[riverground]

We are going to have a tri-DD called 3DT coming soon too. Not trying to steal their business and I haven't heard the model yet, but we had some good feedback from the Shanghai audio show.
I stole a photo from the Chinese forum:

Looking really pretty!

 

[RobSF]

You're most amusing....)...that being said, my experience is limited to the ZEUS XR w/ADEL and the SOLARIS, bright, extended treble is always welcome, warm, sonorous mids and bass that can do justice to lower strings in an orchestra, I listen to jazz vocals, rock and EDM as well but my primary focus is sensational, large symphonic statements via Mahler, Bruckner and Shostakovich. Of course, ELYSIUM has been mentioned to me as well...but you seem like a bright and thoughtful guy so your input would be most welcome!

 

[antdroid]

Posted a review of the Mini MEST here: https://www.audiodiscourse.com/2020/09/unique-melody-mest-mini-review.html

 

[RobSF]

Today's theme seems to be "ask Layman1 to answer questions on products he's never actually heard"

Still, never let it be said that Layman1 failed to manfully face a challenge head-on, or laugh in the face of 1% odds!

In my defence, I have read every single post EVARRR on the Odin and the Socrates, so I can at least pass along some expertly-curated secondhand advice

However, before I do, I would like to ask a couple of quick questions to ensure an at least vaguely appropriate answer:

1) What do you feel are the necessary IEM characteristics to make an IEM perform wonderfully with symphonic music?

2) Do you have any sensitivity to peaky upper mids or treble?

Awaiting your astute observations, sir...)

 

[RobSF]

MEST is our first hybrid headphones that use four different types of drivers-- bone conduction, EST, balanced armature, and dynamic.

There are many fun features the MEST, the newly designed bone conduction driver is definitely one of them. We spent four years in developing, configuring and tuning this uniquely designed bone conduction driver. The priority function of the bone conduction driver is to embellish the mid and treble. In the development phases, we found the bone conduction driver works remarkably well with EST and BA drivers in upper-mid and treble. The bone conduction driver with carbon fiber shell efficiently reduced the sharpness of EST drivers in treble without affecting transparency and treble energy. It also added a touch of sweetness in mid and smooth out the transition from mid to treble. With this bone conduction driver, MEST is able to deliver one of the most transparent and balanced sounds among our productions.

To know more about the bond conduction technology, here is an introduction:
Diagram 1: MEST Exploded Views


Diagram 2：The faceplates of the headphones are specially designed according to the structure of the bone conduction drivers. Bone conduction driver delivers signals by vibrating the faceplate. Then the signals are passed to the carbon fiber shell and finally delivered to your inner ear.

Diagram 3: The bone conduction drivers are made by metal vibration pieces that are covered by piezoelectric ceramics. The ceramic layers will bend the metal vibration pieces to make micro-vibrations according to the changes of input alternating voltage.


Diagram 4: The frequency curve of the bone conduction driver along with the shell on HATS.

According to the frequency features of bone conduction driver, it can be used to embellish the vocals and instruments in mid and treble.

As a summary, MEST bone conduction technology has the following features:

• No standalone sound tunnels for bone conduction drivers.
• Sound can be heard by touching any parts of the shell.
• Low-Voltage driving bone conduction driver
• Resistant to treble noises
• Low distortion
• Smart fit and easy to be assembled

We will have a demo unit of MEST at 2020 CanJam NYC.

Drivers Configuration (per side):
1x Bone conduction driver to embellish the mid and treble.
2x EST drivers serve ultra-high frequency
2x High BA drivers.
2x Mid-high BA drivers.
1x Dynamic driver serves mid and bass.

Estimated MSRP:
$1399 for a universal fit
$1699 for a customized fit
Due to the special structure of MEST, we do not offer interchangeable reshell services between universal-fit and custom-fit. Making a customized MEST requires much more workforces than a universal MEST, thus we have to charge this $300 as a premium to cover additional costs. The custom-fit generally offers a larger touching area to your skin than universal-fit, thus the custom-fit helps the bone conduction driver to optimize its performance.
MEST is soon available at: https://shop.musicteck.com/collections/um-unique-melody

MINI MEST

Open Air Balanced Armature Drivers X Bone Conduction Driver HIFI IEMs​

Technology

Bone Conduction Sonic Engine

Mini MEST succeed the bone conduction technology in the original MEST to embellish the mid and vocal performance.

Unlike the traditional tuning approach, bone conduction technology is able to transfer certain sound frequencies directly to your inner ears through the bones of the skull, processed by the inner shell vibration. The sonic path like this: Sonic signal—Bone conduction vibrator—bones of the skull—cochlea-- auditory nerve.

Knowles Custom-made Open-air Tubeless Balanced Armature Drivers

Mini MEST applied the custom-made open-air balanced armature drivers that are made by Knowles. These BA drivers have widely open front cavities that allow them to deliver sound without the inner tunnel (tubeless). The sound signature of open-air BA drivers is similar to dynamic drivers. It sounds more natural and forgiving than traditional BA drivers.

Exterior

High precision DLP shell printing: We applied dark blue resin shells on Mini MEST which make Mini MEST aesthetically beautiful and practically comfortable.

Two-color handmade carbon fiber faceplate: We used the classic carbon fiber faceplates on Mini MEST that were used on our flagships Mason V3+, Mentor V3+ and the original MEST.

Suitable Genres

We made some tuning adjustments on Mini MEST according to the customers' reviews of the original MEST. Mini MEST suits best for the following genres:

ACG/OST

Pop/Soul/Jazz/Blues/Rock

Acoustic/Classic

Specifications

Driver Counts: 4

Frequency Response: 20Hz~20KHz

Impedance: 23Ω

Sensitivity: 113dB@1KHz

Driver Combination: Open-air BA Drivers + Bone Conduction Driver

Driver Configuration: 1 Bass + 1 Mid + 1 Treble + 1 Bone Conduction

Accessories:

Headphones: Mini MEST one pair

Cable: 4 cords silver-plated cooper cable

External Package: UM classic black case

Carrying Case: Custom-made blue leather case, manufactured by Dignis

Warranty: Mini MEST warranty card

Ear tips: S/M/L

Others: Premium grey scouring pad







If you have any questions, please email to: uniquemelodyusa@gmail.com.

Mini MEST is now available at: https://shop.musicteck.com/products/um-universal-mini-mest?variant=32140775850046

In your view, does the BC driver showcase better in CIEM format?

 

[alvinlim2010]

Anyone from Singapore knows where we can audition the MEST?

 

[Iatemyshorts]

I had a pair that I let people demo with, unfortunately I sold it to someone to fund my Custom MEST. Last I heard, the person who I sold it to did the same.

 

[Lokiiami]

I had a pair that I let people demo with, unfortunately I sold it to someone to fund my Custom MEST. Last I heard, the person who I sold it to did the same.

What are your thoughts on the Universal version?

 

[Layman1]

You're most amusing....)...that being said, my experience is limited to the ZEUS XR w/ADEL and the SOLARIS, bright, extended treble is always welcome, warm, sonorous mids and bass that can do justice to lower strings in an orchestra, I listen to jazz vocals, rock and EDM as well but my primary focus is sensational, large symphonic statements via Mahler, Bruckner and Shostakovich. Of course, ELYSIUM has been mentioned to me as well...but you seem like a bright and thoughtful guy so your input would be most welcome!

Ok, so to attempt an answer, I think that MEST, along with a suitable cable to add a bit more warmth and body (according to you preferences) could work very well for that kind of music. The Socrates could be a good choice perhaps? Based on reviews and impressions, I'd have to add the Effect Audio Lionheart as a suggestion too; it seems to be one that pretty much precisely fits the bill here, adding a good dollop of warmth, weight, body, liquidity and musicality.
See this review here for more details:
https://theheadphonelist.com/effect-audio-8-wire-lionheart-the-golden-fleece/
Note that whilst this is a review for the 8-wire bespoke version, he includes a great deal of description of the regular 4-wire version (which he ultimately preferred).

I can't fairly comment on whether this setup would approach/rival/exceed the Odin, as firstly I haven't heard the Odin and secondly personal preferences come so heavily into play here. What I can say is that I would certainly regard this suggested setup (MEST +Lionheart/Socrates) as being top-of-the-line and able to *at least* approach pretty much any IEM on the market.

MEST will bring a great liveliness, vivid energy, detail and nuance, along with excellent sub-bass rumble and extension; I've described the IEM as being like something with all the dials turned up to 11, so I can imagine it would shine with bombastic symphonic material with so much going on

 

[Iatemyshorts]

What are your thoughts on the Universal version?

It's been awhile since I sold it, and I'm not the best at describing sound, but it has really textured bass, second only to maybe Z1R. I'm sorry I don't know how to describe mids or highs well (it's definitely not sibilant or fatiguing though), but they have that holographic 3D spherical staging, really wide. Instrument seperation and technicalities is also top tier, close to the Anole VX, tons of detail. Hopefully I can get a hold of another universal set for you peeps in Singapore to try.

 

[alvinlim2010]

It's been awhile since I sold it, and I'm not the best at describing sound, but it has really textured bass, second only to maybe Z1R. I'm sorry I don't know how to describe mids or highs well (it's definitely not sibilant or fatiguing though), but they have that holographic 3D spherical staging, really wide. Instrument seperation and technicalities is also top tier, close to the Anole VX, tons of detail. Hopefully I can get a hold of another universal set for you peeps in Singapore to try.

Yes will be eager to try it out here!

 

[tma6]

My review is finally up. Sorry that took so long. TL;DR the MESTs are phenomenal and you should get them.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/unique-melody-mest.24182/reviews

 

[finalstan]

Time to start saving. Are they available anywhere in Europe? I searched and couldn't find them.

 

[Layman1]

My review is finally up. Sorry that took so long. TL;DR the MESTs are phenomenal and you should get them.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/unique-melody-mest.24182/reviews

Hugely enjoyed reading your review, many thanks
MEST = Best

 

[RobSF]

Ok, so to attempt an answer, I think that MEST, along with a suitable cable to add a bit more warmth and body (according to you preferences) could work very well for that kind of music. The Socrates could be a good choice perhaps? Based on reviews and impressions, I'd have to add the Effect Audio Lionheart as a suggestion too; it seems to be one that pretty much precisely fits the bill here, adding a good dollop of warmth, weight, body, liquidity and musicality.
See this review here for more details:
https://theheadphonelist.com/effect-audio-8-wire-lionheart-the-golden-fleece/
Note that whilst this is a review for the 8-wire bespoke version, he includes a great deal of description of the regular 4-wire version (which he ultimately preferred).

I can't fairly comment on whether this setup would approach/rival/exceed the Odin, as firstly I haven't heard the Odin and secondly personal preferences come so heavily into play here. What I can say is that I would certainly regard this suggested setup (MEST +Lionheart/Socrates) as being top-of-the-line and able to *at least* approach pretty much any IEM on the market.

MEST will bring a great liveliness, vivid energy, detail and nuance, along with excellent sub-bass rumble and extension; I've described the IEM as being like something with all the dials turned up to 11, so I can imagine it would shine with bombastic symphonic material with so much going on

Excellent, thanks for taking the time to reply and for the heads-up on the Lionheart...)