I think they're great. The only other earphone I've heard at this level is the FCL 8S. I thought it was really good, but it never really excited me at all. This hybrid does. The FLC really lacked in the bass department for me. Not enough in quantity, and lacking in sub-bass extension. I like some serious rumble which is why comments on the Shockwave III are always nibbling away at the back of my mind.
As I mentioned to someone in a PM recently (
keep in mind these are just my opinions and observations and in comparison to my other earphones, most of which are listed in my profile);
"The EE846 is a fairly warm and bassy earphone, but the bass is not at all overpowering. I actually thought they were bass-lite when I first listened, then I got used to them. Their sub-bass extension is pretty impressive. Mids are amazing. Lots of detail, not recessed, good separation. Treble is well-extended but exceptionally smooth. I didn't think BAs could be that smooth and relaxing while still putting out lots of detail. Soundstage is one of the largest I've come across. Close to the Havi B3 for sure
(Fixed my B3 today and a/b'd them so while it was initially based on memory, I still think it holds true. Titan 1 level but with more depth). For my primary music genre, liquid drum and bass, and other forms of EDM these are absolutely perfect. Lucked out I guess since I had no idea what they sounded like when I purchased them."
To add onto that imaging is excellent. Every instrument/effect has it's own distinct location and placement, though I personally would expect this at this price, what with three BAs and one DD working in tandem.
If someone wants a neutral earphone, these aren't it. They're colored, bassy, and hella fun.
Hopefully the above gives you an indication as to what to expect with the EE846 hybrid. I doubt it plays on the same level as the SW3, QT5, or DSQM2, but it's still a good buy imo.