AmericanSpirit
Member of the Trade: Night Oblivion
Yea, if it pars with anole vx in terms of technicalities, and par or surpass RSV in terms of crazy liner phasing, it will be a very tempting one with softears reference sound philosophy endorsed.
Softears - Discussion & Appreciation
HuoYuanJia
Previously known as Ultrazino
Member of the Trade: HEDD Audio
Measurement time! This time with the Softears RS10.
Raw, uncompensated frequency response curve from an IEC 60318-4
Output is a pre-release final prototype of an upcoming high-end DAC. Output is < 0.08 Ω.
The dotted line is how you will see the graph posted by Crin, probably. However, it is wrong. The RS10 has a long nozzle and has a deep fit. I actually located my resonance with the default ear tips at 9.6 kHz, so even deeper as shown here. RS10 is a custom-fit design first, I expect that resonance to shift even a bit higher. So the blue curve is more accurate, IMHO.
That sub-bass is.... just wow! It's really a subwoofer compensation. Addicting! The bass texture is still amazing and not lacking, which was my initial fear.
The pinnae compensation at 10dB is pretty much the maximum of what I allow. Quite happy the RS10 isn't crossing the line. Close one.
Treble isn't overdone one bit. Most cymbals are quite far in the background. The 6 kHz dip is probably causing dryness, what I described as faded or muted at first. I actually like 6k dips a lot and I know a few designers create these on purpose.
If you ever wondered what a high-end Etymotic would sound like, this is it! This is studio sound tweaked to the max.
RS10 vs InEar ProPhile 8
RS10 is indeed a bit more shouty, but PP8's treble can also cause fatigue. The biggest difference is probably around the 6 kHz area. The PP8 pushes clarity and has a sharper treble sound. RS10 doesn't have that forward splash of cymbals.
RS10 vs Gemini
This Gemini is the CIEM matched to my hearing, that's why the resonance is so high up. Though the bass curve is quite similar, the RS10 owns the Gemini for sub-bass. There is much bigger impact and present rumble.
RS10 vs A8000
RS10 is not a bright earphone. I am now really curious to see how the final dampening filters work with the RS10.
RS10 vs tia Fourté
The Fourté definitely has more of that wow-factor. RS10 is the opposite and is quite boring at first. It took me quite a few sessions to finally get goose-bumps.
RS10 vs Thummim
No comment.
RS10 vs Turii
These two IEM sound so much more different than the curves can possibly express. It's not just the warmth, the presentation is almost flipped.
RS10 vs RSV
If you are watching this thread, I am very sorry to say this: You need both!
Finally, put against my own HRTF target.
Raw, uncompensated frequency response curve from an IEC 60318-4
Output is a pre-release final prototype of an upcoming high-end DAC. Output is < 0.08 Ω.
The dotted line is how you will see the graph posted by Crin, probably. However, it is wrong. The RS10 has a long nozzle and has a deep fit. I actually located my resonance with the default ear tips at 9.6 kHz, so even deeper as shown here. RS10 is a custom-fit design first, I expect that resonance to shift even a bit higher. So the blue curve is more accurate, IMHO.
That sub-bass is.... just wow! It's really a subwoofer compensation. Addicting! The bass texture is still amazing and not lacking, which was my initial fear.
The pinnae compensation at 10dB is pretty much the maximum of what I allow. Quite happy the RS10 isn't crossing the line. Close one.
Treble isn't overdone one bit. Most cymbals are quite far in the background. The 6 kHz dip is probably causing dryness, what I described as faded or muted at first. I actually like 6k dips a lot and I know a few designers create these on purpose.
If you ever wondered what a high-end Etymotic would sound like, this is it! This is studio sound tweaked to the max.
RS10 vs InEar ProPhile 8
RS10 is indeed a bit more shouty, but PP8's treble can also cause fatigue. The biggest difference is probably around the 6 kHz area. The PP8 pushes clarity and has a sharper treble sound. RS10 doesn't have that forward splash of cymbals.
RS10 vs Gemini
This Gemini is the CIEM matched to my hearing, that's why the resonance is so high up. Though the bass curve is quite similar, the RS10 owns the Gemini for sub-bass. There is much bigger impact and present rumble.
RS10 vs A8000
RS10 is not a bright earphone. I am now really curious to see how the final dampening filters work with the RS10.
RS10 vs tia Fourté
The Fourté definitely has more of that wow-factor. RS10 is the opposite and is quite boring at first. It took me quite a few sessions to finally get goose-bumps.
RS10 vs Thummim
No comment.
RS10 vs Turii
These two IEM sound so much more different than the curves can possibly express. It's not just the warmth, the presentation is almost flipped.
RS10 vs RSV
If you are watching this thread, I am very sorry to say this: You need both!
Finally, put against my own HRTF target.
Last edited:
your image placement its a bit confusing,Measurement time! This time with the Softears RS10.
Raw, uncompensated frequency response curve from an IEC 60318-4
Output is a pre-release final prototype of an upcoming high-end DAC. Output is < 0.08 Ω.
The dotted line is how you will see the graph posted by Crin, probably. However, it is wrong. The RS10 has a long nozzle and has a deep fit. I actually located my resonance with the default ear tips at 9.6 kHz, so even deeper as shown here. RS10 is a custom-fit design first, I expect that resonance to shift even a bit higher. So the blue curve is more accurate, IMHO.
That sub-bass is.... just wow! It's really a subwoofer compensation. Addicting! The bass texture is still amazing and not lacking, which was my initial fear.
The pinnae compensation at 10dB is pretty much the maximum of what I allow. Quite happy the RS10 isn't crossing the line. Close one.
Treble isn't overdone one bit. Most cymbals are quite far in the background. The 6 kHz dip is probably causing dryness, what I described as faded or muted at first. I actually like 6k dips a lot and I know a few designers create these on purpose.
If you ever wondered what a high-end Etymotic would sound like, this is it! This is studio sound tweaked to the max.
RS10 vs InEar ProPhile 8
RS10 is indeed a bit more shouty, but PP8's treble can also cause fatigue. The biggest difference is probably around the 6 kHz area. The PP8 pushes clarity and has a sharper treble sound. RS10 doesn't have that forward splash of cymbals.
RS10 vs Gemini
This Gemini is the CIEM matched to my hearing, that's why the resonance is so high up. Though the bass curve is quite similar, the RS10 owns the Gemini for sub-bass. There is much bigger impact and present rumble.
RS10 vs A8000
RS10 is not a bright earphone.
RS10 vs tia Fourté
The Fourté definitely has more of that wow-factor. RS10 is the opposite and is quite boring at first. It took me quite a few sessions to finally get goose-bumps.
RS10 vs Thummim
No comment.
RS10 vs Turii
These two IEM sound so much more different than the curves can possibly express. It's not just the warmth, the presentation is almost flipped.
Finally, put against my own HRTF target.
it should be like this:
- Title
- Images
- Description
example:
Title: RS10 vs RSV
Description: If you are watching this thread, I am very sorry to say this: You need both!
HuoYuanJia
Previously known as Ultrazino
Member of the Trade: HEDD Audio
You are right. It was a lot of work so I should also make sure it's easy to read.
redrol
Headphoneus Supremus
@HuoYuanJia SUPER interesting and thank you for all that amazing information.
I find that sets that might seem boring at first do a ton better later. And vice versa, the wow sets turn into a big no in a few days.
I find that sets that might seem boring at first do a ton better later. And vice versa, the wow sets turn into a big no in a few days.
AmericanSpirit
Member of the Trade: Night Oblivion
I see! It’s a bit fuller than RSV on Mid-highs, looking forward for full review!your image placement its a bit confusing,
it should be like this:
- Title
- Images
- Description
example:
Title: RS10 vs RSV
Description: If you are watching this thread, I am very sorry to say this: You need both!
I have Luxury Precision W1. Is it suitable with sensitive iem like RSV ?
redrol
Headphoneus Supremus
I reallly don't find the RSV super sensitive. Not at all!
AmericanSpirit
Member of the Trade: Night Oblivion
@Softears any plans for flagship updates? QDC just announced it’s renewal of flagship Anole VX to Anole V14, maybe about a time for RS14?
redrol
Headphoneus Supremus
What id personally like is the RSV as is with an extra 10mm DD for subbass lows.. just a bit. puuuuurfect!
AmericanSpirit
Member of the Trade: Night Oblivion
Dual DD like Z1R
or JHA’s new challenges on multi-DD “JH Audio Jolene is their new flagship hybrid 4-way, 12 element in-ear monitor featuring a 2 x 2 dynamic driver and 8 balanced armature driver configuration”The liner phase coherence is the main factor so EST or DD maybe a challenging topic in terms of liner phasing, but still I have a hope that Softears/moondrop engineers are capable enough.
Last edited:
HuoYuanJia
Previously known as Ultrazino
Member of the Trade: HEDD Audio
1. Except for me, I don't think hardly anyone outside of Asia had a chance to listen to the RS10 flagship yet. It definitely doesn't need a refresh yet.
2. Softears already has an EST model (Cerberus). I think it's great if every company tries their luck with the EST, but one model should be enough.
3. Please let's not continue the driver count war!
I think what Softears could need in the next 1-2 years is something priced between RSV and Turii at 999 € or equivalent (799 USD). I guess the challenge will be to beat their own RSV. Just from driver matching and tuning, I don't think it's even possible. 
Maybe if they add a passive driver...BTW, what do you guys think, should I update my Gemini to an Anole V14?
redrol
Headphoneus Supremus
RS10 looks SO nice. That is one pro looking iem. I want it very much.
On a related note, the RSV is now my No1 iem. Surpassing everything i've ever heard. It may not beat x iem in a single category but it does beat them all when you take the entire signature as a cohesive sound.
On a related note, the RSV is now my No1 iem. Surpassing everything i've ever heard. It may not beat x iem in a single category but it does beat them all when you take the entire signature as a cohesive sound.
Last edited:
IEMusic
Headphoneus Supremus
Always love your IEM photography!!Here we go...
If you ever just want to post pics, please share some on this thread:
Thread 'Show Off Your IEMs/Buds And Accessories!'
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/show-off-your-iems-buds-and-accessories.945980/
AmericanSpirit
Member of the Trade: Night Oblivion
I agree, in terms of cohesive sound, nothing pars so far, Monarch is no exception.
As for monarch I take it as “extremely resolving 2 way 2ch speakers, with great imaging capabilities, specialized in EDM and full orchestral ” but it’s far from RSV’s “mark levinson’s 7.1ch 17 speakers reference 3D surrounding” It’s a different game.
Users who are viewing this thread
