Unique Melody Stardust

Preamble:

Unique Melody is one of those companies in the iem space that is held in great regard by many enthusiasts. Each new release from UM garners lots of attention and opinions and rightfully so as in their history they have released some outstanding sets, but these do come at a cost. At $799 USD the Stardust sits near the bottom, with respect to pricing, of their extensive line of iem releases which range from $400 to just under $8500 USD

Unique Melody does not shy away from interesting physical and functional designs and the Stardust is testament to that fact. Each medical grade titanium shell contains a hybrid six driver compliment which includes two dynamic drivers, one for bass and the other for sub-bass, two balanced armature midrange drivers and a final two balanced armature drivers for the highs. All these drivers are made to play nice via a high-precision crossover. The shell design is also “Unique” with its heavily textured finish and structural design.

Fairly easy to drive, the Stardust can be quite detailed and resolving. As such driving it with a more capable source is required for the best sonics. I would also suggest mandatory tip rolling as well. In my experience with the Stardust spending time to select the tips that synergize best is an effort worth making.

I find it humorous that Unique Melody actually describe the driver setup of the Stardust as a “Minimalist driver combination with unique tuning technology” in that I would more consider a single dynamic driver based iem as deserving that description. Still it is in the end the sound of the iem that matters if anything else. Let’s see how the Unique Melody Stardust sounds.


SPECS:

Product Name: UM Stardust
Earphone Type: Hybrid (Dynamic + Balanced Armature)
Number of Drivers: 6
Connector: 2-pin Flat Connector
Sensitivity: 106dB @ 1kHz
Impedance: 11.7Ω
Crossover Structure: 4-Way Crossover
Configuration: 1 Dynamic Sub-Bass Driver + 1 Dynamic Bass Driver + 2 BA Mid Drivers + 2 BA High Drivers

BUILD & FIT:

The Stardust is very well built but has looks that will be polarizing. I do applaud Unique Melody for thinking outside of the box when designing the shells of the Stardust. Still it’s obvious that some may like it, and some may not.

The Titanium shells have a dull and finely textured finish with an interesting cap design. The nozzle is prominent and combined with the moderately large size of this iem may prove a challenge for those with smaller ears to get the right fit. I do recommend going down a tip size to aid in getting the proper insertion depth and seal necessary for the best sound.

I did not receive the full retail package of the Stardust. The retail case provided by Unique Melody is attractive and well built. The included cable is also of high quality with great haptic.





SOUND:

Bass:

Bass is tight, clean and does go fairly deep, though not bottomless, with a sub-bass over mid-bass emphasis. Sub-bass here has a meatier sound with good thickness but not sounding at all sloppy. I did find though that for the bass to shine, the Stardust has to be well driven.

Bass resolution is good but not class leading. This was heard on “Angel” by massive attack where the thickness of the bass was a little too much and took away from the detail retrieval and texturing heard by some other iems on this track. When listening to “Circumstance” by Wayman Tisdale much of the same characteristics were noted. The bass does respond quickly enough and did not spill over into the midrange.

The bass of the Stardust does the job of providing a good foundation to the rest of the frequency range. While not the most detailed or organic I have heard in this price range, it still does allow the music to flow nicely.

Midrange:

The midrange is nicely balanced being just slightly forward in the mix. This balance is evident as neither male nor female vocals can he heard of being more prominent. Vocals do sound natural and unstained even in the upper-midrange as the pinna gain is kept in check. Eden Atwood’s vocals on “He’s A Carioca” was relayed with an organic silky smoothness.

Detail retrieval is a pleasing mix of macro and micro here sounding overall natural. Transients were portrayed well if a little soft in the leading edge while timbre was quite good to be honest. Layering and separation is standout even at louder volume.

The Stardust has on offer a midrange that is tuned to be more natural than emphasized. While at timed this may lead some to describe the midrange presentation as dull for the most part I do not agree with this assessment. While not the liveliest performer I have heard, the Stardust does indeed have a midrange tuned for musicality rather than bravado.

Treble:

The treble tuning is more safe than energetic and is just moderately extended. Treble sensitive folks will enjoy the high end of the Stardust. There is sparkle and air but in a more refined quantity. That’s pretty much a good word to describe the treble as it has an overall mature refinement to it. There is absolutely no harshness to it heard. On “Vanston Place 12am” by Ronny Jordan there is enough air around the instruments to paint a nice open picture.

IMAGING & SOUNDSTAGE:

The Unique Melody Stardust offers up a good sized soundstage with a pleasing feeling of space and dimensions. Imaging is solid being able to easily pick out the position of instruments. Even with the treble roll off the layering capabilities of the Stardust is able to render space in and around instruments quite well.



VERSUS:

BGVP Phantom SE:

These BGVP Phantom SE is $300 more expensive than the Stardust but in the iem world this doesn't always equate to a better product. That being said…….

The bass of either iem is not a perfect match to my preferences, but I will have to give the edge to the Phantom SE as the low end has more snap and texturing. With respect to the midrange the matchup is much closer, not because they sound alike but with respect to subjective preferences. The Phantom SE has a midrange that is more lively and expressive versus the Stardust which has a more subdued and balanced yet still natural presentation. I would have to say that it really is track dependent here. Hard to pick a clear winner between these two when focused on the midrange.

In the treble my tuning preferences will hand the Phantom the trophy. It just has a more expressive and energetic treble while still being musical. That being said, the treble as offered by the Stardust will allow the listener to enjoy louder volume levels without the onset of harshness. Both relay a natural timbre.

Oriolus Szalayi:

This will be short as the Szalayi just better suits my tuning preferences so well. At just $100USD more expensive than the Stardust, the Szalayi wins almost every race against the Stardust and in some instances, organics and bass for example, the race isn’t even close. With respect to imaging the Stardust does put up a serious fight, but its inherent lack of treble extension and drive allows the Sszalayi to take that crown as well.

CONCLUSION:

Unique Melody have I believe accomplished its intended goals with the Stardust. It is a well balanced and detailed sounding iem while still having that laid back sound that many will find alluring, combined with a “unique” look and feel that will be a plus I’m sure for more than a few fans of the Unique Melody brand.

Admittedly, the Stardust did not inspire me nor draw me into the music reliably as the tuning choices were too far off of what will usually get me to that point. Still I am very aware that my “Opinionated Music Lover” take on this or any iem is not the be all and end all. I am sure that the sonic characteristics of the Stardust will find fans.

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This product was loaned to me for review by a friend. I recieve no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own. A big thank you to @apagumila for the opportunity!

Gear used:
●Samsung Galaxy s25 Ultra
●HiBy R3 II
●Various DAC/amps

Source:
●Listening was done using Amazon Music HD/Ultra HD and local FLAC files.

Introduction:
Unique Melody is well known in the upper echelons of the audiophile world for their top-of-the-line IEMs. The Stardust is UM's newest release in their Titanium line and is the successor to their legacy model, MIRAGE. According to Unique Melody, the Stardust can be considered a junior counterpart to the Maven II, although with a more energetic and engaging sound signature. I have only had the opportunity to try a few of their products at shows like CanJam, and I must say the Maven II is among the best I have heard at any price. The Stardust features a dual dynamic and four balanced armature driver configuration and comes with a price tag of $799, making it one of the company's most affordable releases to date. Let's break down this mid-fi model and see what it's all about.

Build, fit, ergonomics:
The Stardust comes in a fairly small, bright blue box. It's not the fanciest unboxing experience, but all inclusions are of really good quality. The shells are made of titanium and are solidly built, but not as heavy as one might think. The design of the shells feels a bit unfinished, or at the very least, unpolished, mostly due to the texture on the faceplate. The monochromatic design also feels a bit underwhelming, and in my opinion, a pop of that blue color to match the packaging would be a nice touch. The nozzle is on the chunkier side and measures 6.4 mm at its widest point, where there is just a hint of a lip for tips. The nozzle angle is fairly straight and unfortunately doesn't allow for the best fit for my ears. It does appear that there is some venting built into the faceplate next to the UM logo, and I didn't experience any pressure buildup. I did, however, have some slight driver flex upon insertion, which is a little unnerving for a set this expensive and something worth noting. The Stardust comes paired with UM's custom Tunewire cable, which is made of 5N long-crystal, high-purity, oxygen-free copper and 5N long-crystal copper with silver plating. It is a good-quality cable with nice braiding and solid build quality, but it does have a bit of memory and can tangle easily. Also, the stiff earhooks did not help the already less-than-ideal fit issues I was having. I did utilize it for most of my testing, along with the XINHS HS68 Dark Blue Star cable. Only four pairs of UM's silicone tips are included in the box. I did try them but preferred my JVC Spiral Dot tips. The round case is not particularly my favorite style, but the leather is very nice quality and feels quite premium. The accessory package is rounded out with a nice branded leather cable tie, which I always appreciate, a cleaning cloth, and a blue mesh bag for protecting the shells.

Sound impressions:
I would describe the Stardust as having a well-balanced, neutral-warm tuning with a slight sub-bass boost. The note weight definitely leans towards the thicker side, but it is very controlled and not overly syrupy. This one is easy enough to drive from a simple dongle and can get to very high volumes without amplification. The detail retrieval is strong, but the Stardust has more focus on musicality and balance, which means it is not the most detailed set in the price range. The soundstage is not the widest, but it still has decent width and depth, which makes for a spherical and full experience. The natural timbre is impressive, with no glaring issues to my ear. The imaging is accurate and precise, but again, not really standout for the price. The dynamics could be improved, as the bass does fall off at lower volume levels, though there is still a certain dynamism and fun factor, albeit in a smaller dose. The layering is great, and frequencies are well separated without sounding disjointed or incongruous. Overall, I cannot really point to any of the technicalities as being fantastic, but I do believe they are very solid and still competitive. The X factor for me is the sense of maturity, balance, and nuance that Unique Melody brings to the Stardust, which is what I expect from one of the more renowned TOTL manufacturers.

The Stardust is somewhat source-sensitive, which, in my opinion, is a good thing, as finding synergy between a source and transducer can be rewarding. I found that the Stardust paired well with the Snowsky Retro Nano. This DAC/amp has a mid-centric sound signature that helps bring more attention to the vocals without sacrificing bass and treble performance. I also tried the Questyle M18i and found it to be a bit too V-shaped for my taste, but some may prefer a more energetic source.

●Lows - The bass is elevated just enough to stand out without detracting from the overall balance. It is more sub-bass focused than mid-bass, and I would personally welcome a bit more of the mid-bass. The dual dynamic drivers ensure a good amount of rumble and reverberation, and a decent impact. The texture is slightly wet, and the resolution is decent but could be further improved. The sub-bass extension is not the lowest reaching, but the bass and midrange are well separated with no bleed. The speed is on the quicker side, and the decay is average. Notes never linger too long, but I think a slightly longer decay would be welcome. The bass as a whole is very good, and I really have no issues aside from some very minor nitpicks that would adhere more closely to my target.

●Mids - The midrange is quite well balanced with the bass and treble. It is maybe positioned just slightly forward in the mix but never sounds shouty or overbearing. Vocals are clear and well-separated, and while I typically prefer a slightly more forward vocal presentation, the Stardust is pretty close. Both male and female artists are represented equally, with neither one taking the spotlight from the other. Instruments in the lower midrange are well showcased in classical and orchestral genres. The one thing I do find missing, though, is some heart and soul. While the midrange is clean, detailed, and exhibits a fairly natural timbre for vocals and instruments alike, I find that there is a slight disconnect for me. I would like to get more of an emotional connection from my music, but overall, the midrange is another strong aspect of the Stardust's tuning.

●Highs - For me, one of the highlights of the Stardust's tuning is the absolutely smooth and silky top end, which, as a treble-sensitive listener, is really enjoyable. There is no peakiness, and I can crank up the volume and enjoy my music without fear of sibilance or harshness. Notes are well-articulated and have a crispness and snap without being overly energetic. The overall energy level is not super exciting, and there is not much extension or air, but it does not sound unfinished or lacking and suits my preferences well. Cymbals, hi-hats, claps, and snares are clear and accurate without any splashiness or bothersome qualities. The Stardust has a nicely executed, rolled-off treble with crispness where needed and really does nothing wrong for me, though those looking for sparkle and air might be left wanting.

Comparisons: Credit to Jaytiss and Tone Deaf Monk for the graphs.

●AFUL Cantor ($800) - Here we have the 14 BA drivers of the Cantor versus the 2DD, 4BA hybrid configuration of the Stardust. These two actually graph quite similarly up until the 3 kHz range, where the treble responses go in opposite directions. Both sets have really great cables and nice leather cases, but I prefer the Cantor's zipper-style case to the Stardust's circular case. The Cantor also includes many more tip options. These two have pretty strikingly different build qualities and overall designs, with the Cantor being made of resin and the Stardust of titanium. I personally prefer the Cantor's Starry Night faceplate to the more utilitarian-looking Stardust. The shell of the Stardust is a bit bigger and heavier, but both offer a comfortable fit for me. As for the tuning, the Stardust is more neutral-warm, where the Cantor tilts neutral-bright. The Cantor's bass is a little more resolving, but the Stardust has a bit more impact and mid-bass punch. Admittedly, the low end of the Stardust sounds a bit messier in comparison, but the dual DD has a more natural decay and reverberation that I prefer over a BA bass response. In the midrange, vocals are positioned slightly more forward on the Stardust and tend to sound more natural, especially without the added treble emphasis. The Cantor also does vocals well, but they can sound a bit too airy and ethereal at times. However, the Cantor has slightly better instrument timbre, which is one of its biggest strengths. At around 3 kHz, the differences in tuning become quite apparent, as the Cantor's treble offers much more extension and air. Unfortunately, for me, it can also be harsher and more bothersome, whereas the Stardust's more relaxed treble better fits my preference. The Cantor comes across as the more technically capable IEM, taking an edge in detail retrieval, layering and separation, and dynamics. The Stardust is no slouch, though, and it has an expansive soundstage and an inherent musicality that I find lacking in the Cantor. Honestly, you couldn't go wrong picking either of these sets, but the matchup ultimately comes down to treble tolerances. For me, the Stardust is everything I hoped to find in the Cantor: a technically capable yet musical, neutral-warm tuning that is easy to listen to for hours. While the Cantor has impressive technicalities, the Stardust simply exhibits a smoother, warmer, and more enjoyable listening experience for me.
My pick: Stardust

●AFUL Explorer ($120) - This might seem like an unfair comparison on paper, but these two share a similar hybrid driver configuration (1DD, 2BA vs. 2DD, 4BA) and a close frequency response. Plus, one way I like to evaluate a product is to see how it performs against cheaper ones with a similar tuning. The Stardust's cable and case are of much better quality, which is no surprise, but the Explorer does offer a few more tip options. The build qualities are very different, with the Stardust having a titanium shell and the Explorer being made of resin. The Explorer's shell and nozzle are also much smaller, and the fit is a little more comfortable for me. I personally prefer the Explorer's design, but some may like the more industrial-looking Stardust. As for the tuning, the graph is close, but the Stardust is slightly more neutral and better balanced, while the Explorer is a bit more V-shaped with a slight bass and treble emphasis. In the low end, the Explorer has a deeper sub-bass rumble and more mid-bass fullness that I enjoy, but the bass does admittedly sound a bit messy at times. The Stardust is sub-bass focused and much more resolving, with a cleaner texture and slightly less rumble. As for the midrange, the Stardust's bass and mids are better separated, and there is a slight emphasis on the upper midrange that helps vocals stand out. The Explorer offers a bit more lower-midrange presence, with instruments sounding fuller in this area, but vocals don't quite come through the way I like. To my ears, the treble is where the biggest difference lies. As someone treble-sensitive, the Explorer's lack of upper-mid emphasis leads to some treble notes sounding a bit harsh, but it's intermittent and very track-dependent. The Stardust, on the other hand, has a smoother and more even-keeled treble response, which never causes me issues, even on sibilant-prone tracks. As for the technicalities, there is not much of a fight, which is to be expected considering the price difference. The Stardust is simply better across the board, except the Explorer does have a slightly more dynamic and engaging presentation. While the Explorer performs admirably against its much more expensive competitor, the gap in resolution and overall performance is just too wide. The Explorer has a bit more treble energy and a slightly deeper bass that some may prefer, but the Stardust is the clear winner for me.
My pick: Stardust

●DUNU DaVinci ($300) - If we are talking about 2DD, 4BA hybrids, I would be remiss if I didn't mention one of my absolute favorites, the DaVinci. While there is an obvious price gap, the DaVinci is my mid-fi IEM to beat for my preferences. Even though the tunings are different, these two are worth comparing, if only for my own benefit. I really have to give credit to DUNU for their accessory package. While the Stardust has a very nice quality cable, the DaVinci's is modular and it also includes a ton of tip options. The DaVinci's zippered case is also very nice, but I have to give the nod to the Stardust's case, as it is incredibly well-made and the quality leather build feels very nice. The DaVinci has a full resin shell with a metal nozzle, while the Stardust's titanium feels much more solid and quite a bit heavier in hand. Both models have fairly large shells and nozzles but still offer a comfortable enough fit for me. Neither one has a design that really speaks to me, but the DaVinci might be my choice based purely on looks. As for the general tuning, the DaVinci is much more U-shaped, with a larger bass shelf and more emphasis on the upper midrange, whereas the Stardust has a neutral, warm sound signature with more rolled-off treble. The DaVinci's bass is boisterous and full-sounding, with an increased midbass presence that adds a touch more warmth. It also has a slower decay and more impact but does sound a little messy in comparison to the Stardust's cleaner presentation. In the midrange, the Stardust has cleaner separation between bass and mids, while the DaVinci exhibits some bleed. However, lower-register instruments are more impactful and have more presence on the DaVinci. Vocals sound cleaner and better separated on the Stardust, but I prefer the DaVinci's more forward presentation and sense of musicality and emotion. While neither set has an overly energetic treble response, the Stardust is the darker of the two, with a steeper roll-off and slight lack of excitement. The DaVinci, while still well controlled, definitely has more sparkle and a slight bite on snares, claps, and certain vocal notes. As for the technical performance, the Stardust excels in soundstage, layering, separation, and detail retrieval. However, the DaVinci is comparable in imaging and excels in dynamics and overall engagement factor. In summation, both sets are great, but in their own unique ways. While the Stardust has the superior balance and technicalities with an overall cleaner sound, I find myself drawn to the DaVinci's fuller bass, warmer tonality, and more emotionally engaging vocal performance.
My pick: DaVinci

In conclusion:
Unique Melody has already cemented itself as one of the best in the upper echelons of this hobby, but it hasn't really made any big waves in the under-$1000 market. I think the Stardust is the IEM poised to do just that. From the titanium construction and great accessories to the fantastic tuning balance and solid technicalities, this set really does have it all. The dual dynamic drivers deliver a full and robust bass response that's not overwhelming, the midrange is elevated just enough so that vocals take center stage in all their glory, and the tamer treble ensures there is not an ounce of sibilance while still conveying a sense of detail and air. Overall, there is very little fault I can find, but a few things to mention are the larger nozzle size, the somewhat unfinished-looking texture on the faceplate, a slight driver flex, and some may find the tuning a bit boring. Personally, I would slightly tweak a few areas of the tuning to better fit my preferences, but I can still easily appreciate and recommend the Stardust as it stands. Do yourself a favor and try this one out if you get the opportunity. Though $799 is still quite expensive for most consumers, I do believe the Stardust is worth it. It's a great way to get a taste of Unique Melody's quality at a price thats easier to digest.

My unit was purchased from Musicteck with a discount, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. If you're interested, you can purchase the Stardust directly from them using this link.

Packaging​

Cable​

The stock cable is of a really great quality with no memory issues or microphonics at all. It’s soft and very easily pliable. The chin slider is also very functional and blends nicely when not in use. I got the 4.4mm version, but for $799 I wish it came with a modular cable since taking the connectors out from the shells is really difficult due to the very tight tolerances.

Accessories​

The Stardust came with an okay amount of accessories - pretty basic in my opinion. You get the case, 4 pairs of UM Blue Heart eartips, and a cleaning cloth. That’s basically it. The tips themselves are soft and have a very short stem. To my ears, they do improve the treble response compared to long stem tips like the Spinfit W1, but I couldn’t get a consistent fit.

The case itself is one of the best quality puck-style cases I have seen so far. I think it’s real leather because it literally smells like a new car inside and out. It also came with a little pouch for the shells and a cable tie that’s made out of the same material as the case.

Fit and Finish​

Build Quality and Design​

The shells themselves are built very very well. It has a nice weight to them and feels very high quality. The texture is also really nice to hold and gives me a very nice grip. This is pretty important for me because sometimes my fingers slip when I try to get a good fit with conventional mono textured shells like the Nautilus or the Noir.

This is very subjective and some people might not agree, but personally I really like the design of the Stardust. It has a pretty industrial look which I think is due to the 3D printing and I really like how it looks for the most part. The one thing I didn’t like is the part of the shell where the UM logo is. The horizontal lines that come from 3D printing look cheap and out of the place from the otherwise beautiful shell. I understand that UM might have done this to give us a different texture, but I don’t think it works.

Fit and Comfort​

These are very comfortable IEMs, with the caveat being you find the right tips that work for you. I tried a variety of tips (Velvet standard and wide bore, S&S, Sancai standard and wide bore, Type-E, etc.) and the only tips that consistently gave me a good seal was the Spinfit W1. With these, they are very comfortable and I can easily wear them for hours without discomfort. I am extremely sensitive to ear pressure and I do sense a bit of pressure with these, but it is minimal and I forget about it after 5 minutes of wear. There is a crinkling sound when wearing the IEMs as a result of driver flex similar to the Estrella, but not as bad as the Triton.

Sound​

As a zillenial (between Millenial and Gen Z), my taste in music is very diverse. I listen to a lot of hip hop, but also grew up with 90s rock and alternative rock in the 2000s. I also listen to a lot of pop and k-pop so my impressions are based on this wide variety of music styles.

Bass​

First and foremost, this is not a basshead IEM, nor is it trying to be. Where the bass truly shines is in its quality rather than quantity—it remains clean, detailed, and never muddy. The sub-bass reaches deep enough in tracks like Hey Now and Not Like Us, giving a satisfying rumble. The mid-bass is well-defined, delivering a satisfying punch in songs like Family Matters and Kill Jill. Additionally, the bass guitar in Another One Bites the Dust and the bass drum in APT. feel remarkably tactile and engaging.

Mids​

This is where I think the Stardust truly shines. From the very first song I played, the vocals took center stage, sounding natural and highly detailed for both male and female singers. They remain full and well-bodied, with no hint of bass bleed in tracks like From the Start and Sway. Even in more intense songs like This Is War and Damn Regret, the vocals never become shouty or overwhelming. Instruments sound pretty realistic, and separation is excellent, allowing each element to stand out clearly in tracks like Hotel California.

Treble​

The treble isn’t particularly energetic, which is fine by me because of my sensitivity to treble. It definitely takes a back seat in its overall presentation. I think that it’s subdued yet refined, offering a smooth and non-fatiguing presentation while maintaining a good level of detail. It avoids harshness or sibilance even in songs that show a lot of this like Number One Girl. I think that this makes it ideal for long listening sessions, yet still provides enough articulation to render cymbals, strings, and vocal airiness with natural clarity.

Technicalities​

Soundstage is particularly wide, making songs feel open and spacious. Instruments and vocals are well-separated, so nothing sounds cramped or cluttered. Imaging is precise, meaning you can easily tell where different sounds are coming from, adding to the realism. Resolution is good enough for me but due to the rolled off treble, other people might find it lacking.

Comparisons​

Elysian Pilgrim Noir​

The Pilgrim Noir was the first IEM that came to mind when I saw the Stardust's graph. While they share some similarities, they also have notable differences. The Pilgrim Noir has more bass, along with greater overall detail and airiness in the treble, making it a warmer, more energetic, and more resolving listen. In contrast, the Stardust excels in vocals, delivering a more forward and natural presentation. It also offers a wider soundstage, creating a more open and spacious feel, which enhances its sense of immersion.

Jomo Audio Nautilus​

I'm going off my notes and memory since I no longer have the Nautilus, but from what I recall, it has a much more pronounced V-shaped tuning. The bass—especially the mid-bass—hits like a truck, delivering significantly more impact than the Stardust. The treble is also much more elevated, making the Nautilus sharper and more incisive, but also more prone to sibilance. At times, it could get a bit overwhelming, especially since I’m somewhat treble-sensitive. In contrast, the Stardust has a much smoother presentation with no trace of sibilance. Vocals also feel fuller and more natural compared to the Nautilus, which leans towards a thinner vocal presentation. From a technical standpoint, the Nautilus is more resolving across the board, but the Stardust offers a more balanced and forgiving listening experience.

Conclusion​

Overall, I think the Stardust is a very good set by Unique Melody. It’s a versatile and highly enjoyable IEM, perfect for everyday use. Its standout feature is its excellent vocal presentation, with rich, forward mids that make both male and female voices sound natural and engaging. while the smooth, non-fatiguing treble ensures long listening sessions without discomfort. Though it’s not the most bass-heavy or hyper-detailed set, its balance, clarity, and musicality make it a good all-rounder, especially for those who prioritize vocals and an easygoing sound.

P.S. This is my first review so cut me some slack pls hahaha

This unit is a loaner from Headonist.fr, to which I thank for being so kind and lending me not one, not two, but three IEMs at once, The UM Stardust, Dita Mecha and the Elysian Apostle.

I only received the IEM and the carry box, so there’s not gonna be much info on the accessories, as I did not see them. The carry box is sufficiently large to store the cable and the IEMs, attached to the cable and with earths. If you wonder why I mention this, the boxes of the other two are too small, respectively small.

The cable is decent and soft, with a semitransparent dark PVC coating, letting you see the individual wires. It’s got ear hooks that are ok and as far as I can tell, the microphonic is minimal to none. I’ve already used them on the public transport and the sound insulation is fantastic. I had to check twice that I’m wearing the Stardust and not some noise cancelling TWS (despite the fact there is some sound leaking out of them).


The shells are made of titanium (which has become a little bit of a speciality for me), with a rugged aspect that I quite love. They look like they’ve been made from metal powder fused together with a laser under high pressure and temperature, without, however, reaching the melting point of the material (a process called sintering).

They have long nozzles, as in “careful when inserting the right unit, you might pop the left one out”. Just kidding, they’re not longer than Maven 2’s, or only marginally.


Just like Maven 2, there are tiny vents under the spokes on the faceplates (see below), which also means that sound is leaking towards the outside. Not too loud, just about like Maven 2.


They come with UM’s blue core tips, even though in the official pictures they sport the transparent silicone petal ones.
It’s UM, folks, so I do get a tiny bit of driver flex, but much less than with Mest 3, and only with Baroque tips (but the seal is fantastic)

The 2-pin socket is very firm, in fact so firm that I asked Pierre if by any chance the cable does NOT come off, in order not to break them. They did come out, after half an hour. No cable rolling for these, then.

Sound

Bass has good extension in the lower range with just enough control to not feel sloppy, and decay fast enough to make them good for George Kollias’ blast beating. The mid bass is not as textured as on the Maven 2, but it does a good job at giving you an accurate idea of what the bass guitar is doing. The bass feel quite tactile, you can almost feel the bass drum. Favouring integration with mids and sub bass over details is a gamble that payed off in the case of Stardust.

Mids are the typical UM affair, perfect balance, natural timbre, very good control with both male and female voices. The voices are placed centrally in the mix. I find the level of details to be rather good, but like with other UM sets, you have to want to look for those particular details, they are not jumping at you. The voices have natural timbre and are boosted a bit, coming on top of the instrument, but in a pleasant way. They do not overpower the rest of the spectrum and thanks to the large stage and good separation, it all sounds harmonious. Just like Maven 2, the mids are detailed and natural, voices like Sting’s, or Meat Loaf’s are rendered with such emotion that you wouldn’t think it is the same set that renders the gritty guitars in Acod’s Habentis Maleficia (highly recommended black metal band from France - where the instrument separation really shines). Guitars have fast attack, making these perfect for my library.
The notes are meaty, without overhanging when not needed. I’d say they sound full, without being warm (like Dita Mecha are).

Treble is subdued, probably partly because of the absence of EST drivers, that were present in Maven 2, partly because of a tuning choice. Cymbals have enough air to sound, but the energy is a bit lacking. They come off as hesitant at times. The immediate effect is that you can increase the volume to abnormal levels, these do not get shouty, no matter what. And yes, they do sound much better at higher volume, maybe this was also a conscientious choice. The timbre is once again very natural. More and more BA sets nail the treble in a way that only few ESTs can. I have learned it is not enough to shove ESTs in there, you also have to make sure they work well with the rest (something that I was missing a bit on the EXT2).

Sibilance is well controlled, but it is not impossible to hear some traces of it here and there, with certain combinations of tips and/or sources. Very subtle though, unless you are particularly sensitive to it, this shouldn’t be a problem.

Soundstage is large in width, with an interesting extension towards the back and going down a bit. Not exactly spherical, more like a 3-dimensional cross. Height does not extend outside the head. Instrument separation is above average, but clearly bellow the likes of Maven 2. You have to bear in mind that the musc that I listen to is mostly very crowded, ranging from prog rock to prog metal and technical death metal.


Quick comparison with Maven 2

Against Maven 2. Hooked up to the SP300T, I had the feeling I was listening to Maven 2, in particular when activating DAR, which I normally don’t do.


What the heck is going on here?

Well, this is a comparison of Maven 2 and Stardust. It’s quite zoomed in, to see the differences. Now, I’m not saying they are identical, but they do sound very similar, which explains why I like Stardust so much.


Maven 2 has a larger stage and more detailed treble. Other than that, the mids are wonderful in both of them with Maven 2 having the voices a bit pushed further away from the center of the stage, whereas in Stardust they are closer to the center. Stardust has a bit more sub bass and with its lower energy treble is perfect for rap, hip hop, electronica, EDM. Maven 2 has the edge in everything with a lot of cymbals.

The big question here is : does it make sense to own both? Well, those who complained about Maven 2 being too hot in the treble, rejoice, Stardust fixed that. For those who wanted more bass, same. For those, like me, who wanted more treble to begin with, this one does not make sense. And, yet, I want one.


Tips and cables

Divinus Velvet wide bore and Eletech Baroque are my favourites, with a good combination of comfort and sound quality. Spinfit Neo is also a good match.
I’ve only tried one extra cable, for the reasons explained above, the FA Ultron, that serviced my Maven 2 well and has been relegated by the Cobalt Blue cable. As expected, the soundstage was larger and the treble airier, while the mid bas had a touch more relief. The same effect is had on Maven 2.

Recommended sources: SP3000T in tube mode, LP W4 dongle, Cayin N3U.



What UM accomplished here is no small feat. They took Maven, gave it an even more interesting design /I find Stardust one of the best looking sets on the market), brought the price down by removing the EST and got something that sounds very similar.


If you have neither of them, I’d definitely recommend this one. It's cheaper than Maven 2 and it gives you the same organic and engaging sound.

In case you didn't believe I have an obsession for Ti shells...

I like it how no two sets are the same.

Tbh, they deserve a good 4,8 stars, but if you take into consideration the price, I feel the score is fully justified.

Thanks for reading!