drum too, bass line fully extracted, tactile and dense, with proper vibrancy and grunt when needed.
One would think such bass boost can negatively inflict on instruments like cello, but in fact it benefits it, the presence is fully bodied yet keeps good transparency, which means it can cohabit well with piano or violin in classical music. Texture is delicate, definition is well delineated too, this isn’t muddy, overly warmed cello, it’s natural in tone and clean in timbre even if densified with air.
Back to kick drum, you feel the weight punch but the presence is dark and lean, punch is lighter than slam, if you can differentiate the type of impact: one is wider and more resonant, other is tighter and more define and fast hitting, so it’s no speedy textured round kick we get, not hard hitting headbanger, this can stole a bit of macro dynamic engagement for rock or even jazz music since bass line, vocal, guitar and near all instrument but kick drum and toms will be more highlighted.
I think this explains why some people find the Mega5est ‘’boring’’, some friends of mine listening mostly to rock and metal feel it lacks energetic thumping and I can understand why.
But this is an exception, not the rule of this IEM, since with electronic and even trap rap, we have plenty of wide weighty vibrant slam that can be impressive in how elastic it goes for infra bass transients. When this happens, it suddenly wakes you up and you wonder if you are listening to the same IEM as when you were enjoying classical or calmer pop or soul music.
The Mega5est offer both quality and quantity in bass department, and due to the special tubing, it stay layered in the back with mids presence kept clean above it, sure, when the slam is wide and blossom in whole headroom background, this will affect the air clarity around instrument a bit, but not the fine definition of sound layers.
I’ve heard the Mega5P in the past and didn’t like overly warm and notch muddy bass response, here the upgrade is big and the slam is better defined as well as extension clearer and cleaner and deeper.

The mid range is the center of the show and main highlight of the mega5EST, but it doesn't steal sub bass dynamic nor treble crispness. Talk about versatile mids that can deliver all instruments and vocals clearly, with a good sense of openness and transparency as well as well defined but not aggressive attack.
And most of all: a realistic and natural tone that doesn't necessitate coloring sugar coating to get pleasant to the ears.
I’m known to be warm mid range lover, lush and thick and forwards but well rounded in upper mids, the Mega5 go into lukewarm mix of lower to higher harmonic, it’s a statement of musical knowledge to me since I listen alot to piano, female vocal, violin, cello, saxo and acoustic guitar, which all sound life like with these IEM.
From lower to upper mids, freq is fully covered with a peak in upper mids that is well polished and avoids sibilance and harshness, avoiding timbre noise artefact too, but might be a bit too loud for those very sensitive to pina gain. I’m sensitive to this yet this pass, even if yes, i would prefer 2db less around 3khz.
But would overall clarity be as effortless? I think bass would affect more the readability of center stage if so.
What's fascinating with these IEM is that even if it sounds crisp and open, the female vocal is densified by natural warmth, not a thick euphonic coloring, but the real air vibration inherent to low register female vocal, or male vocal. Presence is wide and airy, forwards and focused, but don’t hide other instruments due to transparency of presence which keep inner micro details clean too, so this means you don’t lack attack lead for wind instruments like sax or trumpet.
Piano has similar rendering, but not the weightiest note attack, it’s light but note are full and clean, it’s not dry distant piano nor warm mushy one, we have natural note resonance release for proper reading of pianist sustain pedal use. Another sign of resolution superiority, unforced way.

I could have written that upper range is a highlight of these IEM if it was more aggressive and upfront, since both bass and mids are more dynamic; some might not even fully appreciate the sonion electret advantage, which to my capricious ears are a very evident-well balanced way.
The highs don,t scream their presence when the track doesn't ask for it, while with music like folk, classical, jazz and anything with finely recorded guitar or percussions will show what the EST are capable of, and to my ears: this is sublime.
Treble is crisp, shinny, brilliant, sparkly and airy with a clean and natural note release that fulfill realist rendering of harp, clavichord, guitar and upper range percussions. It’s delicate yet super speedy and snappy, with a slightly lean extension.
This isn’t spiky or trebly sounding highs, they are always there, with their own layered space, just in back of another instrument as it is in real acoustic space.
Folk music tend to have lot of highs, from percussions, to acoustic guitar and sometime violin, and the musical experience i get with Mega5est was master chief, i suddenly appreciate great amount of micro details and fine texture in acoustic instrument timbre and attack, the percussions has plenty of air around it and spatiality was vastly open, so these EST don’t only extend treble further adding air on top and sparkle for metallic instrument attack, but enrich texture of timbre as well as abrasivity of attack lead, for example, the violin is well define and energetic in attack yet wide in presence too. In classical quartet, I can easily spot the strings position even if it’s not a monitoring or analytical rendering. I know when the box hits the string with bite.
But the real marvel is acoustic guitar which is sharply defined in soundscape, widely layered, not darken with euphonic warmth, fast in sustain with a long natural resonance full of shimmer. From Jessical Pratt to Gillian Welch to Marissa Nadler, I suddenly enjoy not only vocalist but talented guitar playing of those artists too, with revealing readability and clean open stage.
But does this mean EST timbre perfectly matches the one of other drivers? Well, cohesiveness is there but presence is a bit thinner as well as attacking snappier, faster. It’s not thick crunchy highs, it’s airy and graceful around silky forwards mids which feel more mono than stereo treble response, which add a sense of holographic openness to the spacious soundstage.

The soundstage is very impressive, especially for an IEM that isn’t open back nor has a lot of venting holes. It’s very wide and deep with good tallness too. It feels like being in a big concert hall but in the first row since mids aren’t distant. This is more evident with live or acoustic music, since when bass slam and rumble occur with modern pop, rap etc, it steals depth but can stretch even more the wideness too, depending on rumble release.

With all those assets like great resolution ,big soundstage, fast treble etc, it would be abnormal to get bad imaging and while the sub bass boost can be detrimental for monitoring use, the Mega5est are as expected excellent in accurate instrument positioning and transparent sound layering. Apart from sometimes kick drums, I can easily position instruments. It’s easier in lateral positioning than background one, since the sound layers while transparent are near each other and wide in presence, which make it harder to position than sharper sounds like percussions, guitar, vocal. Piano too in a busy track can be harder to position because of softer attack energy. I try very hard to be nitpicky here.


COMPARISONS CRAZE



VS LETSHUOER EJ07M (1DD2BA4EST-650$)

EJ07M is more U-shaped, brighter and crisper.

Bass is cleaner and speedier, but thinner and less dense and rumbly, lighter in attack too, more textured for bass instrument but not as lush for cello, nor as natural in tone, nor as elastic so notch too boomy too.

Mids are sharper, brighter, dryer and more prompt to shout, thinner and more textured, less wide and transparent in presence, less natural and organic in timbre. Note weight is lighter, attack has more bite and crunchy lead.

Treble is more aggressive and analytical, more vivid in percussion and micro details, more holographic and multi-layered. It’s notably more upfront and less lean in extension too.

Soundstage is less wide, tall, but a bit deeper.

Imaging is crisper and more monitoring-like, even if their less space in lateral separation presence being brighter-grainier make positioning easier.

All in all, we have slightly similar tonal balance leaning between U and W shape for both of these but EJ07M is more aggressive, less natural in tone, less smooth in balance, more analytical and risky for upper mids sensitive people. The fact it uses 4EST explains superior details retrieval and more energetic dynamic perhaps but at the cost of a more spiky balance. I love both, but certainly prefer the mid range tone and vocal of Mega5 as well as thicker rumbler bass response even if I wish kick was as textured than EJ07M.

VS Hiby Zeta (1DD4BA4EST-1200$)

Zeta is brighter and more V shape, notably bassier too and legit as a basshead contender for those richy rich people.
But that’s about it, since technical performance is messed up with an excited attack in the whole range where Mega5 is better control and more cohesive in balance, more natural and refined in musicality, less fatiguing both bass and upper mids wise too.

Bass is more boomy and resonant, yet not as dense and lush in rumble, bass lines are muddier, more exciting and dryer in tone, cello sound near metallic with Zeta while natural and bodied with Mega. Zeta packs more punch, but not in a way I find pleasing since I even consider them U shape because sub bass is more boosted and excited than punch. So overall bass of Mega still is rounder, but not as free in speed.

Mids aren’t thinner, but they are shoutier and more spicy in bite and texture detail, presence is more centered and compressed so vocals don’t widen and envelop the listener. Timbre isn’t as natural, it’s more noisy and grainy, more BA timbre to be found, less transparent layering, more bass masking tool for bass heavy busy track.

Treble is more aggressive and alive, more crunchy, not as brilliant oddly but sure more thick ,round and full sounding, with greater sense of attack snap energy, at they end it’s evident with both these and EJ07M that more there ESTs, better is dynamic and overall performance but i feel Zeta go a bit more splashy and don’t have this clean and lean natural resonance, so sense of brilliance is more boosted with the Mega, this mean acoustic guitar are sparklier but thinner too.

Soundstage is on par with both, very wide and tall.

Imaging is more analytical with Zeta even if more basshead in tuning.

All in all, Zeta sure pack more fun but this depend how you like your bass tone, these remind me of Legato bass which i can’t stand, it’s resonant and boomy, excited in speed, quite meatless too, which isn’t the case with more mellow sounding Mega5 which certainly feel more mid centric and mature in balance, superior in cohesiveness and ultimately more musical even if less basshead. Let's just say my ears get violently assaulted after smoother Mega5 listening for hours…i need to lower volume quite a lot (not only cause Zeta is easier to drive)...vocal shout at me, treble too then the bass helps me. For tone and timbre lovers and those listening to a wide range of music including with real acoustic instruments, their no doubt Mega5est is superior and not as intensely over priced.

VS SOUND RHYME DTE500 (1dd2BA2EST-460$)

Ok, this is a favorite of mine when it comes to high sound value musical sounding tribrid with 2ESTs, but this is quite different tuning wise, so we can see this as a good complement to more neutral with sub bass boost to U shape Mega5 vs more V shape and energetic sounding DTE500.

The bass is more punchy and speedy in mid bass as well as better rounded and weightier with DTE500, but sub bass is more rolled off and compressed, not as wide in slam nor as long in rumble nor as vibrant for cello and bass line. Their warmth is going in the mid range too.

Which mean mids are notch lusher, more upfront and bodied, wider but less transparent in presence with DTE500, while Mega5 has more open and organic mids, more transparent, more linear too, as well as less prompt to slight harshness or sibilance in upper presence region, so instrument has less bite too. DTE500 has weightier note attack, piano is wider and warmer in presence, this is due to greater lower mids boost.

And that’s due to the more relaxed and linear treble response of Mega5est, which is more polished and clean sounding, as a mature bassy IEM should be. Violin, vocal, and saxo have more attack lead emphasis with DTE500, it tends to extract a bit more timbre texture to the cost of adding opacity to sound layers. Percussions are crisper but thinner, less forwards in macro dynamic, which make DTE500 feel more W shape in balance of attack energy. So, you have a bit more brilliance with Mega5 but subdued way, while treble is more energetic and crunchy with DTE500.

The soundstage is wider and deeper with Mega5, while taller and more out of your head with DTE500.

Imaging is near on par, but more transparent layering of Mega5 makes it more stable for accurate positioning, bass will not interfere as much with space clarity separation of instrument too.

All in all, these are on par in technical department, or 5% better for Mega5est in term of imaging and bass attack control…when it come to musicality, macro dynamic is more lively and engaging with DTE500, bass is more punchy and mids a notch lusher, treble is more lively too, so it hit my musicality enjoyment more but in a more guilty pleasure way than more refined and polished tonality of Mega5est which is less colored timbre wise too. To be noted: DTE500 is way easier to drive ... .so that might be a plus for some. Again, both these IEM are good to me.

VS TSMR X (2DD+4BAs-400$) (tuning set 020)

The X is more V shape, notably bassier, thicker sounding and more energetic and fun in macro dynamic balance.

Mega5EST is more U shape to smooth W shape, crisper and sparklier on top, cleaner overall too.

X Bass is rumbler, offers weighter slam, rounder and denser mid bass punch and more vibrant and tactile bass line. Mega5EST slam is lighter, mid bass is more scooped and their less warmth mixing into mid range.

Mids are more upfront and dense, timbre is less transparent bit more grainy yet lusher still, resolution is darker, more opaque and mushy in macro rendering, timbre is more natural overall with the Mega5, less colored, smoother but notch thinner too, presence is wider tough and less energetic, leaner, safer, lighter.

X treble is thicker, rounder and more holographic but not as airy and crisp and clean, it’s crunchier and not as snappy and speedy in attack, yet more dynamic still, not as delicate as Mega5, which offer better resolved percussions but not as upfront, attack sustain-release of highs can mix more with X, top is airier and overall treble more extended-leaner way with Mega5.

Soundstage is as wide but deeper with Mega5est.

Imaging is slightly superior with Mega5, its due to cleaner soundscape and less excited bass impact and warmth, but it’s a bit static too, not edgy in definition which is smoothen compared to more dynamic sound layers projection of X, which as noted go macro mushy, so harder to position correctly than Mega5est.

All in all there is no doubt the X pack more punch and fun, offer less mature and balanced musicality, warmer thicker mids and notch less technical sound too. While Mega5est is cleaner, crisper, more versatile for different styles of music-high fidelity bassy docile way.




CONCLUSION



The Hisenior Mega5est 7th Anniversary is a statement of tuning refinement that aims for near neutral musicality with extra sub bass boost to inject extra dynamism to an overall smooth, open, transparent and organic tonality.

The timbre is top notch natural, without the help of euphonic coloring, which is a tour de force in its own right. Vocal lovers like me are well spoiled with these mid range maestros, and that even if i tend to prefer thicker and lusher, more colored mids.

Unlike spectacular sounding IEM that can become annoying to listen to once you get used to its ‘’wow effects tricks’’, the Mega5est grows on me more and more with time, as well as source pairing since these benefit from good amping. Sure, the macro dynamic isn’t the most engaging, and even the bass can be hit or miss in term of fun factor in the sense it’s not hard thumpy mid bass but dense vibrant slam and bass line tactility…yet, this balance permit the mid range to be clean and open, vast and captivating in a contemplative way that don’t mean it’s recessed or lacking presence push towards listener.

Am I becoming a mature listener because I'm 41y old? Well, i always been both, depending of music style i listen too, so i’m very happy to find a versatile tribrid IEM that can deal with a lot of my music genre from Classical to Jazz to Folk to R&B to Soul to Pop to even some electronic like IDM, everything but music that need more aggressive dynamic from mid bass and treble section.

All in all, this IEM is so well tuned it’s near impossible to find cons in timbre and tonal section, but if I go out of my subjectivity, I think, weirdly, some will find them too bassy and others not enough bassy.

Hisenior is a superior IEM company from China that was there before the chifi world dominated the audio industry, their experience in acoustic is evident and I can’t wait to discover what they will bring in 2025. After having tested T2, T4, Okavango, Mega5P and these, its evident success is near their door step. Musicians are their fan base, we will see if audiophiles will follow too!

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PS: I want to thanks Hisenior for sending me this review sample that will now take part of my grand collection. I sincerly want to thanks them for respecting freedom of opinions and sound impressions, which wasn't most positive for latest review i did (Okavango). This is a proof of seriousness and true care about audio products improvment over marketing strategy priority. And this is very very rare and precious in nowadays influencers puppies world.

The Hisenior Mega5est 7th ann can be bought for 550$ here (non affiliated link):
https://www.hisenior-iem.com/produc...MDkwHHWkn0gz1JX5i0_ecjkyse9kUxCj3QWV-urQDmRrm

Hisenior Mega5EST 7th Anniversary Review: WORTH THE CELEBRATION?​

Total Score: 7.36/10​

Enjoyment Score: 7/10​

Price: $549​

PROS:​

• One of the most versatile-tuned IEMs I’ve heard
• Superb tonal balance
• Fantastic timbre and coherency
• Rich but non-overwhelming tone
• Smooth, fatigue-free but provides fine detail retrieval
• Great instrument and vocal separation and layering
• Comfortable fit and great seal
• Very sturdy case
• Good quantity of accessories
• Good stock cable

CONS:​

• Can sound too “safe” for people who want a fun sounding IEM
• Quality of inclusions is sub par
• Case internals feel too cramped
• Lacks low end texture

WHO THIS UNIT IS FOR:​

• People who want a non-distracting listening experience
• People who want the most versatile sounding IEM
• People who like the Meta target

WHO THIS UNIT ISN’T FOR:​

• People who want a more engaging and fun sounding IEM
• People who want a more energetic bass and treble presentation
• People who want higher quality inclusions

GENRES:​

• Quite literally anything works with this IEM

SHORT REVIEW:​

I didn’t expect to like the Mega5 EST as much as I did with its safe, non-distracting but extremely consistent and coherent sound that literally got me listening to this IEM for hours on end without me feeling like I needed to remove it in any way whatsoever. It’s legitimately one of the most versatile IEMs I’ve heard, which is a breath of fresh air from my usual bombastic and sparkly preferences. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

FULL REVIEW:​

Hisenior is one of the special brands that, whether or not they knew, cemented themselves in the audiophile world through the special mention of the likes of The Headphone Show and Crinacle due to its “near-perfect” frequency response graph of the Mega5EST. It was heralded as one of the most “compliant” IEMs to the B&K 5128 at the time and all the nerds raved about it.

This fame lead to many people hyping the IEM and bringing Hisenior from an obscure CIEM maker to a “must have” for any audiophiles wanting the most “natural sound”.

A year or so after, Hisenior hits their 7th anniversary. To celebrate, they created what could possibly be the ultimate Mega5EST. Improved shape, upgraded techs, better fit. Does this mean better sound?

NEVER GETTING OLD​

Hisenior may seem like a relatively new player in the market, but they’ve been making universal and custom in-ear monitors since 2016. For the longest time, this was the only thing they were known for. And in a market that is as competitive as the portable audio market, this is quite literally not enough. That is, until they began to release their Mega5 series of IEMs.



Despite having tried a Hisenior product long before the Mega5 series came out, I wasn’t quite impressed with their IEMs. At least, I wasn’t impressed with the T2U. I was impressed with how unique it sounded, but it proved to be too niche for my tastes.

The Mega5P, however, was something else. Such a rich and natural tone for a hybrid that I haven’t heard before and to a point, since. It was such a beautifully tuned IEM with the perfect balance of musicality and technicalities. It’s still a favorite of mine today.

But then came the release of the Mega5EST. I did not know what to anticipate, but these were the days before the “hype” of the 5128 so I had no preconceived notions. And I was slightly disappointed. It was very “normal” sounding. Nothing stood out. I didn’t feel “excited” listening to music. And this was when the lore of the 5128 and the JM-1 began to kick up and the rabbit hole went to the center of the Earth.

Nearly a year after I first tried it, I was given the opportunity to review the Mega5EST 7th Anniversary. This $550 1DD + 2BA + 2EST hybrid is the “answer” to people’s comments about the first Mega5EST with a bunch of new upgrades. But can this limited anniversary edition impress like the original release?

UNBOXING​

It’s honestly a rather normal unboxing experience on the outside for the Mega5EST, but it sets itself apart the moment you open the case.

Here’s a full list of the accessories:

• IEMs
• Cable
• A lot of eartips
• Pelican-like case
• Cleaning tool
• Shirt clip

Is that a damn pelican waterproof case? It sure looks like it, but I’m not testing to find out whether this can or can’t protect my IEMs under water. The point is, this is a damn sturdy case. Pocketable? Absolutely not. But it puts the protective in protective case. My only gripe is the foam taking up way too much space and prevents me from putting more stuff in the case. You can’t remove this foam either, so you either break it off or you cope with forcing your IEMs into a specific position.

The rest of the accessories are arguably pretty basic. A lot of eartips varying from narrow and widebores with a couple of foam eartips. Nothing special, but it’s nice to see a complete set like this.

BUILD & FIT​

Unfortunately, I don’t have the original Mega5EST to compare with this 7th Anniversary version, but I can talk about it as its own entity and my personal experience.



And it’s good! Whatever the original Mega5EST felt like in the ear, it must have not stood out to me to remember complaining about it. The same goes for this 7th Anniversary edition in the sense that I am able to wear this IEM for hours on end without any issue.



This is probably due to the full resin shell with a separate nozzle piece that houses the single DD, 2 balanced armatures and 2 electrostatic drivers. One thing to highlight here is that Hisenior mentioned that the Mega5EST 7th Anniversary is an upgrade not only externally but also internally. The dynamic driver is improved to go as low as 5hz and they improved upper mids to treble region coherency above 3kHz to be smoother and cleaner. We’ll talk more about sound later, but companies that make an active effort to improve the tuning without changing the fundamental tuning is something that I appreciate as long as they specifically state that a change has been made.



Going back to the fit, I really enjoyed my time wearing the Mega5EST. Hours on end and I did not find it uncomfortable whatsoever. Your mileage may (and will) vary depending on the size of your ears. But if you have medium sized ears like I do, you’ll fair well with this. People with smaller ears might find the wings to be a bit too aggressive, but it was perfect in my ears.



The cable is their White Whale cable and it’s pretty damn good. I love the thickness and feel as it doesn’t feel like I’m lugging a rope around my ears but it still feels premium and looks damn good. The interface feels premium and sturdy. I feel confident using this cable.

SOUND​

Sound Signature​

The Mega5EST is what the modern definition of “neutral” sounds like. The difference between older definitions of neutral is that the Mega5EST has low end to compensate and does not sound entirely flat all the way. The low end is full and punchy, the mids are linear and neutral and the treble is smooth and crisp with good extension. The name of the game here is consistency.

Source Pairing​

This way the Mega5EST’s drivers were tuned so that even in cheaper or lower quality sources, you get to have a nice listening experience regardless of sources. Obviously the better your source is, the better your listening experience is. But it’s not necessary. Colored sources also shine with the Mega5EST because it responds really well to the likes of tube amplifiers without much noise compared to other hybrids.

Volume Levels​

Once again, this kind of tuning allows for high listening volume due to just how well its tuned. The best kind of tuning for most people who follow any variant of the JM-1 allows for very high volume levels with minimal discomfort. The Mega5EST is the perfect IEM for that as it doesn’t exaggerate any unnecessary frequency.

Listening Experience​

This is the part of the review I really struggled the most because how do you talk about an IEM that sounds great with basically any genre you throw at it? From relaxed vocal pop to complex metal tracks, the Mega5EST somehow finds the perfect balance of sounding engaging and sounding clean.

However, this is quite literally what I and many found issue with the original Mega5EST. It’s such an uncolored and clean listening experience that people who were used to a more energetic, bassy or fun sounding IEMs would find this a bit boring.

But realistically speaking, it doesn’t sound “boring”. As much as it pains me, I have to agree with a certain individual who said “it’s not the IEM that’s boring, it’s the music.” But on the contrary, I experienced what made the Mega5EST such a great set but one that I know not everyone would like.

I received the Mega5EST and Volume S at the same time. I tested the Volume S because it was the cheaper and, quite frankly, the more interesting set between the two. Who can’t deny a midrange IEM with a beautiful DF tuning and tuning switches? I spent probably 1-2 hours testing and listening to the Volume S actively, playing around the tuning switches and writing everything I thought about the IEM. And boy, I had so much to say about that IEM. I even got in a conversation with a good friend about the genres that work well with the Volume S and those that don’t. I basically wrote my entire review on day 1 of testing.

After my testing, I then popped on the Mega5EST. What do you think happened? Do you think I tested it the same way, no, more than the Volume S with how versatile the IEM is? Nope, I popped it on, listened to a couple of tracks and I kid you not, I ended up forgetting I had the Mega5EST on and that single song became a series of songs that spanned the entire afternoon along with a couple of work and gaming sessions that, only when I remembered that I needed to create a BTB for both IEMs, did I remember that I was still wearing the Mega5EST.

It’s quite literally an effortless IEM that you put on and feel absolutely no distractions with how it sounds. It, quite literally, just sounds right. And for better or worse, that’s what makes the Mega5EST stand out. Other sets that sound “neutral” sometimes blend in but for the wrong reasons. You want to forget how they sound. The Mega5EST is not one of those IEMs. It’s an IEM that’s easy to get into and easy to like and easy to forget that you’re using.

That kind of description probably sounds more negative than I want it to, but that’s really just how the Mega5EST performs. Throwing this into my favorite albums like Basically Saturday Night’s self titled album doesn’t really give me a “new” appreciation for the album because the album with this IEM just sounds right. Same goes for Linger Awhile by Samara Joy. Amazing album that sounds just as amazing on the Mega5EST, but it doesn’t really sound like a “new” experience. It all just sounds right.

Even technically speaking, the Mega5EST is just right. It doesn’t sound distractingly analytical, but it doesn’t skimp out on more complex tracks like August Burns Red’s Mariana’s Trench. It’s able to separate the low end kick drums and bass guitars flawlessly from the mids and most impressively, keep the treble well-contained.

All-in-all, this is just a very safe IEM without sounding boring. Not distracting does not mean boring, but some people will definitely feel that way towards the Mega5EST.

COMPARISONS​

vs Kiwi Ears KE4​

Immediately, the first IEM that came to mind was the Kiwi Ears KE4. How can you not talk about meta tuned IEMs without talking about the KE4, arguably the best budget-oriented “meta’ IEM in the market. It was my first foray into meta tuned IEMs and, for the most part, I felt that the KE4 was just alright. Like the Mega5EST, it does not excel at anything. However, the main difference in their sound is just how much more refined the Mega5EST sounds. The KE4’s midrange can sound a little honky and the lack of treble sounds dull on tracks that really needs that sparkle. The Mega5EST does not have any of those issues and actually provides a right amount of sparkle when the track calls for. But you alost have to expect this for an IEM that’s nearly twice as much as the KE4. The upgrade in price is justifiable and the experience is still marginally better than the cheaper of the two, but this is where I believe diminishing returns begin as the KE4 still sounds great for the price.

vs Dunu DK3001BD​

From excessively neutral to excessively bright, the DK3001BD is the Mega5EST’s louder, more extravagant, smarter (get it, cus bright?) brother. They’re both midrange IEMs with a focus on their own niche and achieving similar levels of success on their own. Fundamentally, the DK3001BD is an analytical, bright and detailed IEM that throws quite literally every single detail in the music you listen to without your consent. It’s a vibrant, exciting but easily fatiguing listening experience that is best saved for specific mods and tracks. The Mega5EST contrasts that by being the serious middle child with their career in mind and a determined focus on achieving what it needs to without extra. It’s safe, it’s smooth, it’s clean but it doesn’t step out from its comfort zone at all. It can handle anything you give him, but he’ll only give you 100%. Not more, not less. I hope that analogy helped you better understand how the two compared.

vs Moritz Paradise​

In a similar vain to the DK3001BD, the Moritz Paradise ends up being the more “fun” set between the two with all the imperfections that a V-Shaped IEM has. The Paradise is bigger, bolder but also more colored, edgier and not quite as refined as the Mega5EST. I find that most situations, the Paradise can play through most genres but without the consistency that the Mega5EST has. The sudden jump from hip-hop to classical on the Paradise isn’t as gradual compared to the Mega5EST’s smooth transition

vs Yanyin Canon II​

This is an IEM that I want to mentioned because of how close it almost became a “meta” IEM. A couple of DB down in the bass and a slightly smoother treble and it would’ve been a meta IEM by definition. Heck, one of its modes already look like a slightly leaner Meta tuning, so you’d expect a very similar tone, right? Nope, the Canon II sounds CONSIDERABLY more enjoyable to listen to for genres that have a lot of low end. I particularly want to bring back Mariana’s Trench because the Canon II is one of the few IEMs to render the kick drum-bass guitar combo with such finesse. The Mega5EST does it to an extent, but not as well as the Canon II. Technically speaking however, the Mega5EST is a step up from the Canon II, especially in the separation department

vs Softears Volume S​

Obviously, I have to compare the Mega5EST to the IEM that got me to post the “Tale of Two Tastes” in the first place. The Volume S is a perfectly imperfect IEM that specifically excels in vocal-centric genres and bringing the best in all levels of vocals. More complex genres aren’t quite as euphonic on the Volume S. Add to the timbre issue that the IEM has, especially for brighter genres and you get an IEM that one tricks vocals and not much else. Complete contrast to the Mega5EST. The one aspect that really stood out is the detail and technical department. The level of cleanliness and refinement that the Mega5EST has over the Volume S is insane, but the coloration and inconsistency that the Volume S is also one that I really grew to love.

CONCLUSION​

Meta IEMs are made for people who want a safe, focused and clean sounding IEMs that slowly blend into the background. However, the Mega5EST does that while balancing solid techs and a seriously comfortable fit that you can enjoy music for a long time without issues. This also means that the IEM is not for thrill seekers or bassheads who are specifically looking for a fun time. This is the IEM you’d wear if you were discovering new artists and you wanted the best IEM to experience their music for the first time.



I quite liked the Mega5EST, even if it wasn’t really my intention to. I’ve always thought that Meta IEMs were uninteresting because they didn’t excel at one thing and did not make the music feel “alive”. But the Mega5EST made me realize that maybe, that’s not such a bad thing for most scenarios.

Thank you for reading my full review on the Hisenior Mega5EST 7th Anniversary.

NON-AFFILIATE LINK: https://www.hisenior-iem.com/products/mega5est-hybrid-iem?variant=40709004427300

As a hobbyist of 40 years, I’ve heard plenty of gear and music. I own the original Hisenior MEGA5P Ultra and love them, so I took a chance on the MEGA5EST. They’re fantastic—except for one aspect that many seem to love but was a bit much for me…

I’m focusing solely on the audio and won’t be commenting on packaging or other non-audio aspects, as these have already been covered extensively by others.



Hisenior Mega5EST Review: Balanced (mostly), Natural, and Engaging

The Hisenior Mega5EST in-ear monitors (IEMs) have gained attention for their balanced and natural sound signature, making them a compelling choice for discerning audiophiles.

Praised for its tonal balance and natural timbre, I personally find the Mega5EST to lean toward neutrality with a slight bass boost. Instruments sound rich and full, with a lifelike quality that enhances the listening experience.

Consistent with other reviews, I found the Mega5EST to deliver a smooth, musical presentation. Vocals are well-placed—slightly forward but not overpowering. Both male and female vocals exhibit detail, texture, and richness, complemented by a treble that remains smooth and relaxed.

The sound stage meets expectations, with excellent instrument placement. For example, in The Doors’ Riders on the Storm, the keyboards appear on the left and slightly to the rear—exactly as they should.

Detail Retrieval and Coherence

Resolution is impressive, with fine details presented naturally. While some opinions suggest the Mega5EST lacks micro-detail retrieval, I found otherwise. In America’s song You Can Do Magic, a bell chimes shortly after the word "magic" in the chorus. On budget IEMs, this detail is often lost. Mid-tier IEMs present it as a single "ting," while high-end models capture the bell’s full tone, echo, and decay. The Mega5EST reproduces this bell and its fade beautifully, on par with some of the best IEMs I’ve heard.

Coherence is another strength. The music remains cohesive, never feeling disjointed or fragmented. In Split Enz’ song I Got You, an ethereal background layer plays during the verses. Many IEMs struggle to integrate this sound, making it feel separate from the mix. The Mega5EST, however, blends it seamlessly, presenting both foreground and background elements as a unified whole.

Tonal balance is excellent, especially with older rock recordings that tend to be light on bass. The Mega5EST enhances these tracks just enough to create an effortless, fatigue-free listening experience—whether for casual enjoyment or critical listening.

Speed, Transients, and Bass Response
The Mega5EST excels in speed and transient response, handling rapid drum hits and complex rhythms with ease. Even intricate musical passages remain clear and precise.

However, on modern music with heavy bass emphasis, I found the low end slightly overwhelming. For example, Lorde’s Royals delivers a powerful, deep bass response that aligns with current audio trends—but for my preferences, it’s a bit much.

I appreciate visceral bass in live settings, where you can feel it in your chest, but boosting bass in IEMs doesn’t always replicate that physical sensation. This isn’t a fault of the Mega5EST itself but rather a reflection of the market’s growing preference for elevated bass.

Addressing Perceptions of Blandness
Some listeners describe the Mega5EST as lacking engagement, but I see its neutrality as a strength. Rather than imposing a particular character on the music, it disappears, allowing the music itself to take centre stage. This versatility allows faithful reproduction across genres without unnecessary coloration—beyond the subtle bass boost.

The White T-Shirt Analogy
Think of the Mega5EST like a classic white t-shirt in fashion. A white t-shirt is simple, neutral, and adaptable—it doesn’t draw attention to itself but instead allows other elements to shine. Similarly, the Mega5EST’s balanced tuning doesn’t impose its own signature; rather, it reveals the nuances of the recording, making it a versatile choice for any genre.

Conclusion
The Hisenior Mega5EST offers a near-balanced and natural listening experience, excelling in tonality, transient response, and comfort. Its slightly bass-boosted neutral tuning makes it an adaptable platform for a variety of musical styles. Like a classic white t-shirt, it serves as a transparent canvas that lets the beauty of the music shine through.

For those seeking an IEM that delivers music in its purest form with a bit more bass, the Mega5EST is a standout choice.

Rating updated as of 2024/09/26

Rating​

Introduction​

There has been a lot of hype over the Mega5EST. Is it still worth buying in the latter end of 2024 and is it a kilobuck killer?

Short answer: Yes and no. It's an amazing set under $1k for EDM & JPop and maybe Kpop (explained further below). The Mega5EST is super engaging and head boppingily fun but sacrifices resolution and soundstage. I would be cautious to purely get this set especially if you don't like the above mentioned genres since the Mangird Tea Pro and Estrella are very competitive at a lower price.

Overall Sound​

The tuning of the IEMs presents a U-shaped sound that leans towards W-shaped characteristics. It offers plenty of bass, forward mids, and vibrant treble. However, the lower mids can feel a bit thin, making male vocals sound somewhat recessed. On the other hand, the treble is impressive—detailed without being sibilant, sitting just shy of what a treble-sensitive listener might find fatiguing.

Bass​

The bass response is abundant, with a significant amount of both subbass and midbass, providing a satisfying rumble. However, it lacks the depth and texture found in more expensive IEMs, particularly those priced over $1k. The bass is bloaty and is not controlled well. The texture and definition of the bass is lacking as compared to higher ends sets such as the 64 Audio Nios, MA Eclipse, IE900 and others. There is some midbass bleed which does affect the clarity of the mids. On the flip side, the midbass does make female vocals sound richer.

Mids​

In terms of mids, male vocals sound more recessed compared to female vocals, which stand out with greater clarity and presence. While the mids are rich, especially with guitars, they lack the note weight and natural timbre found in models such as the Thieaudio Monarch MKIIs. Additionally, the resolution in the mids can falter during complex passages, causing some details to get lost in the mix.

Treble​

The treble is abundant, with the EST drivers providing clarity and texture that balanced armature drivers struggle to replicate. The treble is bright but not sibilant. I would say it's right just below the threshold of fatigue. Mainly, this is for those who are sensitive to treble frequencies such as myself.

Soundstage, Separation, and Resolution​

The soundstage is quite intimate, creating a close-proximity listening experience that may not appeal to everyone. Instrument separation is decent but not exceptional, with some of the notes blending during busy sections of songs. As well, the set isn't the most resolving in it's price range as many details can be lost, especially due to the mid-bass potentially obscuring finer nuances.

Genres​

As mentioned in the beginning, the best music genres are going to be songs that sound great with plenty of bass and treble. Most Pop music and especially EDM will sound fantastic. EDM sounds amazing on this set. As they say when you find something sounding really good on a set, you start listening to the genre. That was for me with the Mega5EST. Every EDM song sounds clear, detailed and exhilarating. The heavy bass and the clear treble makes the song exciting and you get thrilled on it.

These IEMs are among the best under $1,000 for J-pop tracks, making songs from artists like Ado and Kenshi Yonezu sound fantastic. Jpop also sounds great since the extra bass makes the track sound more exciting and engaging, which the forward vocals balances out. The treble remains clear and not sibilant or fatiguing which is great for bright Jpop songs. However, the opposite is true with Kpop. The accentuated vocal region gain makes female vocals to sound sibilant and fatiguing. This might not be an issue if you can handle IEMs with more forward vocals but I prefer a more balanced signature.

Songs​

Hot Mess - Aespa​

This track features abundant bass and treble, making it highly enjoyable. The forward vocals shines through the strong bass and treble presence, while subtle details, like flutes in the background, are present. However, the vocals may sound thinner, possibly due to ear gain.

Right Now - New Jeans​

The bass is clear and concise, with shakers and percussions coming through distinctly. The vocals are beautiful and rich, creating an engaging and fun listening experience.

Idol - Yoasobi​

The bass is perfectly balanced, enhancing the song without overpowering the vocals. However, some piano details may be lost in the mix. The electronic and percussion elements are clear, thanks to the EST drivers.

Stellar Stellar - Hoshimachi Suisei​

While the intro is somewhat muddled with overlapping instruments, the overall presence is rich. The chorus delivers an overwhelming blend of bass, vocals, and details that evoke strong emotions.

Stjernestov - Aurora​

This track lacks the same impact, as the bass overshadows the mids and vocals, leading to disappointment due to the absence of balancing treble.

Don't Know Why - Norah Jones​

Her voice shines in this track, with the guitar and piano providing a soft background. However, it doesn't feel as immersive as many J-pop songs that feature more treble.

Liquid Spirit - Gregory Porter​

Gregory's voice is clear, but it lacks the note weight of other IEMs. The trumpet, piano, and clapping sound detailed but can seemingly blend together during the busy sections of the song.

Miracle - Calvin Harris​

This track sounds fantastic, creating a club-like atmosphere with the abundant bass and standout treble that highlights the synth parts. It's quite immersive and very engaging. The bass although a little bit bloaty adds such rumble to the song while the clarity of the treble just seals the deal. You get locked into a trance listening to it. Amazing.

Be the One - Eli Brown​

Similar to the track Miracle, Be the One features plenty of bass and treble, creating an immersive experience that makes you want to move or groove. The female vocals remain clear and the other synth instruments in the upper mids or treble sound clear and detailed. It sounds quite fun and exciting with the Mega5EST. I highly recommend this IEM for EDM.

Comparisons​

Thieaudio Monarch MkII​

Comparisons are from recent memory as I don't have the MMK2 on hand



The Mega5EST is more engaging and exciting set than the Monarchs. There's way more bass especially midbass than the Monarchs and the treble is higher quality than the Monarchs. The one aspect that the Monarchs demolishes the Mega5EST is in the laidback and well-placed mids. The MMK2 mids sound laidback but clear and sounds great on every genre while the Mega5EST with slower tempo songs sound bland and lack resolution.

I recommend the Monarch MkII as more of a balanced and more neutral all-rounder than the Mega5EST. Some say the Monarch MkII can sound a bit boring (I personally got bored of the neutral presentation) however, I never thought any genre of music sounded bad on it. On the contrary, the Mega5EST is the opposite coming in with bombastic style which is great for the EDM and Pop music. But when you get them to slow down, then they sound boring or not so fun.

Mangird Tea Pro​

Comparison is when I have Mangird Tea Pro on hand but not the Mega5EST



The Mangird Tea Pro is an amazing set and comes cheaper than the Mega5EST. The bass overall is better textured and controlled than the Mega5EST's mess of a bass. Especially, the subbass on the Mangird Tea Pro sounds punchier and more impactful. However, if you like midbass, there's plenty more on the Mega5EST. In addition, the Mangird Tea Pro has better resolution and soundstage. The mids sound way more cleaner and detailed on the Mangird as compared to the Mega5EST. I do, however, prefer the Mega5EST's treble as they sound punchier and cleaner than the Tea Pro. It's not that the Mangird Tea Pro's treble lacks definition but that it can get fatiguing and sharp on some of the brighter tracks. As well personally, I enjoy EST treble more than the BA treble.

I would recommend the Mangird Tea Pro as a better all-rounder set over the Mega5EST. I think based on technicalities the Mangird Tea Pro outcompetes and even demolishes the Mega5EST. Only on the treble aspect, I would give it over to the Mega5EST but only by a small margin since the Tea Pro's treble is quite detailed too. However, if you can get a Mega5EST for cheaper or you really like EDM then get the Mega5EST and don't go back. There's nothing that compares to the impressiveness and pure bliss of listening to EDM on the Mega5EST.

Conclusion​

Overall, the tuning is quite enjoyable, leaning towards a U shape that approaches V characteristics. The substantial subbass enhances pop genres, particularly J-pop, EDM, and Western pop. However, K-pop may suffer from overly boosted vocals and treble that skews toward sibilance. On the other hand, if you are looking for the most resolving IEM in this price bracket, I recommend looking elsewhere. This ain't it. I highly recommend these IEMs for J-pop and EDM listeners since the Mega5EST delivers an impressive listening experience for those genres.

HiSenior is new brand making quite a name for themselves and have a 7 years’ experience for themselves. They are a brand based on China and have been making great few iems. They have been making universal iems too nowadays.

Disclaimer: This review is part of a Hisenior-organized tour in India, and I have not received any compensation for my thoughts. I am grateful to Hisenior, Aural Cafe and @pradiptacr7 bhai for including me in this tour. You can purchase the iem from here.

PACKAGING-
The iems are securely packed n a case with foam inserts. They have good protection and a lot of eartips are also included in the package. You can literally add a little more foam and then add the Velcro for the mesh zip cage, it would be more beneficial and safer.


BUILD-
The iem is made up of a resin shell and beautiful colourful faceplate. The iems seems sturdy but I would be careful a bit, don’t drop them haha. The iems are quite small and hence easily fits my ears.

SPECIFICATIONS-
Sound Tuning
4Ways Integrated Crossover (Passive)/ 1low+2mid-highs+2s-highs
Drivers- 1 biocelluar DD+ 2BAs+ 2Est (sonion)
Configuration- 1Low +2Mid-highs+2S-highs
Tuning- 4Ways/ Triple-Bores/3Dampers
Freq Response- 10Hz-50Khz
Sensitivity- 105dB/mW
Impedance- 25Ω
Isolation- 20db
Cable- White whale cable which comes included (a 96$ cable) which is UPOCC(silver plated) and 0.78 – 2 pin cable with 4.4 mm balanced plug.

POWER REQUIREMENTS-
Power requirement- is volume- 40, high gain in Paw S1, it takes power nicely but gets loud too. So, adjust accordingly, it can easily be used with anything, and I Love that. Better sources will improve the sound for sure.

SOUND IMPRESSIONS-

SUB-BASS-
Its visceral, its large and it’s going to move you and your head. The sub-bass goes deep, the reverberations and extension are quite ethereal. There is depth and its easily having a very big base and body to the note. It also has quite good extension with apt decay and attack and feels good to listen to. There is good impact to the hits too and each individual reverberation are easily felt. A little more essence into the extension is something that would make this beyond awesome. Best thing it’s on your face presentations makes this a fun listen always.

BASS-
Wonderful presentation with great impact on initial hits. It disperses further when the hits are done. The bass hits are having apt tonality slightly maybe on the warmer side, but the decay and attack are quite apt. The decay could be made to have a slightly more extension, which could be it the best. The tonal differences between different drums are also easily felt. The notes are having similar characteristics to sub-bass with large visceral body and base and having horizontal spread all the time. They do have a certain depth (physically) in the headstage. And the separation is great too, from each note and also from other instruments too. There is no mixing of bass and vocals but given the inside the stage presentation, one might feel similarly, though its not the case.

MIDS-
Well, we start with females first. The vocals are lovely in tonality, they sound sweet and go quite high in the headstage. The notes have a wider base and body and end fast too. They are well tonally balanced for different female vocalists singing together. They might be a little thicker due to warmness, that has an added benefit being, not at all sharp which feels great overall. Male vocals are very similar to the note’s characteristics, but they benefit from the warm sound a lot as male voices are mostly thicker than females. They have great tonal differences which does make it easy to hear multiple vocalists. Rough throat voices also come through easily and does have presence in headstage. Small lip smacks, saliva, small air breaths are wonderful to hear to know the vocalists hardwork. They are also quite apt and easily heard through despite heavy instrumentation with instruments having a place around the vocalists in a spherical position around the vocalist.

Instruments like the grand piano and the pianos are having their ethereal presence felt. With multiple extensions coming off the keystrokes having great extensions overall. Overall, they extend in both directions. The guitar or other string instruments also extend but more in the vertical directions. Notes are having wider base and body with warmer tonality. Separation in between the notes are good but the attack and decay are quite apt with a little more extension required to make it the best. Tonally the notes are so different its easier to find the individual instruments easily. Headstage is more elliptical in shape with instruments staying around you in all directions and you stay with the vocalists. This is so much different from usual presentations, but this makes it much engaging to listen to and you feel the energy of the entire song.

TREBLE-
Well given the before characteristics of the sound, one might think that this must be the weakest link of the iem. Well to our surprise it appears to be not the case, the energy and notes dynamics stays excellent. The tonality is warm, but the separation and tonal differences in between the instruments keeps it beautiful to listen to. Notes characteristics are quite similar to the other instruments in the other sections but they are slightly different in the sense that extension are present but air is a bit lacking. The metallic instruments like triangles etc also have a great presence, with feeling that edgy but natural feeling being felt. The decay and attack are quite good, slightly more decay might be preferred a bit. The separation is great and you would love this presentation.

VERDICT-
Wonderful iem that can be used with anything overall. The best thing is its bass and sub-bass presence with the elliptical headstage and engaging listen. This makes it a catch and go iem easily. Fully recommended for a enjoying listen.

Hisenior Mega5-EST 7th Anniversary Limited Edition - Harman-iously Harman Benchmark​

​

Disclaimer​

• The reviewed IEM is a loaned personal unit. Thus, all the opinions are original ideas, without any influence from any 3rd party or external opinions.
• No EQ or filter presets were used during the entire review period.
• Sound impression are kept neutral and does not include 3rd party accessories (ie; eartips, cable, reversible mods)

Introduction​

Hey everyone,

I recently got my hands on the Hisenior Mega5est IEMs and wanted to share my thoughts after giving them a thorough listen.

Packaging and Accessories​

First off, the packaging is quite impressive. The Mega5est comes with several sets of ear tips, a quality cable, and a waterproof case. It’s always nice to see attention to detail in the unboxing experience, and Hisenior did not disappoint here.

Sound Signature​

Warm and Slightly Dark Tonality: The Mega5est has a warm sound signature with a slight dark tonality. This gives the overall sound a rich, full-bodied character.



Bass Quality: The bass on these IEMs is excellent. It’s robust and impactful, although it does tend to cover some of the mid-range. I found that raising the volume helps bring out the mids more clearly, though they still retain a nice warmth.

Mid-range: The mid-range is a bit laid back, which results in a relaxed vocal presentation. This makes the Mega5est great for long listening sessions, as the sound doesn’t become fatiguing.

Treble: The treble is detailed but not overly forward. It strikes a good balance, providing clarity without being in-your-face.

Comparison with Other IEMs​

Moondrop Variations: Personally, I prefer the sound signature of the Moondrop Variations. The Variations offer better sub-bass, cleaner bass, and a more forward vocal presentation. They also sound a bit more detailed overall.

Other Competitors: When A/B testing the Mega5est with the Moondrop Variations, DUNU SA6 MK II, and Elysian Pilgrim, the Mega5est has slightly less detail retrieval. However, it still holds its own as a great IEM for those who prefer a warmer, more laid-back sound.

Technicalities​

While the Mega5est performs well, its technicalities are on the average side compared to some of its competitors. However, this doesn't detract significantly from the overall listening experience, especially if you prefer a warmer sound.

Who Is This For?​

In my opinion, the Mega5est is ideal for:

• Non-Harman Curve Fans: Those who aren’t fans of the Harman target curve or find it shouty.
• Long Listening Sessions: Listeners who want an IEM that is comfortable for extended use.
• CIEM Enthusiasts: The option to order the Mega5est as a CIEM is a significant plus.

Build Quality​

The IEMs themselves are of high quality, as is the included cable. One minor gripe is the lack of interchangeable termination plugs, which would have added to the versatility.

Conclusion​

Overall, the Hisenior Mega5est is a solid choice for anyone looking for a warm, laid-back sound signature that is perfect for long listening sessions. While it might not have the same level of detail retrieval as some of its competitors, it offers a unique and enjoyable listening experience. If you're looking for something different from the typical Harman target curve, the Mega5est is definitely worth considering.

HISENIOR MEGA5EST: Deep Dive into The Ocean Of Music


DISCLAIMER: The Hisenior Mega5EST was purchased by us directly from Hisenior Audio with a small discount, we are thankful to the amazing team at Hisenior Audio for the same. The review reflects our honest opinions as always. However, our evaluation is based on a comparison of the price of the item.

Introduction: -

Hisenior is a China-based company founded in 2016 by Gareth Chan. Hisenior Audio specializes mainly in handcrafted Universal and Custom IEMs for musicians, studio engineers and audiophiles. Hisenior Audio is focused on designing and making professional custom and universal fitting in-ear monitors using the best quality drivers at affordable prices. What differentiates Hisenior Audio from other China-based companies is that they launch very limited IEM models and keep on refining their current offerings based on Audiophile’s feedback. They recently upgraded their setup and started offering custom IEMs using 3D impressions at very affordable prices. Hisenior Audio IEMs such as Mega5p and Okavango are quite famous in the audiophile circuit. We at Aural Café, had the honour of reviewing Hisenior Okavango and T2. The links of those you can find below.

• https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/hisenior-okavango.26620/reviews#review-32114
• https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/hisenior-t2-classic.25405/reviews#review-31502

Hisenior Mega5EST is Hisenior's flagship offering and features a tri-brid setup with 1DD+2BA+2EST. Hisenior Audio has recently launched an Anniversary Edition of Mega5EST to celebrate their 7 years in the industry. But we will be reviewing the non-anniversary version which also comes with Hisenior’s premium White Whale cable. However, on our discussion with Hisenior Audio regarding the differences we can confirm that the tuning is the same as the anniversary version and the only difference is in the colour of the shell and faceplate. Our unit also features the new smaller shell, new air vents and their exclusive smoother coherence from bass-treble just like the anniversary version.

Hisenior Mega5EST each shell is composed of a single custom 10mm Bio-Cellular Diaphragm Driver for handling the lows, two high-quality Sonion Balanced Armature (BA) for handling the mids and the highs and two Sonion Electrostatic Drivers (EST) for handling the ultra-highs in a 4-Way Integrated Crossover. The Hisenior team through this setup insist on achieving a smooth coherent sound across the whole frequency with well-detailed and clean instrument definition.

Hisenior Mega5EST can be bought for 549 US$ from Hisenior's official website.



Specifications: -

• Driver Configuration: 1-Dynamic Driver + 2-Balanced Armatures + 2-Electrostatic Drivers
• Crossover: 4-Ways, Tripple Bores, 3-Dampers
• Impedance: 25Ω ± 10%
• Freq Response: 10Hz-50Khz
• Sensitivity: 105dB/mW @1kHz
• Isolation: -20 dB
• Cable: 1.2 m with 4.4mm Termination

Packaging & Accessories: -

When it comes to packaging Hisenior Audio team left nothing to pamper the soul of an audiophile. Hisenior Mega5EST comes in a midsized rectangular cardboard box. One can see a high-quality Pelican case inside which the IEM cable and accessories are reliably kept. The packaging is minimal and the whole focus is on providing high value for the money to the IEM itself. The case consists of IEMs, White Whale cable which complements the tonality of the Mega5EST, Six pairs of silicone ear tips, two pairs of foam tips, a cleaning wiper, and a cable clip. The included White Whale cable features 290 cores, and multi-layered UPOCC (Silver Plated) shielded wires in coaxial design. The white colour ultra soft PVC insulation on the cable goes hand in hand with the elegance of the Mega5EST. The 1.2-meter cable also features high-quality gold-plated 0.78mm 2-pin connectors, anodised aluminium alloy plug case, splitter, slider, and gold-plated brass plug which can be terminated in 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm as per the requirement of the audiophile. The White Whale premium cable sells for 96 US$ and the given high-quality Pelican waterproof and dustproof case sells for 30 US$ so we at Aural Cafe can easily say that for 549 US$, the team at Hisenior Audio tried their best to offer a complete package to the demanding Audiophiles.



Build & Design Concept: -

Although it has an anniversary edition of Mega5eEST, we have already mentioned the unit we are reviewing is the regularly updated version which features a transparent shell along with an elegant multi-colour faceplate that primarily showcases the whole ethos of Mega5EST we feel so. The shell of Mega5EST is made of using high-quality resin. The design of the shell is quite ergonomic which is not only comfortable for longer usage but also provides excellent passive isolation. The transparent shell allows you to sneak into the inside of the Mega5EST which would surely excite every audio geek out there. The diameter of the nozzle on the Mega5EST IEM is a bit big but it gets comfortable during usage. What is interesting about the Hisenior Audio is that they offer complete customization and thus each set of Mega5EST can be customized as per the needs of the Audiophiles.




Sound Analysis: -

Credit: @CammyFi

• Tonality: - When it comes to the tonality of the IEMs, Mega5EST features a neutral tonality along with some warmth at the low end. The custom 10 mm bio-cellulose diaphragm Dynamic Driver is tuned well to provide the much-needed warmth to the neutral tonality across the frequency because of which the Hisenior Audio team ends up achieving a neutral yet smooth and natural tonality. The tonality of the Mega5EST opens gates to listening to various genres of music from blues to pop and hard rock. On using the high-quality copper cable (Rhapsodio OCC mk2 Copper cable in our case) the tonality surprisingly becomes a tinge more musical and soulful.

• Lows: - The lows in Mega5EST are tuned using the custom 10mm bio-cellulose diaphragm Dynamic Driver which ends up becoming the heart of the Mega5EST. The lows are tastefully tuned providing a very natural texture to the bassline. The bass has decent slam and rumbles without hindering the Mids. The mid-bass sounds fun when listening to popular pop numbers such as “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa, whereas the sub-bass has sufficient rumble while listening to popular Bollywood songs. The speed of the bass is just balanced at best to keep up with the neutral tonality but we at Aural Cafe would have loved a tinge of more speed in this area of frequencies. We also feel that the shell design adds more air to the dynamics of the lower frequency.

• Mids: - The Mids in Mega5EST are tuned using the two Sonion BAs which are well respected for tuning mids in the audiophile universe. The Sonion BAs are known for their naturalness and that is what can be said about Mega5EST as well. The mids are just balanced and natural to merge smoothly with the low and high frequencies. The lower mids are laidback while the upper mids are smooth and intoxicating without any shoutiness. The female vocals sound sublime while listening to ‘O Sathi re’ from the movie Omkara composed by Vishal Bharadwaj and also listening to ‘Listen Before I Go’ by Billie Eilish while the male vocals are not too far in comparison and the same can be felt while listening to ‘Billie Jean’ by Michael Jackson, but it is the female vocals which are a bit ahead in texture in comparison to male vocals. The timbre of the instruments especially piano, flute and drums is top tier while the same on guitars is just decent. The transient response is just average at best to complement the smooth and balanced tonality of the IEMs.

• Highs: - The highs on the Mega5est are tuned using one Sonion BA as well as two Sonion ESTs. The highs on Mega5est are smooth, natural, and airy without any dryness. The upper treble is specially tuned very tastefully with the help of two Sonion ESTs which are well extended without any thinness. We at Aural Cafe also feel that the shell design helps in adding air across the frequency. We loved listening to “Man Kasturi” by Amit Kilam composed by Indian Ocean for the Bollywood movie Masaan where the vocals are natural and complete as well as listening to “In Your Eyes” from the Weekend. The Sonion ESTs are tuned very technically and showcase their calibre while listening to Western Classical and Jazz.

• Soundstage & Imaging: - The Soundstage on the Mega5EST can be described as cohesive and realistic with the width being a bit ahead then the stage depth. The same can be felt while listening to “Hotel California” by the Eagles and “Kasto Mazza” composed by Shantanu Moitra for the Bollywood movie Parineeta while the imaging is just average at best. We enjoyed listening to ‘Zariya’ composed by AR Rahman for Coke Studio India.

• Synergy: - The Mega5EST is easy to drive but really shines with clean sources such as Aune M1p and Dethonray DTR1. The lows and high frequencies really shine with powerful high-quality portable sources such as iFi Hip DAC 3 and desktop sources such as Dethonray Listening M1. Dongles capable of clean sound such as Aune Yuki can also be used if one likes to use the Mega5EST with their mobile phones on the go. So, we at Aural Cafe will suggest using a clean transparent source. The stock premium cable not only complements well with the overall natural tonality of the Mega5EST but also adds a hint of more energy to the upper treble. We would here like to add that the stock cable is enough but if you want to squeeze the last bit of the Mega5EST then we would suggest premium cable such as the PW Audio Monile two-wire version. When it comes to the tips the vocals sounded open and life-like with Divinus Velvet ear tips.

Conclusion: -

The Sonion EST-based IEMs were first introduced by Shozy Audio (Hong Kong-based IEMs brand) and Alclair Audio (US-based brand) in 2019. We at Aural Cafe are honoured to owned and listened to many EST-based IEMs such as Shozy Pola, Shozy Pola 39, Penon Audio 10th AE and many more IEMs in this span. What makes Hisenior Audio Mega5EST unique is its honest and pure tonal quality where the the different types of drivers are beautifully implemented to achieve a smooth tonality across the frequency. Every driver whether it’s the DD, the BAs or the ESTs doesn’t show off but effortlessly works hand in hand to give life to the soul of Mega5EST. So, if you are a very value-centric audiophile and are in search of a high-quality tri-brid setup to listen to various genres of music then Mega5EST seems to be like the complete package. The level of customization that Hisenior offers at an affordable price just adds up to the whole experience of owning these IEMs. We would love a faster bass line and more refined imaging on Mega5EST.

Non-Affiliated Link: -

https://www.hisenior-iem.com/products/mega5est-hybrid-iem

Now let's discuss the HiSenior IEM, which apparently many people like abroad but not so much in Indonesia. Not without reason, but let's just talk about it: Mega5EST.
Let's dive in!

==DISCLAIMER==​

All my impressions and reviews are subjective and follow the belief of "I only deceive my savings, of course, my reviews are honest." Agree? Alright. Different? Alright. Because I review because I want to and like to, not because I need to lol.

• But if you say this because you're just borrowing it? Oh, of course not. I'm a true audiophile hobbyist who will always be honest without bias. Don't believe it? Read on until the end, we'll dissect the pros and cons.
• But if you say this because it's just new, probably still in the "honeymoon" phase? In this hobby that is truly "dark and full of toxins," it will always be like this until the end of the world. Human desires are endless. Haha.

But isn't it better to listen and experience it yourself? You're right.

Important!! I suggest you still audition it yourself, maybe my ears need to see an ENT doctor or maybe you need to (haha).

Click to expand...

==THIS POST IS FOR==​

• What are some good vocal IEMs around the 7 million rupiah mark?
• What are some IEMs with good build quality, sturdy, and okay?
• What's up with HiSenior Mega5EST?
• Just want to read the review.

==DESIRED SOUND==​

• Crisp treble if it can be a bit spicy
• Good quality and quantity bass, but not for bass heads
• Technicality, imaging, and clarity are excellent
• Wide soundstage

==TESTED WITH==​

• Youtube Music
• Tidal
• Hiby M300
• Fiio Q15
• Lenovo Office Laptop (Which series)
• HiSenior Mega5EST

==LET'S DIVE IN WITHOUT FURTHER ADO==​

Unboxing:
Since this IEM is borrowed and not provided in its original box, I can't comment on unboxing, hehe. But what I got was the IEM and its cable.
Top-notch IEM shell! The finishing is good, smooth, and the color is like shiny gray. It's really great physically, in my opinion. But the downside is for some reason, the cable tends to detach from the IEM or get lifted. Is it loose? I don't know. Maybe other units are better.
As for the cable, it's white and resembles a hose material but not the Aquarium hose, more like the Simgot EW200 model. The cable is good, comfortable, and slightly rigid.

Fitting:
Note: My ear holes are relatively large, and almost all IEMs fit snugly. Oh, I always use size L ear tips too.
The IEM nozzles are huge! So for those with smaller ears, it's better to find ear tips that fit better, hehe.

Bass:
Unlike Okavango, Mega5EST has a more mellow bass with slightly less power. It has slightly better quality and quantity than Okavango, with good rumble and depth, but the impact feels faster. Clearly not for bass heads. But it's considered good bass.
The slightly backward presentation adds sweetness without being overwhelming. Perfect for listening to relaxed and detailed songs.

Mid:
In my opinion, this is the most special aspect of this IEM. The mids are truly musical and sweet. Listening to acoustic songs feels truly intimate and swinging. With sufficient power and a more forward presentation compared to bass and treble, the impression of melodic vocals feels even better.
However, the weakness lies in the upper mids, which lack power, making high-pitched female vocals sound somewhat subdued and less pronounced. This IEM is perfect for melancholic songs, haha.

Treble:
Unlike Okavango, Mega5EST has clear, clean, and well-tuned treble. Although it's not as crisp as I would prefer, the treble can be considered natural-sounding and suitable for people sensitive to treble but still want to enjoy it because it's not sharp.
With a relatively short tail, the treble is good at delivering micro-details.

- Clarity, Imaging, and Soundstage:

• Clarity: Clear and natural sounding. The super sweet vocals and gently tuned treble are perfect for long listening sessions.
• Imaging: The bass and treble feel slightly distant due to the very forward vocals. This supports a pleasant setup for acoustic songs. Instrument details are well depicted without any sound overlap.
• Soundstage: For its price range, the provided soundstage is average, not very wide but not too intimate either.

==SO, WHAT'S THE VERDICT?==​

• For the price, you'll rarely find an IEM with vocals as pleasant as this.
• Natural-sounding treble that is gently tuned but lacks support from micro-details that could be better for its price range.
• The nozzle is quite large.
• Recommendation? This is perfect for acoustic IEMs, no complaints there. Or for listening to melancholic songs all day long. But for other genres or as an all-rounder, it might not be suitable because the treble and bass are too relaxed and I prefer more energetic sounding.

That's it.
Trust your own ears.
Bye.

Review Of The Hisenior Mega5EST​

Introduction​

This is my second time reviewing an IEM from Hisenior, a Chinese-founded firm. Though I was just recently introduced to them, this business is widely recognized for its electro-acoustic gadgets. I was quite pleased with the T4 IEM's responsiveness. This time around, I had the opportunity to evaluate their flagship IEM, the Mega5EST, which is essentially a distinct version of the Mega 5P Ultra. The Mega5EST employs two EST and two balanced armatures in place of four balanced armatures. I thus want to make a few items clear before continuing.

Disclaimer​

*Since this unit tour was organised by the generous people at HiSenior Audio and Aural Cafe, I am grateful to them. And as I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to these IEMs as “Mega.”
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the Mega based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.

Specification​

Two sonion EST drivers, two custom balanced armatures, and one 10mm bio-cellular dynamic driver are all part of the tribal configuration housed in the Mega and are coupled by a 4-way crossover. Because the shells are ergonomically formed and composed of resin, they fit my ears wonderfully and don't create any tiredness, even after extended periods of time spent listening. Regarding the White Whale cable, which is Hisenior's exclusive premium product, it is a UP-OCC silver plated cable with 4.4mm termination plugs on one end and two pin connections on the other. Additional accessories that come with the device are a cable clip, a clean wiper, a choice of eartips, and a pelican protective case. Regarding the technical specifications, the sensitivity is 105dB and the impedance is 25 Ohms. The range of the frequency response is 10Hz–50kHz.


***Above Image Credits***

Sound​

I could tell as soon as I heard the Mega that it was a very well-tuned IEM because of its remarkable tone and strong technical capabilities. The tuning is more in line with my own taste, which is a refined neutral with a sub bass boost character. I've listened to the Variations, OH700VB, EJ07M, and all of its rivals, but despite the fact that all of these IEMs have my favored response, the tonality is by far the safest and most pleasant sounding. The bass is powerful yet extremely well-controlled, the midrange is forward-sounding, and the treble is expansive and silky. With the exception of the fact that they aren't warm-sounding IEM, it sounds as calming overall as any other. Let's investigate the sound more thoroughly to learn more.

Treble​

What sets it apart from other IEMs in this pricing range is the treble.It's not hidden or subdued, nor is it energizing or particularly revealing.I want to emphasize that, for an IEM in this price range, the treble is smooth and silky, something I have never experienced.The sound from the upper treble range is expansive, airy, and stretched out far. The fact that the higher extension doesn't add any irritating elements is another benefit. The voices and instruments sound stretched and satisfying. The lower treble's natural timbre makes the notes feel calming and encompassing, and it also helps the singers and instruments build a stronger presence by sounding more revealing and energetic. I believe that the tone would have sounded a little contradictory in terms of offensiveness if the notes had been sharp rather than softened. However, the notes provide enough information to give the instruments and voices a crisp, professional sound. As a result, the treble zone appears silky, peaceful, and roomy overall.

Mid Range​

Once again, I have no complaints with the mid range.In comparing them to their rivals, I have to admit that others have a stronger understanding of both the amount and quality of notes.While the Mega's midrange presentation is more relaxed and somewhat flushed, it sounds successfully focal and open when the treble kicks in, maintaining a little laid-back tone.The voices tend to retain their rich and filling response in the high mid range, where the instruments seem more expansive and full.Surprisingly, though, both the note separation and placement are really well done, giving the music a clear, focused sound. My favorite range is the lower midrange because it maintains the weight and richness of the notes while maintaining a clear sound in the upper frequencies, which surprised me by making the notes seem more disclosed. As a result, the mid range area has a rich, pleasing, and organic sound overall.

Bass​

In terms of bass, I am rather impressed since the bass's quality is so gratifying that it effortlessly provides the necessary quantity of bass wherever and whenever it is needed. Although the bass may seem underappreciated at first, it becomes noticeable when listening to music with a lot of bass. It is big and robust without becoming bloated or intrusive. The sub bass range is where the concentration lies, and as pressure is sensed inside the ear canal, the rumbling feeling is quite effective. Although the blows are equally powerful, the presence of the mid-bass area responds more successfully. Though not very strong, the smashes and thumps work nicely with the sub bass to provide a hearty response when needed. The amount and control of the bass more than make up for the somewhat inaccurate and unresolved texture and details. Overall, the bass area is presented in a pleasing, weighty, and extremely well-controlled manner.

Technical Performance​

I must also admit that, in terms of technical ability, I think Mega5EST to be on level with other IEMs, if not superior to the Variations or OH700VB. All things considered, though, the quality and response are adequate to make this IEM worth the price. Let's continue our discussion regarding the technological potential of the Mega.

Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation​

The stage is rather large; in terms of comparison, it is similar to UM MEXT but obviously smaller than the Monarch MKII. Because of how well the notes are separated from one another and how easy it is for me to tell where the sound is coming from, I think the Mega's large and expansive response is among the best I have heard in this price range. I think it falls a little short in terms of clarity and precision in the picture.

Speed & Resolution​

The resolution is undoubtedly high, but although the macro details are sufficient to ensure the response's quality and clarity, the micro details aren't really illuminating. The fast-paced onslaught and fade of the notes eventually maintains the mix's cleanliness.

Sound Impressions ​

Sources​

Sony WM1A - Mega sounds more expressive when listened to with WM1A since the voice response is raised, particularly in the high mid range. The entire midrange has a livelier, more forward tone to it. The treble continues to sound as it did previously, but the bass is now more powerful and impacting. The reaction, in my opinion, is still smooth and pleasant but is more lively and energized.

Tempotec V6 - The response is really clear and revealing while listening to Mega over the V6, but it's not as crisp or detailed as I had anticipated. Even yet, the bass has a more restrained sound, with a hint of restrained intensity in the midrange. The vocals sound the same in the midrange, but when actual high frequency notes are emphasized in the recordings, the reaction seems a touch sickening. However, the intensity forces the notes to sound more revealing.

Aful SnowyNIght - While listening to Mega5EST with snowynight, the response seems more expansive and detailed, particularly in the upper frequencies. One thing I noticed with every pair coupled with snowynight was that the expressive quality of the upper midrange was more prominent in the mix, making the Mega5EST seem more spacious and airy.

Colorfly CDA-M2 - While listening to Mega with M2, the response seems more centered, as if the layering and imaging of the notes helped to bring the notes closer together while yet achieving a wide sounding response, as the voices sound somewhat more expressive. In addition, the bass and treble are more subdued, which makes it seem a little uninteresting in my opinion. But altogether, it sounds enjoyable to listen to.

Tracks​

Millet - Anytime Anywhere
Anri - I can’t stop the loneliness
Kohana Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Uru - Kimino Shiawasewo
Uru - Kamihitoe
Kujira Yumemi - Kenka
Majiko - Kokoronashi
Anly - Sukinishinayo
Kohama Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Miliyah - Kono Yumega Samerumade
Rokudenashi - The Flame Of Love
Yu-Peng Chen - A New Day with Hope
Yu-Peng Chen - Another Hopeful Tomorrow
Yu-Peng Chen - For Riddles, for Wonders
Valentino Khan - Satellite
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Jawns - Erotica
ISOxo - how2fly
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Weeknd - Popular
YUNGBLUD - When We Die(Can We Still Get High)
Bring to Horizon - Kool-Aid
Middle Kids - Bend
FLETCHER - Leads Me On
Loathe - Aggressive Evolution
The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
Sigrid - Burning Bridges
AURORA - Black Water Lilies
AURORA -
X Ambassadors - Renegades
Lupe Fiasco - Words I Never Said
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Can’t Hold Us
Goyte - Somebody That I Used To Know
Jay-Z - Run This Town
Lady Gaga - Poker Face
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Ladytron - Ghost
Travis - Love Will Come Through
LINKIN PARK - Somewhere I Belong
DJ Shadow - Six Days (Remix)
Hoobastank - The Reason
Ricky Martin - I Don’t Care
Tool - 7empest
Tool - Vicarious
A Flock Of Seagulls - Space Age Love Song
Zack Hemsey - Vengeance
Elton John - I’m Still Standing
The Moody Blues - Nights In White Satin
Micheal Sembello - Maniac
Guns N’ Roses - Sweet Child O’ Mine
A.R. Rahman - Kun Faya Kun

Conclusion​

As I wrap up my evaluation, I think that Hisenior has a tendency to make easy-to-listen IEMs that appreciate every nuance of the tuning and sound profile. The Mega5EST is a product of this tendency, regardless of how its rivals fare. The sound that Mega5EST provides is sophisticated and unique in a manner, regardless of whether it sounds more tonally or detailed. Therefore, I wholeheartedly suggest them, and anybody who enjoy neutral response with a sub boost boost will be thoroughly delighted.

Hisenior Mega5EST 7th Anniversary Edition

Disclaimer

The Mega5EST is my fourth IEM from Hisenior, I did buy it with a review discount. All impressions are my own subjective thoughts after having used them for a good time. These are my thoughts at this moment, and as time moves I might change my opinion.
This is also a very subjective hobby where everything from experience, anatomy or age will affect what we hear. Also keep in mind that it is easy to use bold words when talking about differences, while it may be perceived as a small change for you.
While I can perceive something as natural sounding, I do believe we can never get a perfect performance similar to what is achieved live.

Ranking System:
1 Very bad or unlistenable
2 Listenable but not good
3 Average
4 Very good
5 Exceptional or having a special sauce

My rating system highly values what is musical, so my rating will always be a subjective opinion.



About me and my gear used for the review

My audio preference is neutral with increased low end, mids can be forward but not too much. I can also handle some treble spikes if it is not excessive. I am a believer in having different tuned IEMs for different genres or moods instead of chasing the single perfect one.
Main music genres I listen to are Metal, Electronica, Jazz, Indy rock/metal, R&B, Pop. I am a music lover, and can also listen to almost all the genres out there. I have been into music gear since the mid 90s, gifted some big speakers at an early age. Then moved more and more into headphones with the Koss Porta Pro and a Sony Discman.
I have also tried playing many instruments over the years from piano to sax and have a feel for what's a natural tone, but not the biggest patience in learning to play. My wife has also played many instruments from string to wind instruments.

My current standard in Headphones is ZMF Verite Open and Beyerdynamic T1 G2.

My current favorites in IEMs are AüR Audio Ascension and 634ears Miroak-II. The AüR Audio Ascension is a tribrid with 1DD 5BA and 2EST, that is tuned to be warm and natural. Miroak-II is my favorite single DD, it has a warm and bassy sound that is also very natural sounding. Both of the models belong to a similar category of sound, and align with my taste for warm sound that is more organic.

Gear used in the main rig is Topping E70 DAC together with the Topping A90 Discrete headphone Amp. I also have a Schiit Lokuis I can swap in if I want to do a little analogue EQ.
I have a few DAPs and dongles to change up the sound, my favorite being HIBY R8 II.
I have a good range of cables from Clan Audio, Penon, NiceHCK, XINHS, DUNU, Effect Audio and Gladiator Cables.



Who is Hisenior

https://www.hisenior-iem.com/

I heard about Hisenior for the first time last year, and heard praise about their Mega5P hybrid IEM. Found it to be excellent for the money when I had it on loan from a friend, it had a natural and good tonality. Great built and felt better than what they asked for, the market has changed and more and more hybrids have entered. Also from Hisenior themselves, the Okavango their newest hybrid was a more lush and fun IEM and the new T4 is the best budget BA set on the market.

Hisenior as I understand has been making IEMs for a good time, but aimed for the professional market. This is also why they offer IEMs in the CIEM versions, the new models have options for both CIEM and universal design.

About Us page:

We are Hisenior Audio, the designer, manufacture of professional in-ear monitors for musicians, studio engineers and audiophiles.

EVERY MUSIC DREAM IS WORTHY OF RESPECT

No Matter You Play Bass,Drum,Keys,Guitar or Sing the Songs, No Matter Where Your Musics Happen(at Home, In Street or On Stage), We Believe Every of Your Music Dream is Worthy of Respect and Protection, No Matter How Small It is. Join Us and Together for more......

www.facebook.com/HiseniorAudio)
www.instagram.com/hisenior/)
https://twitter.com/febosIEM)



So what is the Mega5EST 7th Anniversary Edition

Mega5EST is the Hisenior flagship IEM, a tribrid with 1DD+2BA+2EST. This model is the Anniversary edition in a blue and grey design, the model has been redone compared to the original release that came out some years ago. Throughout the review I might refer to it as M5E.

What's New: (New Smaller shell/New Sound Nozzle/ New Inner Drivers-configuration/New Air Vent/ New Tuning Sound (Harman IEM target curve + Hisenior Exclusive Smooth Coherence from bass-treble))

It has 1 Dynamic Driver in Bio Cellulose that is 10mm large for its low end, this is a custom made driver for HiSenior. The BA drivers are for mids and high frequencies, both are from Sonion and high quality. The last two drivers are also Sonion but EST drivers, mostly for the ultra high frequencies.



https://www.hisenior-iem.com/products/mega5est-hybrid-iem

Measurement from Jaytiss:





The Ergonomics of the Mega5EST is really good with a CIEM like mold with contoured wing, the nozzle also has some angle and good length to make it secure fitting. The socket for the 2pin is the flat style, and feels like good quality with good grip on the pins.
They have plenty of venting and dont feel closed in at all, maybe due to the large metal vent hole.



Accessories are plenty when we look at the tips, should be something for everyone to find something that seals good. Stock cable is also really good and I personally love the design of SPC cables like this, it's delivered in 4.4mm. You get their standard hard case, while rather large it's excellent for storing the IEMs safe.



Timbre

First off, what is Timbre?
From the Wikipedia:
The Acoustical Society of America (ASA) Acoustical Terminology definition 12.09 of timbre describes it as "that attribute of auditory sensation which enables a listener to judge that two nonidentical sounds, similarly presented and having the same loudness and pitch, are dissimilar", adding, "Timbre depends primarily upon the frequency spectrum, although it also depends upon the sound pressure and the temporal characteristics of the sound"

First minutes of trying a new set of gear, what I always listen to is how natural and musical it sounds. Much of this goes down to how I perceive the Timbre.

The sound of the Mega5EST is very natural sounding, with a neutral tonality with some low end warmth. They call this Harman IEM target paired with their own smooth coherent tuning, I like this much more than Harman tuned IEMs.

Going to use the ranges here in review:




Details and soundstage

The Mega5EST has a good amount of detail, but sits lower in detail level than some of the best models around this price range. But overall it's better than most hybrids and tribrids at the price, I find it gives a good balance of resolving capability that harmonizes with the natural tuning.

Soundstage is spherical for me with good width and height, but maybe not as much forward projection. More spacious than models like their T4, Okavango and Mega5P, so you get some extra finesse over Hisenior cheaper models. Same with imaging cues being a step up in pinpoint accuracy, with more realistic stage.

Bass

This is interesting, I didn't expect too much beforehand about the bass. The Mega5P was never my thing, then Okavango was much better on this aspect, and delivered a textured and fun low range.
As M5E was supposed to be more reference sounding I expected the bass to be neutral and less bombastic, took me by surprise.

The bass here reminds me of another IEM I loved for the bass, the Aurora from AüR. Meaning the bass has excellent elastic texture that can both slam and rumble with authority, but here is more present in the mix over Aurora with a small amount more mid bass.

Bass is very natural to me, in my book this is what a natural amount of bass is. Some sets with a leaner amount sound totally wrong when listening to recordings of cello or drums etc.
This is not a basshead set, but still has a good amount of warmth to make music real and lively as it should be.

Bass is not too fast or slow, and excels at textured notes that also can slam well. You will not get a bombastic bass that some people love for hip hop and metal music, but this is again better on stuff like electronic or acoustic music like jazz or classical.

Mids

Midrange is a good one, it's smooth and natural. With clear tonality that's not uneven or veiled at any part, just very natural. This also means it will probably not offend any who are sensitive to midrange, but on the flip side people who love extra forward mids will lack something.

The upper mids also are on the safe side, not shouty or bright at all. Lately I have enjoyed this type of tuning much more, often when changing from more forward pina gain sets it can sound less detailed. But I dont think this is true as it's an illusion, as the upper mids are detailed just not as in your face.

Guitars have good technicalities but lack some bite if used to more energetic sets, so perhaps better for Spanish guitar than metal riffs.

Listening to piano recordings the mids sound so even and natural, just a very correct amount of warmth to give the lowest octaves fullness. While the upper range can both be delicate and sparkly, just an excellent timbre for piano.

I find the Mega5EST to be equally good on female or male vocals, or bright and darker vocals. If I would pick one perhaps the brighter females are the best, as it's clean without being sharp or sibilant. Instruments like brass or cymbals also have a clean sound without being fatigued or harsh, but still have some bite to them not being dampened too much.

Treble

The treble is well extended and clear, not shouty or tiresome at all. I would say the amount of upper treble and air is very natural, so to my preference as I don't like too much upper treble.
Some might want more air, especially if they have less upper treble hearing or just prefer it exaggerated.

Music has plenty of overtones and airyness, cymbals sound crisp and not dull. Instruments like piccolo flute sound airy and nice, same for violin overtones sounding airy with great realism.



Synergies

A small part about what gear I have been enjoying the most with the Mega5EST, starting with cable. The stock White Whale cable is excellent, and I found no need to change it out.
I tried my Effect Audio Cadmus 8w, and the change is so small that I doubt it's anything different.
I liked it with all my sources and amps, the neutral sound carries the sound of what it's plugged into. It is also fairly power hungry, but even a cheap dongle sounds good. But feed it with good sounding gear and it will scale and show the quality of the source.

But I do think it sounds more lively and resolving paired with my desktop gear or my HIBY R8 II.

Tips have been the Divinus Velvet, excellent comfort and it is full sounding.




Music

I will just talk about some of the music I like, the music I use here are some of my reference tracks and also just some music I like in general. When I am listening to music and not evaluating, I prefer to listen to whole albums. When comparing Mega5EST to other sets I have used the tracks listed here and more. I use Tidal or my own files for listening, but will provide links for either the Bandcamp or YT version.

Also sharing a review Tidal list that I have started to make, it will evolve over time and is still in the early stage.

https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/ad7bbfa3-2067-4235-b2ed-f5a3fb53ff28



Jóhann Jóhannsson : Flight from the City

Ambient Contemporary Classical music, one of my favorites in the genre. It's a simple but nuanced track and album, if you like this one track I advise you to check the rest out. The natural playback of Mega5EST excels at this stuff, how it portrays both the strings and piano sound real and full. Gave me goose bumps hearing though the album on Mega5EST, helps also how the soundstage sounds so black and immersive.



Blackfield - Once (Remastered)

Blackfield got back into my listening recently due to another reviewer who shared it with me. Nice to hear them again after what I think is 10 years or more. The remaster of the Blackfield II album is great, highly dynamic and resolving. The track opens up with a clear drum part and the vocals and guitars is excellent, perfect track for testing timbre in general. If I have one nit pick on Mega5EST it is the amount of bass, personally I prefer even more mid bass for prog rock to make it sound thicker.



Shpongle - Shpongle Falls

Big fan of Shpongle, their music has defined much of the psy chill genre that is today. The album here is one my favorites from them, the chill ambient side with some psychedelic elements.
First of the Mega5EST dig super low into the sub bass, it produces the kick in a satisfying way where it's present without taking over the sound. The sound cues are 3D and spacious, and you get that trip in your head that Psy genres often do. Just the right amount of detail and clean sound to keep it musical but still resolving.



YAOSOBI - 夜に駆ける

I dont often listen to J-Pop as I often find it too busy or bright, and if I do it would be on sets that are not overly bright that also can handle busy transitions.
夜に駆ける is J-pop track that is clear and busy, Mega5EST has a very good sound for this that keeps the female vocal super clear without being fatigued or too sharp. My new J-pop set if I ever move more into this genre.



Smilla - Coronation

Minimal Techno from Germany, not the most technical track. But provides a full and deep thumping bass rhythm, sort of bass style that sounds bad on ultra fast sets like planars or BA.
Mega5EST manages excellent and it's very fun, I think the amount of bass is adequate for this bass heavy track. The electronica elements in the upper range is also controlled nicely without being piercing like it does on OH700VB.



Bat For Lashes - Feel For You

Natasha’s fifth studio album, Lost Girls album is more or less a love letter to 80s movies and synth pop from the time. My favorite has been the track Feel For You, which reminds me a lot of the 80s and spark joy. The rhythmic drumming and simple line Feel For You is one the simple side, but also is a good one to just see how I like a set if it's engaging and full.



Gojira - Drum Solo

Big fan of Gojira and have used them plenty of times in reviews, French heavy metal band. The track here is what the title says, a drum solo by Mario François Duplantier. Sounds so real and fun on Mega5EST, maybe I could have liked a small amount more mid bass. But no, this sounds very realistic and fun, and also shows how important a textured and elastic DD can be for drums. Cymbals have a good bite without being piercing, just a good and natural presentation.



Caroline Polachek - Fly To You (fear. Grimes and Dido)

Caroline has blown up lately in popularity, deserving of her unique modern pop music. Never knew I needed this collaboration she had with Grimes and Dido, 3 unique vocals together. Grimes sounds airy and shimmery, while Dido has her full voice I remember from her popular days. And lets not forget Caroline's special and unique voice, all of them make it sound very special. Love how expressive and natural Mega5EST has here, just the correct amount of clarity and warmth to make it euphonic.



Comparisons

When evaluating I use impressions over a longer time period with some fresh comparisons also, it takes a long time and is not done in one sitting. The most critical comparison is done on my desktop setup that is highly resolving, with volume matching through a microphone to take away loudness variance.

The spider chart is slightly exaggerated on some points to show differences, it's also a subjective chart about my preference. Musical/Soul is what matters the most, and is down to what I feel when I listen to the IEM.





Hisenior Okavango

Okavango is hybrid IEM with 7 drivers total that is tuned in their new WILD-NATURE series, named after the world's largest inland Desert Delta. It has 1 DD and 6 BA with tuning switches to change up the sound, I have used it in the 00 config that has the most neutral tonality. It's still tuned to have a good amount of mid bass for a thicker and more lively sound, also why it's in the Wild Nature series to be a more fun tuning than the other models they have.
Soundstage is smaller and less expansive on the Okavango, it's a good difference here. For the cost I think Okavango was great, especially compared to other IEMs at the price. But Mega5EST clearly has something extra making it sound more open and large.

Bass is more textured and deeper on Mega5EST, the Okavango can sound a little hollow and less defined after having heard Mega5EST. Especially the deepest sub bass rumbles with fuller note weight, mid bass is the other way around where the Okavango has more punch to it. But even so the mid bass of Mega5EST is more elastic and textured , they use similar material being Bio Cellulose but have different size and probably also different magnets.

Midrange of Okavango is more on the husky side over Mega5EST, as in more warmth and forward in the low mids. Quality is a step under the Mega5EST and I think this is a mix of the tuning and drivers used. Upper mids have some grain on Okavango that is buttery smooth and clean on Mega5EST.

Highs of Mega5EST is a good step above Okavango, Okavango without the treble switch engaged has less bite and air. Engaging the treble switch makes Okavango have more treble that is overly sharp and piercing, where it sounds uneven and not natural.



AüR Audio Aurora

This is a hybrid IEM from AüR, it has 2DDs and 6BAs. It is tuned to be neutral with a sub bass boost, also with a relaxing top end. Priced around the same, but will lack the EST drivers.
The Mega5EST has way better presentation of the packaging and unboxing, with also better accessories. Comfort is great with both sets, maybe a small win to Aurora as it has slightly better design on the shell.

Soundstage is more spacious on the Mega5EST and positioned more in front, but Aurora has a slightly better 3D effect around you where it goes more to the sides of your head. Looking at the resolution they are good but not extraordinary, maybe a small win to the Mega5EST as it has more clarity. I would call the Aurora warm neutral with darker treble, the Mega5EST is more of a warm neutral.

The Aurora has a slightly tighter bass, but maybe a little reserved at times. Mega5EST has a more spacious bass presentation, slightly more impactful slam that also comes forth more easily. But still within a natural amount similar to Aurora, the difference in texture is hard to explain as both are very textured on stuff like string instruments. But still sound different, think it comes down to the smaller drivers on Aurora might be slightly faster to decay.

Lower Midrange is a small amount more forward on both instruments and vocals with Aurora. There is a difference in cleanliness of the midrange, the Aurora can seem more textured in the mids and slower. So when comparing the two it can sound quite different, technically I think the Mega5EST sound more correct. But it doesn't mean it's more resolving in the mids, just different.
Upper midrange is well controlled on both without being too forward, but also not recessed where we lose presence. Here you get some extra clarity on Mega5EST due to the cleaner sound.

Both have pleasing treble, but it's higher clarity and more extension with Mega5EST. Also the EST drivers makes it sound more ethereal and pleasing.



Oriveti OH700VB

This is Oriveti flagship hybrid IEM, the OH700VB has 1 Dynamic Driver for bass and 6 Balanced Armatures. The price is slightly higher than the Mega5EST at $700. The quality of the IEMs is good, but looking at build quality the Mega5EST both feel and look more premium built. Both brands deliver an excellent amount of accessories, both have a decent cable already in the box.

Soundstage and resolution are very close to each other, it's different in how they do things but both remain good in the price segment. OH700VB has a wider presentation, while Mega5EST is more forward projecting. Resolution is very close to each other, might be a small step above on Mega5EST. Both are what I call neutral with bass boost, while OH700VB has a slight tilt toward V shaped tonality.

Bass texture of both sets are very similar, but they sound fairly different due to how they are tuned. Would perhaps say OH700VB is looser and appears more easy, the M5E more controlled and dense. The OH700VB has more of a separated bass with a bass tuck, and the M5E more of a mixed glide and tuck. On a lot of music it's hard to pick the bass part from each other, this is since the amount of warmth is very similar and also the texture. A few tracks can show a small amount of more sub bass extension on OH700VB, while some other tracks sound more bassy on M5E as it has more mid bass ratio.

Mids of OH700VB are natural and a little uneven with some small amount of darkness, M5E is not dark but very similar overall. Just that they are tuned slightly differently where M5E is more coherent throughout.
Male vocals often sound fuller on M5E and brighter females can be more delicate, M5E handles sibilance smoother.
Both handle bright instruments like sax excellently without being shouty, a little darker on OH700VB.

The treble of the OH700VB has more extension and it is brighter than M5E, but it's not as refined and natural sounding. Almost have some raspy unevenness to the highs that come forth due the forward presence, this also makes OH700VB sound closer to a neutral/V shape than neutral. The OH700VB has some extra cymbal shimmer or air in general over the Mega5EST.



Summary

The Mega5EST is perhaps one of the best value IEMs for the one who wants a natural sounding tribrid.

In short the Hisenior Mega5EST is a very natural sounding IEM, that keeps itself from being either boring or fatiguing. More or less a jack of all trades, that does everything very correctly without being master of anything. Also means that it excels at most music you throw at it, perfect for putting your music library on random and enjoy.

It's clearly the best IEM I have used from Hisenior, and excels in coherency thanks to good drivers and tuning. Mega5EST has the right amount of warmth and brightness to make it musical and enjoyable for me.

Thanks again to Hisenior for the review discount, I look forward to more later this year.
It is too bad so few know about Mega5est, the model deserve more recognition. A tuning and quality that should be loved by many.

I've heard some promising things about the HiSenior Mega5Est from a trustworthy friend of mine, so I decided to blind buy it with my own money and below are my thoughts on the $550 iem.



Tl;dr: A solid buy for $550 if you're looking for a great neutral with bass boost tonality with good techs.


Packaging and Accessories:






Accessories include: 2 baggies of silicon tips, 1 bag of foam tips, 1 bag of stickers, wipes, and a cable clip.


The stock 4.4mm cable with 2 pin flushed connectors that the Mega5EST comes with is rubber sleeved, I'm not usually a fan of cables with built in ear hooks. The loop of the cable was fortunately fine for me though, your mileage may vary.

The Shell:

I would describe it as kinda thick in the body, but the width and height are compact and easy to wear. The nozzle diameter is on the larger side but the length is short so it should be ok for most people who can fit the larger nozzle diameter. I can wear the Mega5EST for long periods of time especially since it's also vented as well.

Nozzle Diameter: 6.26 mm at the lip, 5.41mm after the lip.

Approximate Body Dimensions excluding the nozzle: 24mm wide x 13 mm x 17 mm

Mega5EST (left), Truthear Zero Red (middle), Truthear Hola (right)


Measurements:

Frequency Response Graph, Compensated to JM-1 Target, normalized at 500 Hz (more info on this target here: https://headphones.com/blogs/features/the-shape-of-iems-to-come#section-5-2)


If you wish to explore more of the FR of Mega5EST you can find my FR measurements of it and other IEMS in my collection here: https://listener.squig.link/tam/?share=JM-1_Target,Mega5est

Here's also an uncompensated Frequency Response plot off my clone 711 coupler from the SoundGoods store on Aliexpress. Take note that my 711 coupler makes transducers look darker than it really is (recession in 4KHz to 6KHz) unless it is compensated with a coupler specific target.



Overall you can see that the L/R channel matching is insanely impressive, almost zero differences in L or R transducers.

Sound:

All listening done with the stock cable and with Coreir Pentaconn Brass Tips (Size MS) with my iBasso 320MAX Ti as the source. I used the Coreir brass tips because for my ear canals, I was able to push out the upper treble peak that I otherwise would hear with other tips (JVC Spiraldots++, AET07, Eletech Baroques).

Tonality:
Overall, I'd describe Mega5Est as neutral with bass boost. Which kind of reminds me of my Subtonic Storm but with more bass and lower mids and less treble.

Bass (20 hz ~ 200 hz):
The bass shelf on the Mega5est extends to about 200 hz, which makes any bass elements in a track come forward. Great for electronic or pop music which is most of my general listening. The quantity of the bass is quite generous too. I don't notice any bleeding of bass into the vocals here so good job on HiSenior for blending the bass properly.

Mids (200hz ~ 4 Khz):
The pinna region is not as forward compared to similarly priced IEMs like Variations, so when I normalize volume while listening around 1 KHz, the Mega5EST has a vocal and string richness where on Variations certain vocals and string instruments sound thin. There's a pleasant warmth in the mids with the Mega5EST that most people will find enjoyable. If you find the 2019 IE Harman target or stuff like the IEF neutral target too pinna forward and thin, the mids on this IEM would be a solution to your needs.

Treble (4Khz ~ 20Khz):
Overall, linearly downsloped in a good way so most of the treble sounds quite pleasant and linear up until you reach the upper treble where there is one peak (maybe 11KHz?) that I was able to tip roll and push the peak out of my hearing range. That troublesome treble peak made cymbals decay too strongly so it can sound harsh at times but thankfully I was able to find the right tips to get rid of it. If you're used to IE-harman or IEF neutral tonality iems, Mega5EST may seem dark but I find the treble pretty smooth in a good way.


Technical Performance:

Dynamics: I'd say Mega5EST is above average given its price but it's not the most dynamics I've heard. Not going to outclass the dynamics of something like Symphonium Helios or Crimson that I've previously heard but definitely prefer it over other IEMs that I've heard like Variations.

Resolving ability: Does ok here. Helios still out-resolves the Mega5Est but that's not to say it's textureless.

Imaging: Average or so imaging and separation, not going to be crazy imaging like you would get with Helios, Crimson, or Storm for that matter. Sound images are an ok size with bass components feeling big which tracks with the tonality.

Staging: I'd say there's depth than width here for the Mega5Est. Staging for the Mega5EST for me is thrown forward instead of it being around me. I'd describe the shape as conic.

Transients: Slightly rounded leading edges

Comparisons to other IEMs I've heard:
I'd put Mega5EST over Thieaudio's Monarch Mk2 and somewhere on par with Thieaudio's Divinity V16. The Monarch Mk2 had treble issues that I was not a fan of, it wasn't that resolving and the only thing saving the Monarch Mk2 for me was the decent bass so for those reasons I would easily take Mega5EST over the Monarch Mk2. Compared to Variations, I feel there is no contest and the Mega5EST is an all around winner for my listening preferences.


Conclusion:

I don't usually touch too many iems between $150 and $1000. I typically find it a no mans land between budget stuff such as the Truthear Nova and stuff like the Symphonium Helios. I used to own Blessing 2 Dusk, then I upgraded to Moondrop Variations and I felt pretty whelmed. The move felt like a side grade with no real upgrade in performance other than a difference in tonality. Had I known about the Mega5EST when I was considering Variations, I would've jumped for that instead. For me, Mega5EST earns its rightful price for the outstanding tonality that makes any track easy listening and the dynamics so it makes the experience pleasant and engaging.

Thanks for reading!


Additional Notes:

-Thanks to the help of Griffin's help in making the squig website and helping me with developing a JM-1 compensation target for my clone coupler.

-For bass lovers with impedance adapters, if you have a 10 ohm adapter (or a 150 ohm adapter!) you can get a generous bass boost: