Softears Twilight

Softears Twilight - My #1 recommendation under $1000
(The only IEM under $1000 which made me lose track of time)

Disclaimer - This IEM is provided to me by ConceptKart for review. No one paid or influenced me to write anything good or bad about this product. All thoughts and opinions are mine and true to my findings.



Introduction

Softears is my favourite company in Audio right now. I love their philosophy towards neutral sound. Not only do they avoid releasing products left and right saturating the market but they also make every IEM with care, and it is very prominent when you listen to their IEMs. I loved Studio 4 and adored RSV. Now it’s the time for Twilight to prove its stand and I am so glad they passed the test with flying colours.

Philosophy Of the Tuning

The main aim of the tuning of this IEM is "neutrality packed in a fun and expansive experience". I love neutrality and Softears excels in this tuning. This is why it resembles so much with my taste in music that I had to give it a 5 Star and nothing else.

Let’s discuss the tonality in detail.

Subbass

The sub-bass of this IEM only exudes itself if the songs are asking for it. If the music contains deep extension it reaches deep to extract every bit of detail in the subbass. The most exciting thing about the sub-bass is the Room Feeling experience it has. It is not huge/high in amplitude but the delivery reminds me of a subwoofer in a large room. If we go into the specifics, we can hear extremely textured sub-bass in action. The initial attack is good, not too fast not too slow. The authority is above average for a neutral IEM at this price. But as I said the authority increases when songs ask for the authoritative nature in the songs. The rumble is there but it won’t feel physical as such.

In one word the subbass is “excellent” for a neutrally tuned IEM.

Bass


The attack of the bass is very good. The deep extension that we can hear in the subbass section beautifully retained its qualities in the midbass too. The decay of the bass is very natural. There is no bleed in the mid-section because of the bass. It’s clean and separated through and through. I will talk about the power requirements later on but the more power you give to them, the more fuller it sounds. It exudes slight warmth in the mids which plays excellently to my liking and my library.

To conclude, I would say this won’t produce bass with extremely high amplitude but it is more than satisfying to me at this price.


Midrange

Now come to the most important part of the frequency response, The Midrange.

Lower Mids

This IEM produces very neutral lowermids with a slight tilt towards warmth. It won’t sound warm/lush with every song you throw at it but if the song demands warmth it provides that to the fullest. There are a few genres in Indian music which sound extremely breathtaking for this nature as well as more popular genres which require opposite expertise/tuning methodology in the lower midrange.

The textural information is above average for the price. It won’t sound extremely textured not it will sound underdetailed. But definitely, it balances the resolution in the micro-contrast and micro-details, where it won’t sound too upfront not too pushed away from portraying the details and the intricacies.

The timber on the set is well done. No artificial tonality of any kind of instrument can be noticed here. Everything sounds super natural and engaging. Although I will talk about its timber later on in the review.

To conclude this section, I can say that this IEM is among the best IEMs I heard under $1000. I lost for hours and hours while listening to music, which is not something I achieved at this price point in the past.

Upper Mids

To take things a bit further, the upper midrange contains all the qualities of the lower mids but a little bit better, more refined & more controlled. The upper mids made the presentation even more engaging and lively.

Mids on Twilight is breathtaking, to say the least.


Treble

On the last piece of the puzzle, treble. Where with no surprise, twilight scores very high.

Lower treble is as beautiful as it gets under $1000. It flows beautifully, with no sweat. There are no peaks/sharpness can be noticed whatsoever. It resembles borderline neutral to my ears. The treble is full of intricacies, details and resolution. The control and refinement are excellent. No cheap tricks they did to make it seem a bit more resolving than it is.

The upper treble also resembles the same attributes. The speed is very good, it feels very snappy. This part of the treble is full of air yet no amount of sibilance can be noticed. The upper treble is Refined, well controlled with excellent transparency.

The one word that came into my mind after hearing this IEM is how effortless it sounds.

Timber


The percussion instruments like Snare & Drums sound well in this IEM.
Other than that, String and Air Instruments sound very good along with cymbals and instruments that contain a lot of high registers. The bite and attack I search for in every IEM are there with all the fanciness. The instruments don’t sound claustrophobic with low extension in both extremes of the FR. They sound like, they are recorded in a well-spaced room.



Technicalities

This IEM has the best technicalities I heard for under $1000.


The soundstage is huge and holographic (I don’t use this term lightly). The 3D representation it gave me is unlike anything I heard till now in IEMs below $1000. The spaciousness and air it produces is simply jaw-dropping. The scope of the stage is huge and kind of resembles a 1:1 project, which is incredibly lifelike.


The imaging complimented this soundstage with full confidence. I can pinpoint every instrument on the stage with no confusion and incredible precision. It wraps 360 degrees around my head and makes well-mastered tracks sound phenomenal.

This IEM is the king of the technicalities.


The resolution on this set is good. It resolves less than something like IE900 but it excels something like Monarch MKII.


The dynamic range of this IEM is very high. It can go from lows to highs very quickly, and exhibit a very natural feeling towards the transitions. I am very amazed by the dynamics it can produce with a single driver.

Conclusion

This IEM is my #1 recommendation to anyone who likes the neutral bass-boosted sound. It says it all, I can’t find even a single thing that I disliked about this IEM.

Introduction
The Softears Twilight in-ear monitors (IEMs) offer a unique listening experience with their warm and relaxed sound signature, diverging from the more aggressive profiles typical of high-end IEMs. Designed for audiophiles who appreciate detail and clarity without harshness, the Twilight excels in delivering rich, full-bodied bass, warm mid-range tones, and smooth treble. Ideal for those seeking a laid-back yet immersive audio journey, the Softears Twilight stands out as a compelling choice in the realm of premium IEMs.
I would like to thank @gadgetgod and ConceptKart for lending me these, however all the opinions are personal with no external influence.

Build and Comfort
The Softears Twilight features durable magnesium aluminium alloy shells with detachable cables using a 2-pin recessed connector, ensuring robust build quality. The stock cable is supple, with a smooth glossy finish and a 4.4mm balanced termination. The faceplate is rectangular, with a small rounded bulge housing the drivers and 5mm nozzles, similar to Sony IEMs. While the nozzle size allows for deep insertion, the rounded bulge may contact the pinna, causing minor discomfort during prolonged use. The fit is generally comfortable, making the Twilight suitable for extended listening sessions.

Sound
Lows: The bass performance of the Twilight is impressive, characterised by its deep, rumbly sub-bass that provides a rich and textured foundation to the music. The dynamic driver delivers bass that is both impactful and full-bodied, making it ideal for genres that require a solid low-end presence. The bass extends well into the sub-bass region, ensuring that even the deepest notes are felt. Despite its richness, the bass remains controlled and does not bleed into the mid-range, maintaining clarity across the spectrum.
Mids: The Twilight truly shines in its mid-range performance, offering a warm and rich tonality that brings vocals and instruments to life with remarkable presence and clarity. Male vocals, in particular, benefit from this tuning, sounding full-bodied and natural. The mids maintain a perfect balance, avoiding the muddiness that can often plague warmer sound signatures. The clarity in the mid-range ensures that both vocal and instrumental details are well-resolved, providing an engaging listening experience that is both emotive and detailed. This makes the Twilight particularly appealing to those who enjoy vocal-centric music or genres where mid-range instruments play a crucial role.
Highs: In the treble department, the Twilight offers a smooth and tame response. While it might lack the sparkle and extension found in more treble-forward IEMs, it excels in providing a non-fatiguing listening experience. The treble is free from harshness and sibilance, making it suitable for extended listening sessions. High-frequency details, such as cymbal hits and string overtones, are present but subtle, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable sound without drawing too much attention away from the overall balance. The smooth treble response ensures that the Twilight remains versatile across various music genres, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritise a relaxing listening experience over analytical precision.
Soundstage: The soundstage of the Softears Twilight is commendable, offering a sense of width and depth that immerses the listener. The IEMs create a spacious auditory environment where instruments and vocals are positioned with a good sense of spatial awareness. While the soundstage is not the most expansive or airy compared to some other high-end IEMs, it provides a satisfying sense of space that envelops the listener. The instrumental separation is well-executed, with distinct placement of low and high-frequency instruments, contributing to a coherent and immersive soundscape. The vented shells allow for a good amount of air in the treble, enhancing the sense of openness without sacrificing the warmth of the overall sound signature. The imaging is precise, with instruments and vocals clearly delineated within the soundstage, making it easy to pinpoint their location in the mix.
Resolution: The Twilight’s resolution is a standout feature, delivering a clear and detailed sound that brings out the intricacies in music. The dynamic driver is finely tuned to extract subtle nuances across the frequency spectrum, ensuring that every note and instrument is distinctly audible. The clarity in the mid-range enhances vocal and instrumental separation, allowing for an articulate representation of complex tracks. This IEM excels in presenting micro-details, especially in the mid-range, where the warm and rich tonality does not compromise on the precision. High-frequency details are smooth yet articulate, providing a refined listening experience without any harshness or sibilance.

Comfort:

Sound:
Lows:
The bass performance of the Twilight is impressive, delivering a deep, rumbly sub-bass with a rich, full-bodied texture. The dynamic driver ensures that the bass is impactful and controlled, avoiding any bleed into the mid-range. While bass enthusiasts might desire more power, a slight EQ boost can satisfy those cravings for a heavier low-end presence.
Mids:
The mid-range is where the Twilight truly excels, offering a warm, rich tonality that brings vocals and instruments to life. The clarity and detail in this range are outstanding, making male vocals and lower-range instruments sound full-bodied and natural. The mid-range avoids muddiness and maintains a perfect balance, providing an engaging and detailed listening experience.
Highs:
The treble is smooth and non-fatiguing, free from harshness and sibilance. While it lacks the sparkle and extension of more treble-forward IEMs, it delivers a pleasant and detailed listening experience. High-frequency details are present but subtle, ensuring a balanced overall sound signature without drawing too much attention to the highs.
Resolution:
The Twilight offers excellent resolution, delivering clear and detailed sound across the frequency spectrum. The dynamic driver extracts subtle nuances, providing articulate representation of complex tracks. The clarity in the mid-range and controlled bass contribute to the overall precision, making it suitable for a wide range of genres.

Overall:

TL;DR
The Softears Twilight IEMs offer a warm, detailed sound with impactful bass, rich mid-range, and smooth treble. Comfortable with a durable build, they excel in clarity and musicality. While not bass-heavy, they provide an immersive listening experience ideal for varied genres, making them a top choice for discerning audiophiles.

Preface:
I would like to thank @gadgetgod and ConceptKart for sending this unit as part of the review tour.

You can purchase it from ConceptKart at the following link (not an affiliate link):
https://conceptkart.com/products/softears-twilight-iem

Also, I’m not a seasoned reviewer or a seasoned audiophile, so whatever I say is purely my observations and your results may vary.

I’m not the one to usually focus on specifications and numbers. I focus more on how happy I am with the equipment’s sound and that’s it.

Sources used:

• Lotoo Paw 6000
• Lotoo Paw 6000 + Aroma a100TB+PS100 Pro
• iBasso DC Elite
• Quloos MUB1
• Questyle CMA18p

Introduction:
Soft Ears has earned a reputation for consistent, high-end IEMs within the community, thanks to their acclaimed models like the RSV, RS10, Volume, and Turii. Their latest release, the Softears Twilight, continues this tradition, promising a single dynamic driver experience that's captivating and distinctive. After immersing myself in countless hours of listening, I can confidently say the Twilight delivers an exceptional auditory journey, albeit with a few caveats.

Design:

The Softears Twilight boasts a sleek and elegant rectangular design, reflecting the brand’s commitment to aesthetics and craftsmanship. The build quality is robust, ensuring durability without compromising on style. The understated yet sophisticated look of the Twilight makes it visually appealing, suitable for both casual and critical listening sessions.





Fit and comfort:
When it comes to fit and comfort, the Twilight excels. The ergonomic design ensures a snug fit, making it comfortable for extended listening sessions. The lightweight nature of the IEMs further enhances the comfort, allowing users to enjoy their music for hours on end without experiencing discomfort or fatigue.



Sound:

The Twilight’s sound signature is characterized by its warm and relaxed tuning, a departure from the more aggressive profiles of other high-end IEMs. This IEM is perfect for those who appreciate a more laid-back listening experience without sacrificing detail and clarity.

Bass:

The bass performance of the Twilight lives up to the dynamic driver’s reputation. It delivers impactful, rumbly sub-bass that hits low and full-bodied, providing a rich texture that is both wide and meaty. However, while the bass quality is excellent, it might leave bass enthusiasts wanting more in terms of sheer power. For those who enjoy tweaking their sound, a slight EQ boost in the sub-bass range can enhance the experience further.


Mid-Range:

The Twilight shines in its mid-range performance, offering a warm and rich tonality that makes male vocals and lower-range instruments come alive with a full-bodied presence. Despite its warm tuning, the Twilight manages to maintain vocal and instrumental clarity, avoiding the muddiness that often plagues similar profiles. The mid-range delivers a uniquely satisfying experience, especially for those who typically prefer neutral tunings.

Treble:

In the treble department, the Twilight presents a smooth and tame response. While it lacks the sparkle and extension found in more treble-forward IEMs, it avoids any harshness or sibilance, providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience. The treble, though not prominent, is well-executed, ensuring cymbal hits and high-frequency details are distinct yet subtle.

Tone and Timbre:

The tone and timbre of the Twilight are where it truly excels. The natural timbre ensures a lifelike and realistic reproduction of sound, free from the harshness or metallic quality often associated with other driver types. Instruments and vocals maintain their authentic characteristics, allowing for an immersive and organic listening experience. The overall tone is warm and inviting, making prolonged listening sessions enjoyable and fatigue-free.

Staging and Instrument Separation:

The Twilight offers a commendable performance in staging and instrument separation. The soundstage feels wide with good depth, although it’s not the most airy or open. The instrumental separation is well-executed, with lower instruments distinct from the higher ones. However, the warm tuning slightly reduces micro-details, which might be more prominent in IEMs with a brighter treble.

Conclusion:

The Softears Twilight is a niche IEM that excels in delivering a warm, relaxed sound signature. While it may not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer a more aggressive or neutral tuning, it offers a unique and captivating listening experience. Its natural timbre, excellent build quality, and comfort make it a worthy addition to any audiophile’s collection. If you’re looking for a high-quality IEM with a smooth, warm profile, the Softears Twilight is an excellent choice that deserves your consideration.