Please - succinct comparison with ISN EST50?

EST50 is using premium drivers in comparison to the H50s. It shows in the definition and tonal characters of the EST50 vs the H50. EST50 is clearly ISNs flagship earphones but is tuned a bit differently than the H50. EST50 being more L shaped signature has the boldest bass performance of all the ISN earphones. It has a richer mids tonal character vs the H50 but the H50 tonal character is more neutral in how it sounds. Both have great treble but the EST50 uses Sonion EST drivers and is implemented well with the balancing and sounds great. The H50 makes up for it with BA treble but emphasized a touch more for upper trebles. Stages are comparable. Overall I would say the value is greater on the H50 but EST50 is still tops for ISN earphones.

So I have the est50 should I skip this?

H50s are tuned differently it is not exactly the EST50. I would look into an optimized cable for the EST50 as it sounds even better with a nicer cable like the Penon Flows or the Penon Mix. As per buying the H50. That my friend is up to you. Your getting something a bit different sounding as the tuning is different. But just as engaging as the EST50. H50 like I mentioned above is not going to be an upgrade on the EST50. But they do have a different sound presentation.

Well crap...just pulled the trigger. To anyone on the fence, I own every single isn iem and love them all. I have over 70 items but keep coming back to Isn h40, est50, d02, as well as campfire solaris and andromeda, imr rah, Akg n5005. I could sell the rest and be happy.

@davescleveland That is useful information, thank you. I think I am gravitating towards a more fun sound. When you get the H50, would love a comparison with the EST50 from you.

Out of curiousity, which IEM is your absolute favourite?

Hi and thx for the review. Beside being a competent all-rounder which of the two Earphones H50/EST50 is suited better for rock and metal?

@Bitsir the est50 and Solaris are my favorite. The d02 does something super special with soundstage for under $100. The h50 so far is wonderful with a bit less dramatic babes but still good thump as est50. Honestly est50, Solaris, andromeda, and h50

Burn the rest

"These are masterfully tuned folks." = "tuned, folks"

Great review of the H50, any comparison to the Penon Serial, in your experience which is better overall the H50 or Serial

Thank you

I can say the Serial with amplification has a leg up in SQ over the H50. But if you want something you can easily use on a phone and give good full sound that is where the H50 has its advantages.

H50 images slightly better due to using more drivers for its mids an advantage of using multiple BAs. Serial sounds more natural. H50 Has a bit more sparkle for its treble end as it has more upper treble emphasis over the Serial. If you like treble that is easy to listen to the Serial has a complete treble end but is most definitely easier for longer listening sessions.
Both sets have very similar balancing for their tunings. I really can't say which one I prefer as I enjoy both. It depends on my mood.

I would say Serial more for stationary use and uniqueness, and H50 more for on the go. You really can't go wrong at this price range either way.

Thank you again for your input Dsnuts

EST50 has more bass and better top end but the mids don't image as well reducing the spaciousness? Did I read that correctly?

Mids dont suffer from a compressed sound or lack of imaging if thats what you're referring to. Its single Sonion BA is actually tuned with richness and has good body to the sounds. As big as the bass end is the mids dont suffer much due to that emphasis. It has greater lower mids and bass vs the overall mids and treble emphasis but overall is surprisingly balanced for having 10dbs of bass emphasis. Very musical in approach to its tuning.

So in essence the H50 is more like a Monarch Mk1 and the EST50 is more like a Bravado MK2 (for hundreds less)?
I always wanted a H40 for gym but for the sake of variety trying to distinguish between the two with an Oracle already, I'm afraid the H50 is an Oracle with more subbass shelf (#sidegrade without an appreciable variation)

Is it H50 a more balanced Est50? I prefer something balanced over a bassy presentation.

It is less colored yes. Both sets are balanced but the EST50 has the bigger bass presentation so it is skewed toward warmth and bass.

H50 has a w shaped frequency and its bass is tuned more toward sub bass so it clearly stays away from coloring the sound.

Thanks. Finally my H50 is coming now. I prefer a balanced profile over more bassier presentation. Very grateful with all reviewers. Thanks

@Gustavo1976 just make sure to pair it with a good silver cable AND even more importantly, give it gobs of power before you make any real judgment on it.