FlipEars Legion
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About FlipEars
FlipEars is a high-end audio manufacturer based in the Philippines. Like many other boutique in-ear monitor brands, FlipEars began its journey by offering custom IEMs specifically designed for musicians. The Philippines has a vibrant music scene, and FlipEars has already partnered with several well-known local artists and singers. The brand has simultaneously positioned itself as a force to be reckoned with in the mainstream audiophile scene.
The brand has consistently impressed me with its remarkable lineup of IEMs, with not a single underperformer among them. I have extensively tried their all-BA models, the Aether and Artha, and their hybrid flagship, the Aurora XXIV. Each of these IEMs was exceptional in its own way, offering impressive timbre and outstanding value for their respective price points.
Legion is one of the latest offerings from FlipEars, part of their Arsenal collection of in-ear monitors, which also includes the Aegis model. This Arsenal collection is inspired by FlipEars founder Aries Sales's childhood fascination with warriors, gladiators, and legendary tales. Aries recalls being captivated by the 1992 series "King Arthur and the Knights of Justice." Drawing from stories of bravery, resilience, and heroism, this collection symbolizes the strength and spirit of a warrior within all of us. According to him, the Aegis and Legion are not just tools for sound; they pay tribute to the enduring legacy of courage and determination.
The Legion is perhaps the most unique and stunning in-ear monitor I have encountered to date, which is surprising considering it costs “just” $850. In terms of sonic performance, it stands out as one of the most no-nonsense, blind-buy worthy IEMs available for under $1,000. Let’s explore the reasons why.
Specifications:
Driver: LEGION Dynamic driver, EarQuake Bone Conduction driver, SPARK Electret Tweeter. (1 DD, 1 EST, 1 BCD tribrid)
Sensitivity: 114dB @1mW.
Impedance: 5.3Ω
Frequency Response: 5 Hz- 40 kHz.
Unboxing, Aesthetics, and Comfort
Unboxing the FlipEars Legion is a fascinating, one-of-a-kind experience. Opening the magnetic flap reveals a large leather carrying case, inside which the Legion earpieces are snugly positioned in velvet-covered cutouts. The case is significantly larger than those that come with the Aether model, but it is thoughtfully designed, providing ample space for both the earpieces and the cable.
Included with the earpieces is a sizable acrylic card inscribed with the name “Legion,” a handy pouch containing spare ear tips, including the ever-popular and expensive Eletech Baroque tips. The brass faceplates are individually handcrafted by jewelers from Bulacan, a province in the Philippines. The rest of the earpieces are made from high-quality resin, and the faceplates, which feature the recognizable helmet of ancient Roman warriors surrounded by olive laurels, are even more intricate and stunning in person than in photographs. Although the earpieces are somewhat chunky and heavy, they offer surprisingly great comfort and fit, especially when paired with the “stock” Baroque ear tips. The cable is lovely to handle, being sufficiently malleable, and meshes well with the overall aesthetics.
I rate the unboxing experience, overall build quality, and aesthetics a perfect 10 out of 10. The novelty factor is also very, very impressive.
Sonic Performance
The Legion features a unique tribrid configuration, with each custom driver providing a distinct contribution to each of the three segments of the audible frequency. The EarQuake bone conduction driver used in the Legion is arguably the best BCD implementation I have encountered for under $2000, surpassing all UM MEST variants and the Kinera Verdandi. Typically, BCD has been more of a novelty feature in my experience; however, in this case, the EarQuake bone conduction driver BCD delivers substantial impact and adds significant physicality and body to the bass produced by the already impressive LEGION dynamic driver, which also effectively handles the midrange.
While the Legion is certainly “bass-focused”, I found that there is an equally strong emphasis on the midrange and treble presentation, if I were a basshead (which I am, to some extent), I would still choose the Legion over its bass-heavy peers just ‘cause the bass is so breathtakingly visceral, deep, and fun. I specifically appreciated how much the BCD contributed to the bass guitar slaps and taps. The Legion is not just a mindless boomfest; it offers a continuous stream of authentic, tactile, low-end enjoyment.
When I started listening to the FlipEars Legion, one of the first things that struck me was the midrange; it feels incredibly alive and authentic. Vocals, in particular, sound remarkably natural. Male vocals have a smooth, slightly warm tone that provides body and presence without becoming overly thick. Female vocals, on the other hand, are nicely elevated in the upper mids, bringing in a touch of air and clarity that makes them shine without ever sounding harsh or shouty. Achieving this balance is tricky, but the Legion excels at it.
Piano notes resonate with an authentic richness, and guitars display exquisite textural detail that makes them quite captivating. Much of this richness stems from the exceptional integration of the bone conduction driver, which adds subtle yet impactful weight to midrange notes and the low end. This blend makes vocals and midrange instruments feel fuller and more grounded. Even when the mix becomes complex, the separation remains sharp, allowing me to easily distinguish individual instruments playing alongside the singer and appreciate how they interact with one another. Overall, the midrange is lush, clean, and incredibly engaging. It honestly exceeded my expectations for its price range and has quickly become one of my favorite aspects of the Legion's sound signature.
When it comes to how the FlipEars Legion handles treble, it is smooth, refined, and exceptionally well-executed. I don’t tend to favor a bright, analytical sound that might create an illusion of added detail, so the treble tuning of the Legion is right up my alley. It provides enough extension to introduce airiness and sparkle, especially when the SPARK EST is adequately powered, making it shine in tracks featuring cymbals or string overtones. Most importantly, it never becomes fatiguing or sharp. This balance makes it easy to enjoy long listening sessions.
There’s a natural sense of spaciousness and sparkle to string plucks, hi-hats, and cymbals, giving them a realistic, organic quality that avoids any overly metallic or splashy sound. The treble doesn’t dominate the mix to flaunt detail for the sake of short-term wow factor, but it captures everything I want to hear, subtly integrated into the overall sound. I appreciate how the treble supports the rest of the tuning, rather than overshadowing it. It beautifully complements the rich mids and the powerful, robust low-end, resulting in an overall sound that feels effortless and cohesive. I find the Legion to excel magnificently for anyone seeking clarity and presence without the risk of fatigue.
The Legion stands out with its impressive technical capabilities, especially considering its competitive pricing. It boasts a remarkable soundscape that enveloped me similarly to a surround sound experience. The soundstage is pleasantly wide and offers a good sense of depth, too, allowing tracks to feel spacious without losing intimacy. Even when a track becomes suddenly busy, the separation between instruments remains strikingly clear; I never had trouble distinguishing sounds from different directions or the subtle layers of vocals.
The imaging is impressively precise, effortlessly pinpointing elements within the mix. This made even complex or poorly recorded tracks more engaging. The Legion doesn’t overwhelm you with detail; instead, it presents it in a natural and musical manner. The Spark Electret tweeter effectively brings out subtle top-end textures in music without sounding harsh or artificial, complementing the already capable BCD and dynamic driver.
Overall, the Legion delivers a crisp and clear sound, making it enjoyable to listen to tracks with intricate details. When it comes to dynamics, the Legion performs exceptionally well, too. The bass hits with authority and slam, thanks to the perfect synergy of the dynamic driver and the EarQuake bone conduction driver. This results in a low end with a satisfying physicality without becoming boomy or messy.
The Legion successfully merges technical proficiency with an enjoyable listening experience. Its resolution, soundstage, imaging, and dynamics combine to create an immersive and emotionally engaging experience. It represents a glimpse into the future of in-ear monitor design: refined, enjoyable, and deeply satisfying, while looking absolutely glorious and cool.
Comparisons:
UM MEST MK2: When I compared the FlipEars Legion with the UM MEST MKII, it was evident that both have their strengths, catering to different listening preferences. The Legion offers a fun and musical tuning that emphasizes the bass while beautifully showcasing the mids. Vocals sound exceptionally clear and natural. The BCD provides a unique physical sensation in the low end, making it feel more robust and textured, while the BCD implementation on the MEST MKII is significantly more subtle.
The MEST MKII is impressive in its own right. Its hybrid driver setup delivers a wide and detailed soundstage with precise imaging. The sound is holographic and analytical, which is excellent for dissecting complex tracks. However: I would choose the Legion if I wanted to enjoy the music and simply feel its essence.
Sennheiser IE900: Listening to the Legion next to the Sennheiser IE900 is an interesting comparison. The IE900 is a heavily V-shaped tuned IEM that excels in clarity and detail, sporting a single dynamic driver. The driver tech itself is truly impressive, given its extremely low distortion and technical prowess. The bass on the IE900 is deep and uniquely tactile with great texture, and the treble shines brightly, though its shimmery nature can become somewhat fatiguing during long listening sessions.
In contrast, the Legion feels smoother overall. Its treble is more laid-back, making the entire sound presentation easier on the ears while still remaining engaging. I particularly enjoy the mids on the Legion, which are richer and more enjoyable, especially for vocal performances.
Symphonium Helios: Both have pretty different flavors. The Helios has a neutral-bright sound with a slight V-shaped tuning. It features deep, tight sub-bass with somewhat lean midbass that doesn’t interfere with the mids, and the treble is exceptionally refined, clean, and crisp. However, the mids can feel a bit dry, and the IEM requires much more juice than its rivals to shine. In contrast, the Legion offers a more engaging and full-bodied sound while being very easy to drive, particularly in the midrange and the low end, providing an extra layer of immersion that the Helios lacks. Like the MEST MKII, I might choose the Helios in rare instances if I really crave an analytical listening experience or to appreciate all the nuances in a track. However, for general listening, the Legion feels more musical and enjoyable.
Symphonium Crimson: The Symphonium Crimson is designed more as a reference-style, bright-leaning in-ear monitor, while comparing it to the Legion is like choosing between precision and personality. The Crimson delivers a super clean and accurate sound with excellent imaging and neutral tuning. It's very detailed, especially in the higher frequencies, making it ideal for when I want the music to sound exactly as it was mixed.
On the other hand, the Legion has more character. It features a touch of warmth and fullness in the bass and midrange, which makes vocals and instruments feel more alive to me. The treble is also smoother, allowing for longer listening sessions without fatigue. So, if I want to sit down and analyze a track, I might choose the Crimson. However, if I want to lose myself in the music, I would definitely reach for the Legion.
Sony IER Z1R: The Sony IER-Z1R is impressive in both “size” and soundstage. It offers an epic, cinematic presentation with powerful bass and sparkling highs, although the mids can sometimes feel recessed and dry. When listening to live, orchestral, movie scores, or anything bass-heavy, the Z1R is tough to beat; it creates a grand and immersive experience.
In contrast, the Legion provides a more intimate sound. It has better midrange presence, and while its bass may not be as voluminous and overbearing as the Z1R, it is tighter and more controlled, with faster decay. Additionally, the treble on the Legion is more suitable for long listening sessions, not to mention the superior fit and comfort.
FlipEars Artha: Comparing the Legion with the FlipEars Artha is intriguing since both are products from the same brand but offer different experiences. The Artha is incredibly versatile; it allows the listener to switch between sound profiles using two toggle switches to match the mood. It is a fantastic feature and is implemented very effectively. It tends to emphasize the mids and treble while providing a cleaner, more neutral bass, making it ideal for tracks where space and instrument separation are crucial. However, the mids do have a distinct BA-induced characteristic to it, although barely noticeable.
In contrast, the Legion has a safer, crowd-pleasing sound profile, though it is slightly less analytical. It is tuned for a musical experience right out of the box. The Legion doesn’t require any adjustments; it simply sounds great with all genres as it is. While I appreciate the tuning flexibility of the Artha, the Legion feels designed for pure enjoyment without the need for tweaking. It is always a satisfying listening experience.
So that's it for my review.
The Legion is an IEM extraordinaire at this price point and it's great to see FlipEars as a brand getting its due recognition. I do hope enthusiasts get to try their top of the line products, because they are also as good if not better than products from more manufacturers that may be better know. In terms of name recognition though, FlipEars has come an incredibly long way, and the Legion looks like it's certainly going to take it further!
Last but not the least, it is a pleasure always working with Aries of FlipEars. Humble, intelligent human being and big kudos to you. Never stop innovating!
FlipEars is a high-end audio manufacturer based in the Philippines. Like many other boutique in-ear monitor brands, FlipEars began its journey by offering custom IEMs specifically designed for musicians. The Philippines has a vibrant music scene, and FlipEars has already partnered with several well-known local artists and singers. The brand has simultaneously positioned itself as a force to be reckoned with in the mainstream audiophile scene.
The brand has consistently impressed me with its remarkable lineup of IEMs, with not a single underperformer among them. I have extensively tried their all-BA models, the Aether and Artha, and their hybrid flagship, the Aurora XXIV. Each of these IEMs was exceptional in its own way, offering impressive timbre and outstanding value for their respective price points.
Legion is one of the latest offerings from FlipEars, part of their Arsenal collection of in-ear monitors, which also includes the Aegis model. This Arsenal collection is inspired by FlipEars founder Aries Sales's childhood fascination with warriors, gladiators, and legendary tales. Aries recalls being captivated by the 1992 series "King Arthur and the Knights of Justice." Drawing from stories of bravery, resilience, and heroism, this collection symbolizes the strength and spirit of a warrior within all of us. According to him, the Aegis and Legion are not just tools for sound; they pay tribute to the enduring legacy of courage and determination.
The Legion is perhaps the most unique and stunning in-ear monitor I have encountered to date, which is surprising considering it costs “just” $850. In terms of sonic performance, it stands out as one of the most no-nonsense, blind-buy worthy IEMs available for under $1,000. Let’s explore the reasons why.
Specifications:
Driver: LEGION Dynamic driver, EarQuake Bone Conduction driver, SPARK Electret Tweeter. (1 DD, 1 EST, 1 BCD tribrid)
Sensitivity: 114dB @1mW.
Impedance: 5.3Ω
Frequency Response: 5 Hz- 40 kHz.
Unboxing, Aesthetics, and Comfort
Unboxing the FlipEars Legion is a fascinating, one-of-a-kind experience. Opening the magnetic flap reveals a large leather carrying case, inside which the Legion earpieces are snugly positioned in velvet-covered cutouts. The case is significantly larger than those that come with the Aether model, but it is thoughtfully designed, providing ample space for both the earpieces and the cable.
Included with the earpieces is a sizable acrylic card inscribed with the name “Legion,” a handy pouch containing spare ear tips, including the ever-popular and expensive Eletech Baroque tips. The brass faceplates are individually handcrafted by jewelers from Bulacan, a province in the Philippines. The rest of the earpieces are made from high-quality resin, and the faceplates, which feature the recognizable helmet of ancient Roman warriors surrounded by olive laurels, are even more intricate and stunning in person than in photographs. Although the earpieces are somewhat chunky and heavy, they offer surprisingly great comfort and fit, especially when paired with the “stock” Baroque ear tips. The cable is lovely to handle, being sufficiently malleable, and meshes well with the overall aesthetics.
I rate the unboxing experience, overall build quality, and aesthetics a perfect 10 out of 10. The novelty factor is also very, very impressive.
Sonic Performance
The Legion features a unique tribrid configuration, with each custom driver providing a distinct contribution to each of the three segments of the audible frequency. The EarQuake bone conduction driver used in the Legion is arguably the best BCD implementation I have encountered for under $2000, surpassing all UM MEST variants and the Kinera Verdandi. Typically, BCD has been more of a novelty feature in my experience; however, in this case, the EarQuake bone conduction driver BCD delivers substantial impact and adds significant physicality and body to the bass produced by the already impressive LEGION dynamic driver, which also effectively handles the midrange.
While the Legion is certainly “bass-focused”, I found that there is an equally strong emphasis on the midrange and treble presentation, if I were a basshead (which I am, to some extent), I would still choose the Legion over its bass-heavy peers just ‘cause the bass is so breathtakingly visceral, deep, and fun. I specifically appreciated how much the BCD contributed to the bass guitar slaps and taps. The Legion is not just a mindless boomfest; it offers a continuous stream of authentic, tactile, low-end enjoyment.
When I started listening to the FlipEars Legion, one of the first things that struck me was the midrange; it feels incredibly alive and authentic. Vocals, in particular, sound remarkably natural. Male vocals have a smooth, slightly warm tone that provides body and presence without becoming overly thick. Female vocals, on the other hand, are nicely elevated in the upper mids, bringing in a touch of air and clarity that makes them shine without ever sounding harsh or shouty. Achieving this balance is tricky, but the Legion excels at it.
Piano notes resonate with an authentic richness, and guitars display exquisite textural detail that makes them quite captivating. Much of this richness stems from the exceptional integration of the bone conduction driver, which adds subtle yet impactful weight to midrange notes and the low end. This blend makes vocals and midrange instruments feel fuller and more grounded. Even when the mix becomes complex, the separation remains sharp, allowing me to easily distinguish individual instruments playing alongside the singer and appreciate how they interact with one another. Overall, the midrange is lush, clean, and incredibly engaging. It honestly exceeded my expectations for its price range and has quickly become one of my favorite aspects of the Legion's sound signature.
When it comes to how the FlipEars Legion handles treble, it is smooth, refined, and exceptionally well-executed. I don’t tend to favor a bright, analytical sound that might create an illusion of added detail, so the treble tuning of the Legion is right up my alley. It provides enough extension to introduce airiness and sparkle, especially when the SPARK EST is adequately powered, making it shine in tracks featuring cymbals or string overtones. Most importantly, it never becomes fatiguing or sharp. This balance makes it easy to enjoy long listening sessions.
There’s a natural sense of spaciousness and sparkle to string plucks, hi-hats, and cymbals, giving them a realistic, organic quality that avoids any overly metallic or splashy sound. The treble doesn’t dominate the mix to flaunt detail for the sake of short-term wow factor, but it captures everything I want to hear, subtly integrated into the overall sound. I appreciate how the treble supports the rest of the tuning, rather than overshadowing it. It beautifully complements the rich mids and the powerful, robust low-end, resulting in an overall sound that feels effortless and cohesive. I find the Legion to excel magnificently for anyone seeking clarity and presence without the risk of fatigue.
The Legion stands out with its impressive technical capabilities, especially considering its competitive pricing. It boasts a remarkable soundscape that enveloped me similarly to a surround sound experience. The soundstage is pleasantly wide and offers a good sense of depth, too, allowing tracks to feel spacious without losing intimacy. Even when a track becomes suddenly busy, the separation between instruments remains strikingly clear; I never had trouble distinguishing sounds from different directions or the subtle layers of vocals.
The imaging is impressively precise, effortlessly pinpointing elements within the mix. This made even complex or poorly recorded tracks more engaging. The Legion doesn’t overwhelm you with detail; instead, it presents it in a natural and musical manner. The Spark Electret tweeter effectively brings out subtle top-end textures in music without sounding harsh or artificial, complementing the already capable BCD and dynamic driver.
Overall, the Legion delivers a crisp and clear sound, making it enjoyable to listen to tracks with intricate details. When it comes to dynamics, the Legion performs exceptionally well, too. The bass hits with authority and slam, thanks to the perfect synergy of the dynamic driver and the EarQuake bone conduction driver. This results in a low end with a satisfying physicality without becoming boomy or messy.
The Legion successfully merges technical proficiency with an enjoyable listening experience. Its resolution, soundstage, imaging, and dynamics combine to create an immersive and emotionally engaging experience. It represents a glimpse into the future of in-ear monitor design: refined, enjoyable, and deeply satisfying, while looking absolutely glorious and cool.
Comparisons:
UM MEST MK2: When I compared the FlipEars Legion with the UM MEST MKII, it was evident that both have their strengths, catering to different listening preferences. The Legion offers a fun and musical tuning that emphasizes the bass while beautifully showcasing the mids. Vocals sound exceptionally clear and natural. The BCD provides a unique physical sensation in the low end, making it feel more robust and textured, while the BCD implementation on the MEST MKII is significantly more subtle.
The MEST MKII is impressive in its own right. Its hybrid driver setup delivers a wide and detailed soundstage with precise imaging. The sound is holographic and analytical, which is excellent for dissecting complex tracks. However: I would choose the Legion if I wanted to enjoy the music and simply feel its essence.
Sennheiser IE900: Listening to the Legion next to the Sennheiser IE900 is an interesting comparison. The IE900 is a heavily V-shaped tuned IEM that excels in clarity and detail, sporting a single dynamic driver. The driver tech itself is truly impressive, given its extremely low distortion and technical prowess. The bass on the IE900 is deep and uniquely tactile with great texture, and the treble shines brightly, though its shimmery nature can become somewhat fatiguing during long listening sessions.
In contrast, the Legion feels smoother overall. Its treble is more laid-back, making the entire sound presentation easier on the ears while still remaining engaging. I particularly enjoy the mids on the Legion, which are richer and more enjoyable, especially for vocal performances.
Symphonium Helios: Both have pretty different flavors. The Helios has a neutral-bright sound with a slight V-shaped tuning. It features deep, tight sub-bass with somewhat lean midbass that doesn’t interfere with the mids, and the treble is exceptionally refined, clean, and crisp. However, the mids can feel a bit dry, and the IEM requires much more juice than its rivals to shine. In contrast, the Legion offers a more engaging and full-bodied sound while being very easy to drive, particularly in the midrange and the low end, providing an extra layer of immersion that the Helios lacks. Like the MEST MKII, I might choose the Helios in rare instances if I really crave an analytical listening experience or to appreciate all the nuances in a track. However, for general listening, the Legion feels more musical and enjoyable.
Symphonium Crimson: The Symphonium Crimson is designed more as a reference-style, bright-leaning in-ear monitor, while comparing it to the Legion is like choosing between precision and personality. The Crimson delivers a super clean and accurate sound with excellent imaging and neutral tuning. It's very detailed, especially in the higher frequencies, making it ideal for when I want the music to sound exactly as it was mixed.
On the other hand, the Legion has more character. It features a touch of warmth and fullness in the bass and midrange, which makes vocals and instruments feel more alive to me. The treble is also smoother, allowing for longer listening sessions without fatigue. So, if I want to sit down and analyze a track, I might choose the Crimson. However, if I want to lose myself in the music, I would definitely reach for the Legion.
Sony IER Z1R: The Sony IER-Z1R is impressive in both “size” and soundstage. It offers an epic, cinematic presentation with powerful bass and sparkling highs, although the mids can sometimes feel recessed and dry. When listening to live, orchestral, movie scores, or anything bass-heavy, the Z1R is tough to beat; it creates a grand and immersive experience.
In contrast, the Legion provides a more intimate sound. It has better midrange presence, and while its bass may not be as voluminous and overbearing as the Z1R, it is tighter and more controlled, with faster decay. Additionally, the treble on the Legion is more suitable for long listening sessions, not to mention the superior fit and comfort.
FlipEars Artha: Comparing the Legion with the FlipEars Artha is intriguing since both are products from the same brand but offer different experiences. The Artha is incredibly versatile; it allows the listener to switch between sound profiles using two toggle switches to match the mood. It is a fantastic feature and is implemented very effectively. It tends to emphasize the mids and treble while providing a cleaner, more neutral bass, making it ideal for tracks where space and instrument separation are crucial. However, the mids do have a distinct BA-induced characteristic to it, although barely noticeable.
In contrast, the Legion has a safer, crowd-pleasing sound profile, though it is slightly less analytical. It is tuned for a musical experience right out of the box. The Legion doesn’t require any adjustments; it simply sounds great with all genres as it is. While I appreciate the tuning flexibility of the Artha, the Legion feels designed for pure enjoyment without the need for tweaking. It is always a satisfying listening experience.
So that's it for my review.
The Legion is an IEM extraordinaire at this price point and it's great to see FlipEars as a brand getting its due recognition. I do hope enthusiasts get to try their top of the line products, because they are also as good if not better than products from more manufacturers that may be better know. In terms of name recognition though, FlipEars has come an incredibly long way, and the Legion looks like it's certainly going to take it further!
Last but not the least, it is a pleasure always working with Aries of FlipEars. Humble, intelligent human being and big kudos to you. Never stop innovating!
OhmsClaw
I know what I'm buying next 
dududuckling
Nice review, I have read it twice. As the Legion seems to excel in the mids with male and female vocals, have you had the chance to listen or perhaps compare with the 7th Acoustics Supernova during CanJam Singapore? How would you rate the Legion vs. preowned Empire Ears Legend Evo or Empire Ears Raven?
FlipEars is the first Filipino company to manufacture both universal and customized in-ear monitors (IEMs). It was founded by singer-songwriter Aries Sales, who wanted to honor Filipinos' passion for great music and their high standards of sound quality with the FlipEars name. Thanks to his experience as a live performer, recording artist and sound engineer, Aries Sales knows exactly which sound characteristics musicians and audiophiles appreciate. That's why FlipEars offers a wide range of IEMs with different sound tunings - from neutral to bass-driven to analytical or V-shaped.
The Legion is the latest model from FlipEars with an MSRP of 849 USD. This tribrid IEM integrates a DD driver, a so-called EarQuake BCD and a Spark Electret tweeter. According to the manufacturer, the Legion offers powerful bass, clear treble and a wide, natural sound stage. The design is inspired by the legendary helmets of Roman legions. It all started from founder Aries Sales' childhood fascination with warriors and legendary stories. Aries was fascinated by the 1992 series “King Arthur and the Knights of Justice”, which captivated him. The stories of bravery, resilience and heroism are now symbolized by the “Arsenal Collection” series, in which the more affordable Aegis IEM had previously appeared.
The design of the faceplates is a feast for the eyes. They are made of rose-colored brass, which prevents oxidation. Each faceplate is handmade by jewelers from Bulacan and finished with hand-painted enamel. I have never had a tribrid configuration like this before. A total of 3 drivers are integrated here. The DD driver takes care of the bass and mid-range, while a revolutionary Spark Electret tweeter is used for the treble. It is said to be just as detailed and high-resolution as an electrostatic driver, but does not require any external power sources as it is self-powered. The BCD, called EarQuake, is a proprietary FlipEars development that uses bone conduction technology to amplify the mid to bass range for a richer and more intense sound experience. I'm particularly excited about the BCD!
Before I come to the sound, I would like to say a few words about the scope of delivery. The IEMs themselves, including cables and accessories, are stored in a high-quality genuine leather box. Finally a storage box that is big enough to hold everything. I personally don't like the small round leather cases so much because you always have to squeeze everything into them. That's not the case here. The finish of the Legion and the cable even suggest a price tag of > 1000 USD. It's great what FlipEars is offering here for 849 USD for an eyecatcher. The envelope also contains a wax stamp with further information about the Legion. Silicone earpads from Eletech (Baroque) and others are also included, as well as a sticker and a picture with the Legion logo and a cleaning brush. I have not found any further specifications for the cable, but it looks like a very high-quality copper cable with plugs in a great design and 1A workmanship that round off the high-quality overall picture of the Legion.
The Legion is a rather large IEM that also weighs quite a bit. It reminds me a little of the EE Raven, which also has a rather long nozzle. I can't get a proper seal with the supplied Baroque eartips. I have to use the Azla Xelastecs to get the eartips to sit really tight. I can also achieve a good seal with the SpiralDots at first, but over time they slip too much and I always have to readjust them. Overall, the comfort for longer sessions with the Xelastecs is ok, but the Legion is not one of the more comfortable IEMs.
For the sound impression I use my iBasso DX340, once solo and once with the chain consisting of D16 DAC + PB5 korgtube amp. The Legion is very easy to drive and is already well served at gain level 1 on all devices.
In the price range up to 1000 USD, this is the second very positive discovery for me this year after the Dita Mecha. Where the Mecha scores with its brilliant mids, the Legion knocks out the bass - and what a bass! But first things first. Tonally, we are dealing here with an IEM that sounds anything but neutral. The Legion has a boosted bass range with a mid-range that is designed for instrument separation rather than fullness. Towards the treble, the Legion then drops off in the 5-6 Khz range to achieve a very smooth treble range. It has a boost around 8 Khz so that it doesn't sound too muffled. For treble heads, however, this will probably be a little too low in this range. Personally, it's enough for me, because the balance between the mid-range and the bass range is very good.
I would now like to come to the absolute highlight of the Legion and that is the bass range. The combination of the DD driver and the BCD makes for a brilliant performance, from the mid-bass down to the low bass. You can literally feel the slam. The integration with the BCD works very well. The quality and speed are also right here. For a DD driver, the transients are always fast and very controlled. Bass heads will get their money's worth here. The balance to the mids is just right. The bass is never bloated. This is the best bass range up to 1000 USD!
The mids sound very natural. However, I would have liked to hear more use of the BCD to give instruments and voices even more fullness. On the other hand, the separation of individual sound elements is at a high level. What the Legion does very well is its holographic imaging. Voices literally detach themselves from the driver and you feel like you're right in the middle of the action that's building up around you. It's not the great imaging of a Multiverse Mentor, for example, but the similarity definitely brings back memories. The chain consisting of DX340 + D16 + PB5 helps for more organic mids. Depending on your mood, you can switch between a more technical presentation with DX340 or the entire iBasso chain for more pressure and fullness in the mids.
As I've already mentioned, the treble has been tuned rather carefully and lacks the last 5% of micro-detail in some recordings. But with a Legion you haven't bought a sound magnifying glass, but an IEM that can do one thing and that is inspire! Modern genres such as rock, pop, metal and EDM are a real treat and will have you tapping your feet. Just press play and the fun begins! Thanks to its tuning, the Legion is also suitable for louder listening sessions, because it never disturbs the treble and the BCD with the DD driver really comes into its own!
For me, the Legion, together with the Dita Mecha, is currently one of the best IEMs up to 1000 USD. The bass king in this class is now the Legion without ifs and buts! Well done, FlipEars!
The Legion is the latest model from FlipEars with an MSRP of 849 USD. This tribrid IEM integrates a DD driver, a so-called EarQuake BCD and a Spark Electret tweeter. According to the manufacturer, the Legion offers powerful bass, clear treble and a wide, natural sound stage. The design is inspired by the legendary helmets of Roman legions. It all started from founder Aries Sales' childhood fascination with warriors and legendary stories. Aries was fascinated by the 1992 series “King Arthur and the Knights of Justice”, which captivated him. The stories of bravery, resilience and heroism are now symbolized by the “Arsenal Collection” series, in which the more affordable Aegis IEM had previously appeared.
The design of the faceplates is a feast for the eyes. They are made of rose-colored brass, which prevents oxidation. Each faceplate is handmade by jewelers from Bulacan and finished with hand-painted enamel. I have never had a tribrid configuration like this before. A total of 3 drivers are integrated here. The DD driver takes care of the bass and mid-range, while a revolutionary Spark Electret tweeter is used for the treble. It is said to be just as detailed and high-resolution as an electrostatic driver, but does not require any external power sources as it is self-powered. The BCD, called EarQuake, is a proprietary FlipEars development that uses bone conduction technology to amplify the mid to bass range for a richer and more intense sound experience. I'm particularly excited about the BCD!
Before I come to the sound, I would like to say a few words about the scope of delivery. The IEMs themselves, including cables and accessories, are stored in a high-quality genuine leather box. Finally a storage box that is big enough to hold everything. I personally don't like the small round leather cases so much because you always have to squeeze everything into them. That's not the case here. The finish of the Legion and the cable even suggest a price tag of > 1000 USD. It's great what FlipEars is offering here for 849 USD for an eyecatcher. The envelope also contains a wax stamp with further information about the Legion. Silicone earpads from Eletech (Baroque) and others are also included, as well as a sticker and a picture with the Legion logo and a cleaning brush. I have not found any further specifications for the cable, but it looks like a very high-quality copper cable with plugs in a great design and 1A workmanship that round off the high-quality overall picture of the Legion.
The Legion is a rather large IEM that also weighs quite a bit. It reminds me a little of the EE Raven, which also has a rather long nozzle. I can't get a proper seal with the supplied Baroque eartips. I have to use the Azla Xelastecs to get the eartips to sit really tight. I can also achieve a good seal with the SpiralDots at first, but over time they slip too much and I always have to readjust them. Overall, the comfort for longer sessions with the Xelastecs is ok, but the Legion is not one of the more comfortable IEMs.
For the sound impression I use my iBasso DX340, once solo and once with the chain consisting of D16 DAC + PB5 korgtube amp. The Legion is very easy to drive and is already well served at gain level 1 on all devices.
In the price range up to 1000 USD, this is the second very positive discovery for me this year after the Dita Mecha. Where the Mecha scores with its brilliant mids, the Legion knocks out the bass - and what a bass! But first things first. Tonally, we are dealing here with an IEM that sounds anything but neutral. The Legion has a boosted bass range with a mid-range that is designed for instrument separation rather than fullness. Towards the treble, the Legion then drops off in the 5-6 Khz range to achieve a very smooth treble range. It has a boost around 8 Khz so that it doesn't sound too muffled. For treble heads, however, this will probably be a little too low in this range. Personally, it's enough for me, because the balance between the mid-range and the bass range is very good.
I would now like to come to the absolute highlight of the Legion and that is the bass range. The combination of the DD driver and the BCD makes for a brilliant performance, from the mid-bass down to the low bass. You can literally feel the slam. The integration with the BCD works very well. The quality and speed are also right here. For a DD driver, the transients are always fast and very controlled. Bass heads will get their money's worth here. The balance to the mids is just right. The bass is never bloated. This is the best bass range up to 1000 USD!
The mids sound very natural. However, I would have liked to hear more use of the BCD to give instruments and voices even more fullness. On the other hand, the separation of individual sound elements is at a high level. What the Legion does very well is its holographic imaging. Voices literally detach themselves from the driver and you feel like you're right in the middle of the action that's building up around you. It's not the great imaging of a Multiverse Mentor, for example, but the similarity definitely brings back memories. The chain consisting of DX340 + D16 + PB5 helps for more organic mids. Depending on your mood, you can switch between a more technical presentation with DX340 or the entire iBasso chain for more pressure and fullness in the mids.
As I've already mentioned, the treble has been tuned rather carefully and lacks the last 5% of micro-detail in some recordings. But with a Legion you haven't bought a sound magnifying glass, but an IEM that can do one thing and that is inspire! Modern genres such as rock, pop, metal and EDM are a real treat and will have you tapping your feet. Just press play and the fun begins! Thanks to its tuning, the Legion is also suitable for louder listening sessions, because it never disturbs the treble and the BCD with the DD driver really comes into its own!
For me, the Legion, together with the Dita Mecha, is currently one of the best IEMs up to 1000 USD. The bass king in this class is now the Legion without ifs and buts! Well done, FlipEars!
Trance_Gott
Less bass then Scarlet Mini but more controlled. Soundstage is much better on Legion. Legion has better technicalities is faster more detail sounding.
Trance_Gott
I don't have a ie900 sorry.
FLIPEARS LEGION
Let's get started. Firstly, I'd like to thank @EnigmaFotos for the tour unit, and Flipears for making this set available for review. I am so very appreciative for the opportunity, and since pictures of this set first appeared, I wanted to try them out. I was afforded the opportunity. The faceplates are one of the most striking works of art in all the IEM world. It bordered on genius. A member of the Roman legion? Copper and embossed! Simply stunning and even more impressive when you hold it in your hands. Now it's one of the largest shells I've ever beheld, and it rivals the newly released KZ Decet for largesque shell territory, but remarkably, the fitment is quite comfortable, even for long listening sessions (I even wore them to bed!!). This IEM drips uniqueness, so buckle your seatbelts and prepare for a 100% unbiased impression with heartfelt observations and thoughts. Now on to the fun stuff.
This unboxing was very minimalistic, for the very reason mentioned above, as this is a tour unit. So what I got was this really nice Flipears leather carry box (smells and feels like real leather. This is REAL), a pair of tips, and the 4.4mm cable (which apparently isn't the final product, and that's probably a good thing, as it's reminiscent of a standard XINHS or ivipQ cable, and it seemed to thicken the sonic soup a bit too much for me). After a bit of tip rolling, I landed on the Divinus Velvet Wide Bores, and the XINHS Red Flame 4.4mm cable (a mixed alloy cable of graphene, silver, copper, and gold) that helped accentuate the top end a bit more than the stock cable. As previously mentioned, the shells are larege but contoured for comfort, so no problems wearing them for long sessions, though they do stick out like bolts, so these IEMs will definitely draw attention in public. That pretty much concludes the unboxing experience.
THE SPECS :
FLIPEARS LEGION
TECHNICAL INFORMATION :
Specifications:
Proprietary Tribrid Speaker Configuration:
LEGION DD + EarQuake BC + SPARK Electret Tweeter
The three-driver system creates a broad, natural soundstage, perfect for discerning audiophiles.
Elegant Jewelry Casted Faceplates: Fashioned using jewelry casting techniques with rosegold-plated brass to prevent oxidation and to reflect the protective elegance of a warrior’s helmet, built to withstand the challenges of daily use. Each faceplate is finished with hand-painted enamel by master jewelers from Bulacan, Philippines, making every unit a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
The Arsenal Collection is more than a tribute to childhood dreams; it’s a celebration of the warrior spirit within us all. With the Legion, Flipears invites you to channel your inner hero and embark on your own legendary journey.
Flipears Legion frequency response graph courtesy of audioamigo & squig.link. all rights reserved.
PRICE : $849.00
Available for purchase at this location and this location.
The Gear :
What did I use for my listening sessions for my review??
So for dacs, I used the iBasso Nunchaku both in tube mode and solid state mode, always in high gain and slow roll off filter, the iBasso DC Elite, the Dethonray Clarinet, and the iFi Go Link Max (not pictured). My DAP sources included the Cayin N3 Ultra (Modern tube mode, High Gain, Slow roll off filter, untethered), Hiby R3 II (tethered to various aforementioned dacs), FiiO JM21 (high gain, slow roll off filter, untethered), iBasso DX170 (high gain, slow roll off filter, untethered), and the Sony NW-306 (not pictured and tethered to iFi GLM).
Music used for the review and all my reviews in general?
Ezra Collective - Dance, No One's Watching
Robert Glasper - Canvas
Alfa Mist - Antiphon
Mareike Wiening - Reveal
Avishai Cohen - Brightlight
Bob Marley & the Wailers - Survival
Rob Van Bavel & Joris Teppe - Dutch Connection
Kaisa's Machine - Taking Shape
Esperanza Spalding - Self Titled
Junior Kelly, Bounty Killer, and Capleton - The Good, The Bad, and the Blazin'
Martin, Glasper, 9th Wonder & Washington - Dinner Party
Juan Ibarra - La Casa
Megadeth - Rust in Peace
Drive By Jehu - Self Titled
Gates To Hell - Death Comes To All
Crownshift - Crownshift
In Aphelion - Reaperdawn
Cradle of Filth - Nymphetamine
Shuffled Classic Rock, Reggae, and Pop Music playlist
SOUND IMPRESSIONS :
Dynamics : 4
Resolution : 4
Details : 4
Instrument separation : 4
Imaging : 4.5
Low End Impact : 5
Sibilance : 1 (No discernible sibilance)
Soundstage : 5
Overall score : 4/5
BASS/MIDRANGE/TREBLE :
The Flipears Legion, From Aries Sales, is a Filipino company with a series of themed IEMs like the Aegis, Artha Argentum, Aurora, and the Legion. IMHO, this is the most handsome of the FE faceplate art, but on to the sound impressions. BASS. There. No, just kidding! But in a way, no I'm not. This is a tried and true basshead IEM, that pulses, pounds, punches and pumps. Now with that in mind, I don't think it's overbearing (mostly), and at no point does it ever get muddy. Now it can smear just a bit on super complex or busy tracks, especially in the mid bass, like double bass kicks while listening to Gates To Hell, In Aphelion, and Cradle of Filth. On slower metal drumming, like that by Megadeth or Crownshift, there wasn't much discernible smear, but when we got into death. black, and extreme metal genres, the bass couldn't quite keep up, and became bloomy and smeared, and there's a bit of bloom and warmth in hard rock and some progressive classic rock tracks, so I wouldn't recommend this IEM for those who listen to metal, hard rock, or complex rock tracks, but shifting gears to reggae, funk, acid jazz, bass driven contemporary jazz, and pop, this IEM is a hole in one. Aces. The amount of bass this IEM delivers is rather impressive, but also impressive is the quality of the bass driver is indeed a high performance DD, and though it is warm throughout the mid bass and into the lower midrange, and can deliver quite a bit of bass energy, it's never muddy or dark. It's actually rather balanced (to an extent), spacious, and impactful from sub bass (there's an impressive slam and rumble that makes this quite a fun listen), and snappy and resolving mid bass. This IEM adeptly handles bass centric genres, with energy, impact, and resolution, which isn't an easy feat. So if you're into electronica, reggae, hip hop, r&b, dub, or bassy pop, then you'd be in for one hell of a treat. Funk bass is delivered with resolving slaps and thumps, while jazzy double bass/stand up bass is delivered with snap and resolve. Then when it's required to rumble and shake, with the heaviest of dub or hip hop tracks, yeah, the Legion is ready to deliver that in spades. Welcome to the Legion of BOOM!
Midrange is a odd fellow. Not in any off tonal, or skewered response. No. It's just that the BCD driver, while working with the bass and mids, somehow produces a bit of thinness or hollowness that appears in that transition between the mid bass and lower mids. There's a noticeable hollow sound or lack of note weight in that region, that is audible, but also, I think it can be masked thanks to the cavernous soundstage, which has depth, height, and width, excellent spatial cues and imaging, and above average instrument separation and detail retrieval, though I wouldn't call it class leading, but it's not weak. It's just not one of it's strong suits. This IEM is more about musicality, bass, warmth, and refinement, and not so much about lushness or shimmer. The soundstage is immersive. Enveloping. Massive. It's like IMAX stage. now quite orbital, but gargantuan and immersive. The upper midrange is quite polite, never shouty or sibilant, and for those sensitive, who don't mind a safe incisiveness, then this IEM will hit the spot. As I mentioned, there is an incisiveness to the upper midrange though. It's crisp and clean, just like most of the midrange as a whole. Crisp, clean, and warm with a vastness and fullness that is class leading. So as a whole, the midrange is balanced, incisive, refined, and reserved. Much like the treble.
The treble is not quite peek-a-boo style, but almost there. What I mean is that unlike peek-a-boo treble, like that found in the AFUL Explorer or the KZ Saga, there's never a point where it appears like shimmer or air comes out of nowhere on certain tracks. No, the treble here is even keeled, reserved, but with a balanced crispness and incisiveness. That Spark electret/magnetostat driver is very balanced and doesn't have any flux or spikes or waves. It's as refined as the midrange, and stays just on the other side of safe and surround. It's very reminiscent of the treble texture and air of the KZ Zenith or the ISN H20. That's the thing with this treble, as it has a beautiful natural tone, texture, and refinement, that makes it sound like a nearly $1,000 IEM, and not a $100, $200, or even $300 IEM with uneven response, stridency, or sheens. This is a mature, high class treble, and it's a nice balance to the wild, wooly, and spunky bass. In this case, there's a ying and yang with the bass and treble, and the midrange holding it all together in a cavernous yet cautious style.
Comparisons :
The only comparisons I really could think of, with BCD, in my rotation, are the KBear KB02 ($40.00) and the ISN EBC80 ($700.00). Now interestingly enough, the Flipears Aegis is a 1+1, with tech very similar to the KB02, so that would have been a more natural comparison (despite the price gap), but I don't have the Aegis, so the Legion is what it will get compared to. So as mentioned, the KB02 is a 1 DD + 1 elastic BCD. The biggest difference between these two, besides price, is that the soundstage of the KB02 is nowhere near as expansive and refined as the Legion. You could fit two KB02's in the vastness of the Legion LOL But what they do have in common is mid bass energy and punch. The KB02 has snap, but also for such a cheap DD, the note resolution is very good, with not quite the depth of the Legion, but in the ballpark. The midrange is warmer with the KB02. with spatial cues, and detail retrieval falling way short of the Legion, but the treble being airier, more shimmery, and a tad more incisive than the Legion. So yes, you get more extension and shimmer, but it's also a less refined and tonally impressive treble. The KB02's shell is smaller, so more comfortable as a whole, and the midrange has more note weight, but the bass, next to the Legion, comes off as polite or restrained (it's not really), as the Legion brings a whole different level of impact, rumble, and energy compared to the cheaper KB02. Advantage : Flipears Legion.
The ISN EBC80 is just a different beast. First off, the top end shimmers, shines, has air for days, and has tone and texture that's delivered by 2 ESTs, so next to the EBC80, the Legion sounds downright stifled. Also, the midrange is much more forward and crisp. While the BCD of the EBC80 isn't as expansive or full or dimensional as the Legion, it's just got more incisiveness and crispness, so instruments like pianos, keyboards, guitars, kicks, and cellos just sound more natural, full, and present that the more hollow and lighter tonality of the Legion, but as we move down, then the lightness and hollowness end, and the bass of the Legion, though it's just one vs the dual DD of the EBC80, provides a whole different planet of energy, punch, rumble, and kick. The bass from sub to mid is more balanced and even with the EBC80. It's also warmer and weightier in that transition range I spoke about earlier, but it again sounds much more polite and reserved in comparison to the Legion, and the stage is more intimate than the Legion. Yeah, if anyone has heard the EBC80, intimate isn't something you'd typically label this IEM as, but maybe next to the KZ Decet, a 5DD IEM that also has a huge shell and a massive cavern sized soundstage (and similar treble extension and texture, just not as refined in any facet, but can be had for $50.00 and is a close facsimile), yes, the EBC80 is a more intimate listen, while the Legion is much more immersive and refined. So basically, which one is better comes down to what you want? Are you a basshead who doesn't mind a bit of safe but refined treble and maybe some thinness in the lower midrange? Then the Legion is your pick. Want more balance, airy treble, and sweet crisp midrange, with more warmth and note weight, but less dimensionality and less immersive stage, while still dousing you with BCD flavor, plus a smaller shell, then the EBC80 would be a no-brainer pick! Advantage: Toss up (Pick 'em).
CONCLUSION :
I sure enjoyed my time with this set of IEMs! Now is it my cuppa? Is it my preference? I'm going to be honest with all of you. No. no it's not. I'm not a bass head, and if I want to get my ears rattled, and my earth shaken, I can pop in the KZ Decet, and get about 80% of the way there, but I don't always reach for the Decet, nor, even if I owned this set, would I reach for it unless I was in the mood for specific genres that are bass-centric. This isn't an all-arounder set. Maybe a bass head all-arounder, whatever that means, but for someone who prefers a more balanced approach, with a more neutral bright to balanced bright tuning, this was superbly enjoyable, but just not my gig. I'm poised to assume the Elysian Annihilator 2023, which I have incoming on tour, might be more my speed, but again, this doesn't mean I didn't thoroughly enjoy the Flipears Legion. I did. It's dynamic, musical, bassy, warm, spatially immersive, refined, with punchy, rumbly fun!! It's the coolest form of novelty, with it's L shaped tuning, stunning work of art faceplates, and class leading BCD implementation. So if this is the kind of IEM you're looking for, then it'll be worth the $849.00 investment to bring those impressions home and get to experience what I got to experience, which is a voluminous, ear shaking refinement that will make all of your friend's envious, and a great conversation piece to snare the ladies' (or dudes) attention! FOOLPROOF!
RECOMMENDATION LEVEL : BASSHEAD MUSIC HALL TOTL BOSS - HIGH 9/10.
Thank you so much for reading and remember to be water with your audio luv! When you do...AUDITORY ZEN UNLOCKED!
Let's get started. Firstly, I'd like to thank @EnigmaFotos for the tour unit, and Flipears for making this set available for review. I am so very appreciative for the opportunity, and since pictures of this set first appeared, I wanted to try them out. I was afforded the opportunity. The faceplates are one of the most striking works of art in all the IEM world. It bordered on genius. A member of the Roman legion? Copper and embossed! Simply stunning and even more impressive when you hold it in your hands. Now it's one of the largest shells I've ever beheld, and it rivals the newly released KZ Decet for largesque shell territory, but remarkably, the fitment is quite comfortable, even for long listening sessions (I even wore them to bed!!). This IEM drips uniqueness, so buckle your seatbelts and prepare for a 100% unbiased impression with heartfelt observations and thoughts. Now on to the fun stuff.
This unboxing was very minimalistic, for the very reason mentioned above, as this is a tour unit. So what I got was this really nice Flipears leather carry box (smells and feels like real leather. This is REAL), a pair of tips, and the 4.4mm cable (which apparently isn't the final product, and that's probably a good thing, as it's reminiscent of a standard XINHS or ivipQ cable, and it seemed to thicken the sonic soup a bit too much for me). After a bit of tip rolling, I landed on the Divinus Velvet Wide Bores, and the XINHS Red Flame 4.4mm cable (a mixed alloy cable of graphene, silver, copper, and gold) that helped accentuate the top end a bit more than the stock cable. As previously mentioned, the shells are larege but contoured for comfort, so no problems wearing them for long sessions, though they do stick out like bolts, so these IEMs will definitely draw attention in public. That pretty much concludes the unboxing experience.
THE SPECS :
FLIPEARS LEGION
TECHNICAL INFORMATION :
Specifications:
Proprietary Tribrid Speaker Configuration:
LEGION DD + EarQuake BC + SPARK Electret Tweeter
The three-driver system creates a broad, natural soundstage, perfect for discerning audiophiles.
Elegant Jewelry Casted Faceplates: Fashioned using jewelry casting techniques with rosegold-plated brass to prevent oxidation and to reflect the protective elegance of a warrior’s helmet, built to withstand the challenges of daily use. Each faceplate is finished with hand-painted enamel by master jewelers from Bulacan, Philippines, making every unit a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
The Arsenal Collection is more than a tribute to childhood dreams; it’s a celebration of the warrior spirit within us all. With the Legion, Flipears invites you to channel your inner hero and embark on your own legendary journey.
Flipears Legion frequency response graph courtesy of audioamigo & squig.link. all rights reserved.
PRICE : $849.00
Available for purchase at this location and this location.
The Gear :
What did I use for my listening sessions for my review??
So for dacs, I used the iBasso Nunchaku both in tube mode and solid state mode, always in high gain and slow roll off filter, the iBasso DC Elite, the Dethonray Clarinet, and the iFi Go Link Max (not pictured). My DAP sources included the Cayin N3 Ultra (Modern tube mode, High Gain, Slow roll off filter, untethered), Hiby R3 II (tethered to various aforementioned dacs), FiiO JM21 (high gain, slow roll off filter, untethered), iBasso DX170 (high gain, slow roll off filter, untethered), and the Sony NW-306 (not pictured and tethered to iFi GLM).
Music used for the review and all my reviews in general?
Ezra Collective - Dance, No One's Watching
Robert Glasper - Canvas
Alfa Mist - Antiphon
Mareike Wiening - Reveal
Avishai Cohen - Brightlight
Bob Marley & the Wailers - Survival
Rob Van Bavel & Joris Teppe - Dutch Connection
Kaisa's Machine - Taking Shape
Esperanza Spalding - Self Titled
Junior Kelly, Bounty Killer, and Capleton - The Good, The Bad, and the Blazin'
Martin, Glasper, 9th Wonder & Washington - Dinner Party
Juan Ibarra - La Casa
Megadeth - Rust in Peace
Drive By Jehu - Self Titled
Gates To Hell - Death Comes To All
Crownshift - Crownshift
In Aphelion - Reaperdawn
Cradle of Filth - Nymphetamine
Shuffled Classic Rock, Reggae, and Pop Music playlist
SOUND IMPRESSIONS :
Dynamics : 4
Resolution : 4
Details : 4
Instrument separation : 4
Imaging : 4.5
Low End Impact : 5
Sibilance : 1 (No discernible sibilance)
Soundstage : 5
Overall score : 4/5
BASS/MIDRANGE/TREBLE :
The Flipears Legion, From Aries Sales, is a Filipino company with a series of themed IEMs like the Aegis, Artha Argentum, Aurora, and the Legion. IMHO, this is the most handsome of the FE faceplate art, but on to the sound impressions. BASS. There. No, just kidding! But in a way, no I'm not. This is a tried and true basshead IEM, that pulses, pounds, punches and pumps. Now with that in mind, I don't think it's overbearing (mostly), and at no point does it ever get muddy. Now it can smear just a bit on super complex or busy tracks, especially in the mid bass, like double bass kicks while listening to Gates To Hell, In Aphelion, and Cradle of Filth. On slower metal drumming, like that by Megadeth or Crownshift, there wasn't much discernible smear, but when we got into death. black, and extreme metal genres, the bass couldn't quite keep up, and became bloomy and smeared, and there's a bit of bloom and warmth in hard rock and some progressive classic rock tracks, so I wouldn't recommend this IEM for those who listen to metal, hard rock, or complex rock tracks, but shifting gears to reggae, funk, acid jazz, bass driven contemporary jazz, and pop, this IEM is a hole in one. Aces. The amount of bass this IEM delivers is rather impressive, but also impressive is the quality of the bass driver is indeed a high performance DD, and though it is warm throughout the mid bass and into the lower midrange, and can deliver quite a bit of bass energy, it's never muddy or dark. It's actually rather balanced (to an extent), spacious, and impactful from sub bass (there's an impressive slam and rumble that makes this quite a fun listen), and snappy and resolving mid bass. This IEM adeptly handles bass centric genres, with energy, impact, and resolution, which isn't an easy feat. So if you're into electronica, reggae, hip hop, r&b, dub, or bassy pop, then you'd be in for one hell of a treat. Funk bass is delivered with resolving slaps and thumps, while jazzy double bass/stand up bass is delivered with snap and resolve. Then when it's required to rumble and shake, with the heaviest of dub or hip hop tracks, yeah, the Legion is ready to deliver that in spades. Welcome to the Legion of BOOM!
Midrange is a odd fellow. Not in any off tonal, or skewered response. No. It's just that the BCD driver, while working with the bass and mids, somehow produces a bit of thinness or hollowness that appears in that transition between the mid bass and lower mids. There's a noticeable hollow sound or lack of note weight in that region, that is audible, but also, I think it can be masked thanks to the cavernous soundstage, which has depth, height, and width, excellent spatial cues and imaging, and above average instrument separation and detail retrieval, though I wouldn't call it class leading, but it's not weak. It's just not one of it's strong suits. This IEM is more about musicality, bass, warmth, and refinement, and not so much about lushness or shimmer. The soundstage is immersive. Enveloping. Massive. It's like IMAX stage. now quite orbital, but gargantuan and immersive. The upper midrange is quite polite, never shouty or sibilant, and for those sensitive, who don't mind a safe incisiveness, then this IEM will hit the spot. As I mentioned, there is an incisiveness to the upper midrange though. It's crisp and clean, just like most of the midrange as a whole. Crisp, clean, and warm with a vastness and fullness that is class leading. So as a whole, the midrange is balanced, incisive, refined, and reserved. Much like the treble.
The treble is not quite peek-a-boo style, but almost there. What I mean is that unlike peek-a-boo treble, like that found in the AFUL Explorer or the KZ Saga, there's never a point where it appears like shimmer or air comes out of nowhere on certain tracks. No, the treble here is even keeled, reserved, but with a balanced crispness and incisiveness. That Spark electret/magnetostat driver is very balanced and doesn't have any flux or spikes or waves. It's as refined as the midrange, and stays just on the other side of safe and surround. It's very reminiscent of the treble texture and air of the KZ Zenith or the ISN H20. That's the thing with this treble, as it has a beautiful natural tone, texture, and refinement, that makes it sound like a nearly $1,000 IEM, and not a $100, $200, or even $300 IEM with uneven response, stridency, or sheens. This is a mature, high class treble, and it's a nice balance to the wild, wooly, and spunky bass. In this case, there's a ying and yang with the bass and treble, and the midrange holding it all together in a cavernous yet cautious style.
Comparisons :
The only comparisons I really could think of, with BCD, in my rotation, are the KBear KB02 ($40.00) and the ISN EBC80 ($700.00). Now interestingly enough, the Flipears Aegis is a 1+1, with tech very similar to the KB02, so that would have been a more natural comparison (despite the price gap), but I don't have the Aegis, so the Legion is what it will get compared to. So as mentioned, the KB02 is a 1 DD + 1 elastic BCD. The biggest difference between these two, besides price, is that the soundstage of the KB02 is nowhere near as expansive and refined as the Legion. You could fit two KB02's in the vastness of the Legion LOL But what they do have in common is mid bass energy and punch. The KB02 has snap, but also for such a cheap DD, the note resolution is very good, with not quite the depth of the Legion, but in the ballpark. The midrange is warmer with the KB02. with spatial cues, and detail retrieval falling way short of the Legion, but the treble being airier, more shimmery, and a tad more incisive than the Legion. So yes, you get more extension and shimmer, but it's also a less refined and tonally impressive treble. The KB02's shell is smaller, so more comfortable as a whole, and the midrange has more note weight, but the bass, next to the Legion, comes off as polite or restrained (it's not really), as the Legion brings a whole different level of impact, rumble, and energy compared to the cheaper KB02. Advantage : Flipears Legion.
The ISN EBC80 is just a different beast. First off, the top end shimmers, shines, has air for days, and has tone and texture that's delivered by 2 ESTs, so next to the EBC80, the Legion sounds downright stifled. Also, the midrange is much more forward and crisp. While the BCD of the EBC80 isn't as expansive or full or dimensional as the Legion, it's just got more incisiveness and crispness, so instruments like pianos, keyboards, guitars, kicks, and cellos just sound more natural, full, and present that the more hollow and lighter tonality of the Legion, but as we move down, then the lightness and hollowness end, and the bass of the Legion, though it's just one vs the dual DD of the EBC80, provides a whole different planet of energy, punch, rumble, and kick. The bass from sub to mid is more balanced and even with the EBC80. It's also warmer and weightier in that transition range I spoke about earlier, but it again sounds much more polite and reserved in comparison to the Legion, and the stage is more intimate than the Legion. Yeah, if anyone has heard the EBC80, intimate isn't something you'd typically label this IEM as, but maybe next to the KZ Decet, a 5DD IEM that also has a huge shell and a massive cavern sized soundstage (and similar treble extension and texture, just not as refined in any facet, but can be had for $50.00 and is a close facsimile), yes, the EBC80 is a more intimate listen, while the Legion is much more immersive and refined. So basically, which one is better comes down to what you want? Are you a basshead who doesn't mind a bit of safe but refined treble and maybe some thinness in the lower midrange? Then the Legion is your pick. Want more balance, airy treble, and sweet crisp midrange, with more warmth and note weight, but less dimensionality and less immersive stage, while still dousing you with BCD flavor, plus a smaller shell, then the EBC80 would be a no-brainer pick! Advantage: Toss up (Pick 'em).
CONCLUSION :
I sure enjoyed my time with this set of IEMs! Now is it my cuppa? Is it my preference? I'm going to be honest with all of you. No. no it's not. I'm not a bass head, and if I want to get my ears rattled, and my earth shaken, I can pop in the KZ Decet, and get about 80% of the way there, but I don't always reach for the Decet, nor, even if I owned this set, would I reach for it unless I was in the mood for specific genres that are bass-centric. This isn't an all-arounder set. Maybe a bass head all-arounder, whatever that means, but for someone who prefers a more balanced approach, with a more neutral bright to balanced bright tuning, this was superbly enjoyable, but just not my gig. I'm poised to assume the Elysian Annihilator 2023, which I have incoming on tour, might be more my speed, but again, this doesn't mean I didn't thoroughly enjoy the Flipears Legion. I did. It's dynamic, musical, bassy, warm, spatially immersive, refined, with punchy, rumbly fun!! It's the coolest form of novelty, with it's L shaped tuning, stunning work of art faceplates, and class leading BCD implementation. So if this is the kind of IEM you're looking for, then it'll be worth the $849.00 investment to bring those impressions home and get to experience what I got to experience, which is a voluminous, ear shaking refinement that will make all of your friend's envious, and a great conversation piece to snare the ladies' (or dudes) attention! FOOLPROOF!
RECOMMENDATION LEVEL : BASSHEAD MUSIC HALL TOTL BOSS - HIGH 9/10.
Thank you so much for reading and remember to be water with your audio luv! When you do...AUDITORY ZEN UNLOCKED!
NymPHONOmaniac
excellent (and non hyper) review mate. you got my respect. in fact, ill share this on ChiFi Freedom since its exactly kind of reviews we seek. cheers!
Sifxt
Damn , the picture of the faceplate is sick!
TL;DR: An absolute package in looks and sound
Overview/History
Hi all.
I'm going to apologize in advance because I'm going to re-use a bunch of gifs from my Legion video review. I'm actually going to list video at the top in case you'd prefer to skip straight to watching vs reading. But, if you'd prefer to read, scroll on ahead!
I've previously heard of FlipEars who have released other gorgeous looking IEMs such as the Aurora and the Zurq. But, just after SoCal CanJam, I was turned onto the FlipEars Arsenal collection by some people on the Gizaudio Discord. Curiously, I took a look at the shells and fell in love with the looks at first sight. I figured that if they sound as good as they look, FlipEars has a hit on their hands.
The FlipEars Arsenal collection has two different IEMs that are being released. There is the FlipEars Aegis (targeting $500 retail) and the flagship Legion. I'm hoping to have a review for the Aegis when it's ready but it may still be going under some development at this time.
The FlipEars Legion is retailing just under $1k. At the time of this written review, I was told that the price is around $849 USD. With this package, you're getting a 1DD + 1BCD + 1EST driver IEM. As an early spoiler, this is one of the biggest, boldest implementations of the BCD I've experienced beyond something like the ZE51B or other similar IEMs.
Specifications so you don't have to go look:
Build Quality, Comfort and Accessories
Not a lot of photos this time as this was a review unit but take a look at these gorgeous shells!
For a full breakdown of the IEM, check my 'unboxing' video. As this is a tour unit, this is not the final unboxing experience people will get with a retail unit of the Legion and, even then, it came with some great marketing material and a pretty good case/cable.
Nozzle Lip was measured at 5.9mm
Tip Rolling
No smooth nozzle! Whew. I didn't have a flight of stock tips to check out but, since the nozzle was normal, I was able to tip roll and found some great synergy with my usual flight of tips. My favorites:
Final Type E - Clear/Red: A great combination in this case. Final tips tend to work really well for me to engage with the BCD and provides good balance of bass with still engaging treble.
Dunu S&S: Also a great combination. I found that this pushed up the vocals a bit more and gave it a bit wider sound. Sub-bass took the biggest hit, though, so I prefer the Final Type E a bit more.
Fiio HS20: Second best combination - great bass balance with keeping the treble and open sound stage going.
Cable
The cable is fine; it's not the worst cable I've ever used and I never felt it was lacking.
*Thanks to @AudioAmigoReviews for this image as I forgot to take one of the IEM and it's cable*
It's not too stiff, not too memory prone. I'm curious about rolling it to another cable selection (like the Gladiator cables) but the Legion -is- recessed 2-pin so that is probably the only negative I have with the design/cable. Even though I get it and the fit is amazing.
Sound
So, how do the Legion sound?
The vibe with the Legion is one of my favorites. From the very first moment I put them in my ears, I could tell that they were special.
On par with some pretty crazy epic IEMs, the FlipEars Legion is one of my favorite basshead balanced IEMs. While the bass and mids are the most emphasized parts, there is great energy across the entire sound frequency so that nothing is lacking.
It combines great technical capability, one of the most immersive BCD implementations, and some of my favorite bass I've ever heard. The Legion brings an overall coherent, aggressively fun yet refined sound performance.
The sign of a great bass tuned IEM is the ability to go from hip hop or tracks with heavy bass emphasis to orchestra, jazz, acoustic with the bass performance scaling naturally to allow the track to emphasize what it needs to. The Legion is one of those IEMs that does a great job of bouncing between genres effortlessly.
Gear Tested On: Primarily streamed music via either dedicated Streamer, Laptop or Phone
Phone chain: Pixel 8 Pro -> Abigail Pro
Phone chain: Pixel 8 Pro -> Muse Hifi M5 Ultra
Streamed Music Chain Workstation: Raspberry Pi4 w/ Volumio -> JDS Labs Element 4
Streamed Music chain: WiiM Mini -> JDS Labs Atom DAC+ -> JDS Labs OL Switcher -> Geshelli Labs Archel 3 Pro
*My Audio Preference and Score Disclaimer*: To preface my breakdown, here's my sound preference. I tend to prefer warmer sound. I enjoy good sub-bass extension with enough mid-bass to feel the music. I prefer more fuller sounding mids to match my library. My preference is for smooth treble extension; while I'm not treble sensitive, I'd probably lean more towards 'safer' treble tuning for longer listening. I also tend to listen at either medium to louder listening volumes (reasonably loud).
In addition, all scores listed below are typically (unless otherwise stated) rated/scored as it relates to it's peers in the same price group.
Lows/Bass:
The bass of the Legion is on par with some of my favorites bass tuned IEMs.
The sub-bass has deep hitting emphasis that gives it that subwoofer feeling while the mid-bass is punchy and dynamic. The attack is aggressive and immersive with how the Legion encompasses you in any of your more bass heavy tracks. The decay is satisfying and natural sounding to give some extra enjoyment.
One of the best things about the Legion, though, is that the detail is still there. There is an excellent amount of quantity to match the quality aspect for the bass. Nothing sounds or feels bloated or overly emphasized and unnatural.
Bass Score: 9.5/10 - TL;DR: This one is for the bass-heads who are looking for not just good quality, quantity but want *engagement* in the bass
Mids:
The implementation of the BCD is working overdrive on what it does to the mid range here.
Vocals are excellent and have great balance. Male vocals sound natural with a hint of warmth. Female vocals have good elevation on the upper mids for proper airiness without sounding shouty. They both sound more forward to the mix but not right in the ear.
Instruments shine here as well. Piano strings, guitars, everything sounds incredibly rich without losing any of the detail.
The best part is the BCD provides excellent note weight to both vocals and instruments. This brings an aggressive, immersive sensation to both that isn't common to a lot of other IEMs. The mid range is just so engaging and goes hand in hand with the excellent bass.
Mids Score: 9.25/10 - TL;DR: Absolutely lush vocals and great immersion with the BCD. The second star of the show.
Treble:
The treble extension for the Legion is elevated to provide overall balance to the sound signature. It doesn't come off as treble hell at all despite needing the extra energy to bring balance in.
There is a good amount of elevation in the upper treble with just enough sparkle and energy to prevent the Legion from being dark sounding but without having any graininess or sibilance.
The energy, while not pushing the sound to be bright sounding, is controlled and presented well to not allow it to be too L-shaped with emphasis all on the bass/mids. That being said, it's not the star of the show and it does well to compliment the strengths of the tuning.
Treble Score: 8.75/10 - TL;DR: Provides great balance to the bass/mid range - works well even at higher volumes. EST implementation is solid - not as crisp or incisive as other sets but still well done
Detail, Separation, Imaging, Overall Soundstage, Etc.:
The technical performance is quite good. Most of the emphasis is really on how enveloping the sound is but there is still great technicalities here.
Separation and imaging are done quite well. Even in extremely busy tracks, it's very easy to pinpoint where things should be.
The soundstage is very enveloping and really provides that surround sound type of sensation to the music. The soundstage has a great blend of depth and sounds more than adequately wide.
The Legion does a great job of still providing that technical performance while maintaining a satisfying musical tonality that makes music pop out more. Music is just satisfying and engaging on the Legion.
Technicalities Score: 8.75/10 - TL;DR: Great technical performance considering how musical the set is - immersion/soundstage factor is another level
Who is this for?
The FlipEars Legion works in a wide variety of genres. But, really, it comes down to what your sound preference is with bass. Do you like a good amount of bass/bass engagement? This is for you. This would not work if you're a neutralhead/treblehead.
Some of my favorite tracks, as an example, include:
The Black Keys - "Gold on the Ceiling"
The Beatles - "Come Together"
The Weeknd w/ Kendrick Lamar - "Pray For Me"
Fleetwood Mac - "Dreams"
Florence + The Machine - "Dog Days Are Over"
Stevie Wonder - "Sir Duke"
Toto - "Rosanna"
The Seatbelts - "Tank!"
I never felt like any tracks were really lacking and I do feel pretty confident that they'd be a very engaging set with a wide variety of tracks.
Comparisons:
So, comparisons! I'm going to touch on a little variety of IEMs both from a basshead perspective and a general similar price range/performance perspective. How does Legion fair in a fight?
Jomo Nautilus: This is a very, very tough comparison to me to make because, at this time, I really like the Jomo Nautilus and it's another IEM that I think really hits above it's price point.
It does so many good things. With a DD+BCD+Micro planar set up, it's in a similar wheelhouse of just great sound but with a different presentation and a more subtle side of the BCD experience.
The Legion comes off as warmer, bassier, more engaging while the Nautilus is more incisive, detailed, precise. Not to say that the Nautilus doesn't have great vocals or warmth but it's definitely on the more technical side than the Legion while the Legion is more musical/bassier.
I would have to go with the Legion over the Nautilus but I could also see people enjoying the more incisive nature of the Nautilus instead.
Nightjar Singularity: A basshead IEM!
In some ways, the Nightjar Singularity is kind of a disappointing listen to me because I want to love it more. I want to really enjoy the bass because I think the Duality is an amazing set. Unfortunately, in listening to both the Legion and the Singularity, I felt like the Singularity had, for sure, more bass quantity but it didn't translate to the same level of enjoyment that I got with the Legion.
The Legion comes off bassier (likely due to the BCD), more engaging and lively. It also has better balance than the Singularity which is more tame on the upper mids/treble side so it can sound a bit darker/smoother. But, it also comes off a bit sterile to my ears while the Legion is lively and a complete vibe. I'd give the nod to the FlipEars Legion > Nightjar Singularity
Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch: This is both a testament to how good the Punch is but also how bassy the Legion sounds.
The Punch is a great basshead all-rounder IEM but more in a conventional way as it doesn't have any BCD 'magic'. That being said, it's no slouch on bass engagement. For half the price of the Legion, the Punch is enjoyable enough that I think people could enjoy it and get great mids/treble extension that sounds correct.
That being said, the Legion comes off way more engaging due to the BCD and you really are getting stellar performance for stepping up to the Legion. It becomes a value proposition argument in this case. If your price range is sub-$500, go for the Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch (as I have not confirmed how good the Aegis is). If your price range is up to $1k, Legion by far is more fun. For my library and fun, they both coexist but I'd give the nod to the FlipEars Legion > Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch due to it being able to do something more special.
FatFreq Deuce, Maestro Mini, Scarlet Mini: Quick hits on these ones.
Deuce: is more sub-bass clean with great overall detail. Legion will be more engaging, more mid-bass, musical sounding. FlipEars Legion > FatFreq Deuce to my enjoyment.
Maestro Mini: Mini has some in-ear energy that kind of makes it vibrate a bit while listening to bass heavy tracks. There is more sharpness to bring balance and vocals aren't quite as pushed forward in the tracks to my ears. Legion is both more controlled overall while having that bass vibration/engagement factor amped up. Maestro Mini's fit is a bit better with the smaller size. Kind of a toss up in a way but I would push the nod towards the FlipEars Legion > Maestro Mini.
Keep in mind that the Maestro Mini is also something I haven't had a chance to re-listen to in a while due to it being in RMA still so this is based on memory.
Scarlet Mini: This is also based on memory but Scarlet Mini if all you want is bass. If you want bass engagement but good balance, get the Legion. I can't say either is better because they're in two different worlds.
Empire Ears Triton: This is a set that I've borrowed (and been meaning to finish up a review on) from @EnigmaFotos
The Triton retails close to $2k and is pretty well established at this time for being a great bassy all-rounder type of sound with it being more on the warmer/darker side.
The Legion's bass hits similarly deep, the BCD provides a bit more immersion, while the Legion has similar levels of warmth without tilting towards the darker side. It's basically if the Triton had more upper mids/treble extension and shows just how good the Legion performs way above it's price point. I prefer the FlipEars Legion > Empire Ears Triton
Other Things to be aware of:
I'm not able to really show you the full unboxing experience, as this was a tour unit, but my understanding is that it's just as premium as the looks are.
There is also a little brother set (the Aegis) which will be less expensive that may cater more towards bassheads. I will remit back once I'm able to listen to it but I think the value here is through the roof with just how good the FlipEars Legion is with the sound package, the looks, the build, the fit. It's an absolute home run of an IEM.
Volume Listening:
With the treble being more controlled, I was able to really push the Legion to both higher volume listening and moderate volume listening. There really isn't a volume limitation here and I think it works for a wide variety of listening levels.
Source Synergy:
Can you use Tubes here? Absolutely. You'll bring the special sauce to a whole new level.
But, I would argue that a more neutral/traditional source will actually work really well here without muddying up the sound. The Legion doesn't need too much power to drive and is a chameleon with sources working no matter what but you can find great synergy either way of emphasizing it's strengths even more or providing traditional power to keep it still balanced.
Special Sauce/Personal Bias Score: 11.25/10 - TL;DR: I am legitimately biased because of how much I enjoy this sound, how I think it performs way above it's price point, and just the overall look/feel/aesthetics. I have inflated this score because this IEM... This IEM is it.
Conclusion:
The FlipEars Legion is one of my favorite IEMs under $1k that combines absolutely phenomenal bass, engaging and immersive mids, and one of the funnest BCD experiences out there in the market.
FlipEars is not as well known to the western market as traditional Chi-Fi, but this new Arsenal Collection is poised, IMO, to really make a splash in the coming weeks/months. I'd go out on a limb to say that the Legion provides an experience that isn't found in a lot of the competition in it's price bracket and makes an absolute great addition to anyone's IEM line up.
If you are looking for an IEM that is in the upper tier of BCD performance and bass performance while having some of the best looking shells in the hobby, look no further.
Final Weighted Score: 9.5/10 - I am biased. This is a 5/5 for me. It's that fun and I hope everyone gets a chance to try it out.
Thanks for reading!
Overview/History
Hi all.
I'm going to apologize in advance because I'm going to re-use a bunch of gifs from my Legion video review. I'm actually going to list video at the top in case you'd prefer to skip straight to watching vs reading. But, if you'd prefer to read, scroll on ahead!
I've previously heard of FlipEars who have released other gorgeous looking IEMs such as the Aurora and the Zurq. But, just after SoCal CanJam, I was turned onto the FlipEars Arsenal collection by some people on the Gizaudio Discord. Curiously, I took a look at the shells and fell in love with the looks at first sight. I figured that if they sound as good as they look, FlipEars has a hit on their hands.
The FlipEars Arsenal collection has two different IEMs that are being released. There is the FlipEars Aegis (targeting $500 retail) and the flagship Legion. I'm hoping to have a review for the Aegis when it's ready but it may still be going under some development at this time.
The FlipEars Legion is retailing just under $1k. At the time of this written review, I was told that the price is around $849 USD. With this package, you're getting a 1DD + 1BCD + 1EST driver IEM. As an early spoiler, this is one of the biggest, boldest implementations of the BCD I've experienced beyond something like the ZE51B or other similar IEMs.
Specifications so you don't have to go look:
- 1 Dynamic Driver
- 1 EarQuake Bone Conductor Driver
- 1 SPARK Electret Tweeter (EST)
- Frequency Response: 5hz-40khz
- Impedance: 16ohms
Build Quality, Comfort and Accessories
Not a lot of photos this time as this was a review unit but take a look at these gorgeous shells!
For a full breakdown of the IEM, check my 'unboxing' video. As this is a tour unit, this is not the final unboxing experience people will get with a retail unit of the Legion and, even then, it came with some great marketing material and a pretty good case/cable.
Nozzle Lip was measured at 5.9mm
Tip Rolling
No smooth nozzle! Whew. I didn't have a flight of stock tips to check out but, since the nozzle was normal, I was able to tip roll and found some great synergy with my usual flight of tips. My favorites:
Final Type E - Clear/Red: A great combination in this case. Final tips tend to work really well for me to engage with the BCD and provides good balance of bass with still engaging treble.
Dunu S&S: Also a great combination. I found that this pushed up the vocals a bit more and gave it a bit wider sound. Sub-bass took the biggest hit, though, so I prefer the Final Type E a bit more.
Fiio HS20: Second best combination - great bass balance with keeping the treble and open sound stage going.
Cable
The cable is fine; it's not the worst cable I've ever used and I never felt it was lacking.
*Thanks to @AudioAmigoReviews for this image as I forgot to take one of the IEM and it's cable*
It's not too stiff, not too memory prone. I'm curious about rolling it to another cable selection (like the Gladiator cables) but the Legion -is- recessed 2-pin so that is probably the only negative I have with the design/cable. Even though I get it and the fit is amazing.
Sound
So, how do the Legion sound?
The vibe with the Legion is one of my favorites. From the very first moment I put them in my ears, I could tell that they were special.
On par with some pretty crazy epic IEMs, the FlipEars Legion is one of my favorite basshead balanced IEMs. While the bass and mids are the most emphasized parts, there is great energy across the entire sound frequency so that nothing is lacking.
It combines great technical capability, one of the most immersive BCD implementations, and some of my favorite bass I've ever heard. The Legion brings an overall coherent, aggressively fun yet refined sound performance.
The sign of a great bass tuned IEM is the ability to go from hip hop or tracks with heavy bass emphasis to orchestra, jazz, acoustic with the bass performance scaling naturally to allow the track to emphasize what it needs to. The Legion is one of those IEMs that does a great job of bouncing between genres effortlessly.
Gear Tested On: Primarily streamed music via either dedicated Streamer, Laptop or Phone
Phone chain: Pixel 8 Pro -> Abigail Pro
Phone chain: Pixel 8 Pro -> Muse Hifi M5 Ultra
Streamed Music Chain Workstation: Raspberry Pi4 w/ Volumio -> JDS Labs Element 4
Streamed Music chain: WiiM Mini -> JDS Labs Atom DAC+ -> JDS Labs OL Switcher -> Geshelli Labs Archel 3 Pro
*My Audio Preference and Score Disclaimer*: To preface my breakdown, here's my sound preference. I tend to prefer warmer sound. I enjoy good sub-bass extension with enough mid-bass to feel the music. I prefer more fuller sounding mids to match my library. My preference is for smooth treble extension; while I'm not treble sensitive, I'd probably lean more towards 'safer' treble tuning for longer listening. I also tend to listen at either medium to louder listening volumes (reasonably loud).
In addition, all scores listed below are typically (unless otherwise stated) rated/scored as it relates to it's peers in the same price group.
Lows/Bass:
The bass of the Legion is on par with some of my favorites bass tuned IEMs.
The sub-bass has deep hitting emphasis that gives it that subwoofer feeling while the mid-bass is punchy and dynamic. The attack is aggressive and immersive with how the Legion encompasses you in any of your more bass heavy tracks. The decay is satisfying and natural sounding to give some extra enjoyment.
One of the best things about the Legion, though, is that the detail is still there. There is an excellent amount of quantity to match the quality aspect for the bass. Nothing sounds or feels bloated or overly emphasized and unnatural.
Bass Score: 9.5/10 - TL;DR: This one is for the bass-heads who are looking for not just good quality, quantity but want *engagement* in the bass
Mids:
The implementation of the BCD is working overdrive on what it does to the mid range here.
Vocals are excellent and have great balance. Male vocals sound natural with a hint of warmth. Female vocals have good elevation on the upper mids for proper airiness without sounding shouty. They both sound more forward to the mix but not right in the ear.
Instruments shine here as well. Piano strings, guitars, everything sounds incredibly rich without losing any of the detail.
The best part is the BCD provides excellent note weight to both vocals and instruments. This brings an aggressive, immersive sensation to both that isn't common to a lot of other IEMs. The mid range is just so engaging and goes hand in hand with the excellent bass.
Mids Score: 9.25/10 - TL;DR: Absolutely lush vocals and great immersion with the BCD. The second star of the show.
Treble:
The treble extension for the Legion is elevated to provide overall balance to the sound signature. It doesn't come off as treble hell at all despite needing the extra energy to bring balance in.
There is a good amount of elevation in the upper treble with just enough sparkle and energy to prevent the Legion from being dark sounding but without having any graininess or sibilance.
The energy, while not pushing the sound to be bright sounding, is controlled and presented well to not allow it to be too L-shaped with emphasis all on the bass/mids. That being said, it's not the star of the show and it does well to compliment the strengths of the tuning.
Treble Score: 8.75/10 - TL;DR: Provides great balance to the bass/mid range - works well even at higher volumes. EST implementation is solid - not as crisp or incisive as other sets but still well done
Detail, Separation, Imaging, Overall Soundstage, Etc.:
The technical performance is quite good. Most of the emphasis is really on how enveloping the sound is but there is still great technicalities here.
Separation and imaging are done quite well. Even in extremely busy tracks, it's very easy to pinpoint where things should be.
The soundstage is very enveloping and really provides that surround sound type of sensation to the music. The soundstage has a great blend of depth and sounds more than adequately wide.
The Legion does a great job of still providing that technical performance while maintaining a satisfying musical tonality that makes music pop out more. Music is just satisfying and engaging on the Legion.
Technicalities Score: 8.75/10 - TL;DR: Great technical performance considering how musical the set is - immersion/soundstage factor is another level
Who is this for?
The FlipEars Legion works in a wide variety of genres. But, really, it comes down to what your sound preference is with bass. Do you like a good amount of bass/bass engagement? This is for you. This would not work if you're a neutralhead/treblehead.
Some of my favorite tracks, as an example, include:
The Black Keys - "Gold on the Ceiling"
The Beatles - "Come Together"
The Weeknd w/ Kendrick Lamar - "Pray For Me"
Fleetwood Mac - "Dreams"
Florence + The Machine - "Dog Days Are Over"
Stevie Wonder - "Sir Duke"
Toto - "Rosanna"
The Seatbelts - "Tank!"
I never felt like any tracks were really lacking and I do feel pretty confident that they'd be a very engaging set with a wide variety of tracks.
Comparisons:
So, comparisons! I'm going to touch on a little variety of IEMs both from a basshead perspective and a general similar price range/performance perspective. How does Legion fair in a fight?
Jomo Nautilus: This is a very, very tough comparison to me to make because, at this time, I really like the Jomo Nautilus and it's another IEM that I think really hits above it's price point.
It does so many good things. With a DD+BCD+Micro planar set up, it's in a similar wheelhouse of just great sound but with a different presentation and a more subtle side of the BCD experience.
The Legion comes off as warmer, bassier, more engaging while the Nautilus is more incisive, detailed, precise. Not to say that the Nautilus doesn't have great vocals or warmth but it's definitely on the more technical side than the Legion while the Legion is more musical/bassier.
I would have to go with the Legion over the Nautilus but I could also see people enjoying the more incisive nature of the Nautilus instead.
Nightjar Singularity: A basshead IEM!
In some ways, the Nightjar Singularity is kind of a disappointing listen to me because I want to love it more. I want to really enjoy the bass because I think the Duality is an amazing set. Unfortunately, in listening to both the Legion and the Singularity, I felt like the Singularity had, for sure, more bass quantity but it didn't translate to the same level of enjoyment that I got with the Legion.
The Legion comes off bassier (likely due to the BCD), more engaging and lively. It also has better balance than the Singularity which is more tame on the upper mids/treble side so it can sound a bit darker/smoother. But, it also comes off a bit sterile to my ears while the Legion is lively and a complete vibe. I'd give the nod to the FlipEars Legion > Nightjar Singularity
Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch: This is both a testament to how good the Punch is but also how bassy the Legion sounds.
The Punch is a great basshead all-rounder IEM but more in a conventional way as it doesn't have any BCD 'magic'. That being said, it's no slouch on bass engagement. For half the price of the Legion, the Punch is enjoyable enough that I think people could enjoy it and get great mids/treble extension that sounds correct.
That being said, the Legion comes off way more engaging due to the BCD and you really are getting stellar performance for stepping up to the Legion. It becomes a value proposition argument in this case. If your price range is sub-$500, go for the Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch (as I have not confirmed how good the Aegis is). If your price range is up to $1k, Legion by far is more fun. For my library and fun, they both coexist but I'd give the nod to the FlipEars Legion > Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch due to it being able to do something more special.
FatFreq Deuce, Maestro Mini, Scarlet Mini: Quick hits on these ones.
Deuce: is more sub-bass clean with great overall detail. Legion will be more engaging, more mid-bass, musical sounding. FlipEars Legion > FatFreq Deuce to my enjoyment.
Maestro Mini: Mini has some in-ear energy that kind of makes it vibrate a bit while listening to bass heavy tracks. There is more sharpness to bring balance and vocals aren't quite as pushed forward in the tracks to my ears. Legion is both more controlled overall while having that bass vibration/engagement factor amped up. Maestro Mini's fit is a bit better with the smaller size. Kind of a toss up in a way but I would push the nod towards the FlipEars Legion > Maestro Mini.
Keep in mind that the Maestro Mini is also something I haven't had a chance to re-listen to in a while due to it being in RMA still so this is based on memory.
Scarlet Mini: This is also based on memory but Scarlet Mini if all you want is bass. If you want bass engagement but good balance, get the Legion. I can't say either is better because they're in two different worlds.
Empire Ears Triton: This is a set that I've borrowed (and been meaning to finish up a review on) from @EnigmaFotos
The Triton retails close to $2k and is pretty well established at this time for being a great bassy all-rounder type of sound with it being more on the warmer/darker side.
The Legion's bass hits similarly deep, the BCD provides a bit more immersion, while the Legion has similar levels of warmth without tilting towards the darker side. It's basically if the Triton had more upper mids/treble extension and shows just how good the Legion performs way above it's price point. I prefer the FlipEars Legion > Empire Ears Triton
Other Things to be aware of:
I'm not able to really show you the full unboxing experience, as this was a tour unit, but my understanding is that it's just as premium as the looks are.
There is also a little brother set (the Aegis) which will be less expensive that may cater more towards bassheads. I will remit back once I'm able to listen to it but I think the value here is through the roof with just how good the FlipEars Legion is with the sound package, the looks, the build, the fit. It's an absolute home run of an IEM.
Volume Listening:
With the treble being more controlled, I was able to really push the Legion to both higher volume listening and moderate volume listening. There really isn't a volume limitation here and I think it works for a wide variety of listening levels.
Source Synergy:
Can you use Tubes here? Absolutely. You'll bring the special sauce to a whole new level.
But, I would argue that a more neutral/traditional source will actually work really well here without muddying up the sound. The Legion doesn't need too much power to drive and is a chameleon with sources working no matter what but you can find great synergy either way of emphasizing it's strengths even more or providing traditional power to keep it still balanced.
Special Sauce/Personal Bias Score: 11.25/10 - TL;DR: I am legitimately biased because of how much I enjoy this sound, how I think it performs way above it's price point, and just the overall look/feel/aesthetics. I have inflated this score because this IEM... This IEM is it.
Conclusion:
The FlipEars Legion is one of my favorite IEMs under $1k that combines absolutely phenomenal bass, engaging and immersive mids, and one of the funnest BCD experiences out there in the market.
FlipEars is not as well known to the western market as traditional Chi-Fi, but this new Arsenal Collection is poised, IMO, to really make a splash in the coming weeks/months. I'd go out on a limb to say that the Legion provides an experience that isn't found in a lot of the competition in it's price bracket and makes an absolute great addition to anyone's IEM line up.
If you are looking for an IEM that is in the upper tier of BCD performance and bass performance while having some of the best looking shells in the hobby, look no further.
Final Weighted Score: 9.5/10 - I am biased. This is a 5/5 for me. It's that fun and I hope everyone gets a chance to try it out.
Thanks for reading!
buke9
Nice review. Yes these were quite a surprise when our friend Jonathan broke them out at the pre Jam in NYC everyone enjoyed them as did I. Hope to see you in SoCal.
MakeItWain
@buke9 - will be going to SoCal for sure! And Dallas! Yeah, Jonathan was texting me when he busted them out saying they're an immediate hit. They're incredibly fun. Thanks for checking the review, sir!
Tabikinoya Cephas
looks crazily good for the shell.
Short Review, apologies for lack of specified tracks.
Edit: Here are the pictures of my actual unit
Equipment Used:
Source: Ibasso DC Elite (4.4mm), AK Sp2000T, Ibasso DX260
Tips: Stock silicon tips, Eletech Baroque, Radius deep mounts
Cable: Stock cable
Sound Signature
The Flipears Legion presents a balanced tuning with a slight emphasis on the bass and upper midrange regions. The overall signature could be described as fun, musical while maintaining high technical performance.
I used the word slight to describe the emphasis of the bass as while noticeable and felt, it does not interfere with the midrange and not as fatiguing compared to other basshead sets. This set is not a one trick pony.
Bass (4.5/5)
The low-end response shows very good control and texture. Sub-bass extends deep with rumble I usually associate with speakers. The mid-bass maintains punch without bleeding into the mids. Bass decay is natural, striking a fine balance between speed and weight. Lower bass does benefit from a boost if you don't mind using EQ. It's best to listen in person as the fit will dictate the enhancement brought about by the BCD.
Key characteristics:
Sub-bass extension is present, almost similar to what I hear and feel with speakers.
Mid-bass impact is present but controlled
Excellent layering in complex bass passages, no one note bass here
Fast attack with natural decay
Rumble and physical sensation makes this a fun IEM
Midrange (5/5)
The midrange presentation is slightly forward in the upper mids, giving vocals and instruments an engaging presence, the combination of the DD and BCD may have something to do with this. Male vocals maintain their fundamental weight while female vocals shine with clarity.
Notable aspects:
Natural timbre for acoustic instruments
Clear vocal articulation
Very Good separation between instruments
Treble (4/5)
Treble presentation strikes a delicate balance between detail and smoothness. There's enough air and sparkle to provide detail though it does sound laid back on certain genres. It's just missing that extra presence on some tracks. This may be the designer's intention, I am guessing some dip near the 6khz region, changing of tips didn't improve this for me.
Observations:
Well-extended upper frequencies
Good detail retrieval without harshness
Cymbals and hi-hats maintain natural decay
Technical Performance
Soundstage: good width with good depth
Imaging: Very good placement of instruments
Detail Retrieval: High level of micro-detail even with the bass enhancement
Separation: Very good instrument separation even in complex passages, even though there is bass enhancement.
Summary
The Flipears Legion demonstrates impressive technical capabilities while maintaining musicality. Its fun, musical tuning with slight emphasis on specific regions creates an engaging listening experience. The IEM excels particularly in its midrange presentation, having that fun factor with the BCD without sacrificing detail. This is a special IEM that although not perfect, is a taste of things to come.
Rating: 4.5/5
Note: I purchased the item prior to this review. My impressions are based on personal experience and preferences. Your mileage may vary depending on source equipment, fit, tips, and individual taste.
Edit: Here are the pictures of my actual unit
Equipment Used:
Source: Ibasso DC Elite (4.4mm), AK Sp2000T, Ibasso DX260
Tips: Stock silicon tips, Eletech Baroque, Radius deep mounts
Cable: Stock cable
Sound Signature
The Flipears Legion presents a balanced tuning with a slight emphasis on the bass and upper midrange regions. The overall signature could be described as fun, musical while maintaining high technical performance.
I used the word slight to describe the emphasis of the bass as while noticeable and felt, it does not interfere with the midrange and not as fatiguing compared to other basshead sets. This set is not a one trick pony.
Bass (4.5/5)
The low-end response shows very good control and texture. Sub-bass extends deep with rumble I usually associate with speakers. The mid-bass maintains punch without bleeding into the mids. Bass decay is natural, striking a fine balance between speed and weight. Lower bass does benefit from a boost if you don't mind using EQ. It's best to listen in person as the fit will dictate the enhancement brought about by the BCD.
Key characteristics:
Sub-bass extension is present, almost similar to what I hear and feel with speakers.
Mid-bass impact is present but controlled
Excellent layering in complex bass passages, no one note bass here
Fast attack with natural decay
Rumble and physical sensation makes this a fun IEM
Midrange (5/5)
The midrange presentation is slightly forward in the upper mids, giving vocals and instruments an engaging presence, the combination of the DD and BCD may have something to do with this. Male vocals maintain their fundamental weight while female vocals shine with clarity.
Notable aspects:
Natural timbre for acoustic instruments
Clear vocal articulation
Very Good separation between instruments
Treble (4/5)
Treble presentation strikes a delicate balance between detail and smoothness. There's enough air and sparkle to provide detail though it does sound laid back on certain genres. It's just missing that extra presence on some tracks. This may be the designer's intention, I am guessing some dip near the 6khz region, changing of tips didn't improve this for me.
Observations:
Well-extended upper frequencies
Good detail retrieval without harshness
Cymbals and hi-hats maintain natural decay
Technical Performance
Soundstage: good width with good depth
Imaging: Very good placement of instruments
Detail Retrieval: High level of micro-detail even with the bass enhancement
Separation: Very good instrument separation even in complex passages, even though there is bass enhancement.
Summary
The Flipears Legion demonstrates impressive technical capabilities while maintaining musicality. Its fun, musical tuning with slight emphasis on specific regions creates an engaging listening experience. The IEM excels particularly in its midrange presentation, having that fun factor with the BCD without sacrificing detail. This is a special IEM that although not perfect, is a taste of things to come.
Rating: 4.5/5
Note: I purchased the item prior to this review. My impressions are based on personal experience and preferences. Your mileage may vary depending on source equipment, fit, tips, and individual taste.
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