The IEM I like more than headphones - Mega5est

[@dranek]

I received my set and just wanted to say that these are the real deal. Finally there’s an IEM that sounds detailed without being fatiguing. No shouty mids or scratchy highs. No weird BA timbre. Punchy bass from the biodyna driver. These just sound natural without noticeable coloration so you can listen to the music vs listen to some IEMs. These IEMs just get out of the way so you can plug your brain into some beats. I know you’ve gotten some crap for hyping these up but I’m glad you did because I probably wouldn’t have tried these if you hadn’t.

[@xavierxavier46bid42]

This is the most genuine IEM review ever I ordered my Mega5est after watching this 2 times

[@markyap2603]

Finally received my set. The hype is real. The highs on this iem is something to die for. It's smooth and detailed, maybe because of the EST drivers. But damn it sounds like hd600 plus hd800 combined into an iem. Definitely a keeper!

[@henryclaudia5477]

I have just bought a mega5est. I own the hype 4, the elysian pilgrim and some cheaper models. The mega5est just blew my mind. I loved the hype 4 but the mega5 has cleaner bass and is much clearer with stunningly clear and substantial vocals. The treble is beautifully extended and never harsh. The hype 4 is great until you hear the mega5est. The pilgrim falls behind both and really only shines with vocals. The hype4 has the most bass but it has recessed vocals. The mega5est has detail retrieval on another level. I am just stunned... hype justified...

[@TannerDuran]

@henryclaudia5477 I'm glad I found someone finally comparing the Mega5EST directly to the Hype 4! I've been on the fence about which of these two to get, and my main concern was the amount of bass on the Hype 4, as I am definitely not a bass head, but still like there to be enough present when needed for a track. Will more than likely be grabbing the Hiseniors.

[@Pauli2006]

I love u so much thanks by your comparitions help me so much ❤❤❤

[@Greg.Siucrazyforaudio2016]

Hi Henry, I found the Pilgrim was lean on vocal do you have the same experience or only me , I returned both Pilgrim and Zenns Top to AliExpress didn't like the Pilgrim it's over hyped,with the Top it separation was not great, I still enjoy the Aful Performer 8 with good cables and Tips , I may try the Mega5est if you think it is next level.

[@SuLu_XD]

Hype 4 has bloated, boomy bass and recessed mids. I like the treble on them though. Anything more neutrally tuned will sound better than the Hype 4. The Hexa sound noticeably better in every way than the Hype 4, pretty much due exclusively to the tuning.

[@marksr12]

Have heard so many positive things about these. I'm very impressed by your review and even more amazed by your gushing over these. For me my end game iems will be around $600, what my budget can take. Maybe these are the ones....

[@zenboy2000]

Great review dude, its very tempting, your description make these sound wonderful. I don't have a BA or EST based set yet, only planar and DD. But I am going to hold off a little to see how the IOAUDIO VOLARE stacks up.

[@moonsofjupiter]

I just got the bass+ version and it may be end game. I’m a basshead so I was pleasantly surprised when this was released. The OG wouldn’t be enough for me. This is perfect. One thing that I haven’t really heard people say is how lush it is. There is some spatial/reverb thing happening that’s subtle but there. I also got the Kiwi Ears Punch a few recently and they’re very similar in tuning and it’s also very impressive. It has a more dry and tighter sound. I’m glad because the two are different enough to enjoy. The M5EB has a warmer bass feel and texture, a drop more mid bass. The low end has a more enveloping feel. The Punch has a slightly more sub bass feel, slightly less mid bass. It has speedier bass and a more coherent transient on attacks. One isn’t better than the other for me but a preference to be had and one may be better suited to a genre. Love both. Mids and treble are near perfect for me on each, a little more lush on the M5EB. Both scale with power beautifully. I hope I’m done buying expensive iems for a bit. Have my eye on the ThieAudio Origin as it seems unique. Maybe next fall if on sale. Yes DMS, it is fun. I love your passion and the precise way you share your thoughts. Beautifully filmed and presented, always. Glad you helped push me over the edge. I hope to hear your comparison with the Punch and see if you hear what I do. They’re a no brainer for the $. packaging/case/cable (a real beaut)/accessories are way more luxurious on the HiSenior but some don’t care about that. and I feel that both of these sets could have had even more bass, so well tuned that I find them balanced. Save up for iems with ESTs, worth it.

[@listener-reviews]

SO glad this is finally out. Mega5EST is MegaBEST!

[@moots27]

been waiting so long for headphones video review

[@NetZero11]

It’s great to see this hidden gem get the love you guys have give it.

[@sadpepe1838]

tui

[@bard1311]

Would be interesting to see you guys try the Mega5p as well. I tried both of them and the Mega5p sound really close and it's only $200.

[@KmtS9]

@@bard1311 ohhh i second this. Would love to get a comparison

[@earlybird3668]

thank-you, I got my set last week. It is in my view a perfect set of IEMs, so thank-you so much. To me these have holographic sound quality.

[@larrydunn4626]

I've never really considered low pinna gain IEM b/c I had assumed that low pinna meant recessed vocals. This vid inspired me to reconsider, in case I were wrong in that assumption I experimented today with my Canon2, 1up 1down switches... EQ to resemble the Mega5est... down 2db at 125 to get rid of the midbass hump, down 2.7db at 2k, down 1db at 4k, to experiment with relaxed pinna region. What a difference, in a good way. The vocals on the Canon2 are still forward, but they are more organic sounding and less sheeny. This lower pinna gain has the secondary effect of making horns sound more relaxed and enjoyable as well. Not sure if that is even realistic... not sure horns are supposed to be more relaxed sounding, but I prefer it anyway.

[@eatdirt13]

I don’t know why but I feel this way with the Mark Levinson 5909’s. I’ve heard countless high end headphones, but I just love how these sound, and prefer them to many more expensive phones. There’s just something about the sound signature that I gel with!

[@crelliseng]

Honestly, that is how I felt when I first listened to the IER-Z1R. They’ve been my default go to ever since.

[@camerondupuisbissonnette2937]

bought this and hes right this is the best thing ive ever heard

[@marcobert6889]

So glad I got mine before this hit, such a fantastic IEM. Glad to see it is getting the hype it deserves. Honestly, I have not picked up any of my other items since receiving my pair. If the honeymoon phase lasts as you suggest, I can see myself selling off my stable. I am curious to see if any other reviewers do an OG Oracle comparison. Lol, company likely did a WTF with all the orders rolling in after this was posted.

[@DenisDamulira23]

I have the OG Monarch that came out with OG Oracle, Meteor, IE600, etc etc. can't wait to compare. ordered today and it's great there's no tax from penon or Hisenior + free DHL shipping. Fantastic deal I say. If it's that good. Will be selling off everything else. I'm a simple man.

[@jarryshen6589]

I have listened my mega5est and my friends' Canpur 622b, Unique Melody MEST MKII, and subtonic storm. In general, I find these four iems are quite similar

[@patrick600]

Too bad my wallet is far too mega-empty for these.

[@daviddier9865]

Why do I feel this is the same type of guy to have 20 less than $50 iems. Lmao

[@FilipinaVegana]

@@daviddier9865, that is a non-sequitur.

[@jameskegen6812]

​@@FilipinaVegana he never made any conclusions. It is not a non sequitur. Your comment, however, is. LMAO

[@Cujobob]

I picked them up for $418 or so on an AliExpress deal.

[@FilipinaVegana]

@@jameskegen6812, would you mind if I asked you at which school you gained your training in logic and philosophy, Madam? The reason for my enquiry is so that I may avoid sending my OWN children to that same institution.

[@lukedudgeon8699]

i just hope i can find something im as happy with as you are with these.

[@Elrics_Allenn]

It's a great set of IEM. Baited by the measurement and compliments from everywhere and after I tried it myself, it was one of the most well tuned IEM I've tried. Glad to see these half a grand priced IEMs like Mega5est and Dusk started to show TOTL tuning, can't wait to see the IEMs with TOTL tuning getting cheaper.

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

they're already starting to appear. letshuoer cadenza 4 and sliivo 41 are not far off in terms of tuning. It's about time. Enough is enough (harman)

[@Rat0713]

Mega5est completely destroys the Dusk

[@larrydunn4626]

@@JoseFerreira-zb7wh yes, Sliivo41 came to mind as well. Haven't tried it but the pinna area is similar. on a graph

[@yesnt2801]

​@@Rat0713 have you tried both?

[@CaseyConchinha]

Same! Bought these after the rave reviews and I have to agree, amazing iems tuned to my preference and great for the money

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

Seems like a new trend has been launched. This one, then the Dusk (dsp default tuning) and now the Dunu Davinci are all very similar (FR graph). "Relaxed Harman", they call it. I guess I'll wait it continues to trickle down to a more budget friendly price range. 😀

[@jeffreybateman7314]

Aful Explorer, perhaps? Hope so.

[@NetZero11]

The M5E is a great iem, the best iem I’ve owned or heard for around $500.

[@Slyngelstaten]

The reason why I trust this review... Is that the claims he states are so wild, that if he was not completely sure that this was in fact the best product he ever tested "for him" the mistrust in his channel would be devastating.. And he would never risk that.... I'm in 👌😊

[@ZelothMix]

I own a Mega5p Ultra for more than 6 months and I love them. For 240$, I’m really pleased. Now I swap the sources and the tips to have a slight colour change. Used with DDHIFI st35 and Cayin RU7.

[@akros9333]

Its a pity I don't have the name you have. I have been saying the EST is good from the first gen model almost 2 years ago. That one had EJ07M vibes. Then the gen two came 10 months ago and that was better even.....smoother .....more musical.....with a magical seduction. This version which i hopefully will have next week is a Gen Two with a little extra gravy so i can only imagine good it is.

[@Grrrr3FKAGrrrrGrrrrGrrrr]

Those of us who know you respect your opinions

[@juanblanco7898]

These different generations are quite confusing, I don't like it at all. Is there a way to know which is which? I suppose the first gen had transparent shells with colourful faceplates which I find very beautiful in contrast to these.

[@1fareast14]

Yep, akros can't be beat for recommendations and comparisons

[@Abhi-wn7sw]

The problem is that you review all the junk and like everything 😂

[@juanblanco7898]

And now there's a third (Bass) version, apparently? FFS...

[@kimberly_lippington]

been a while since DMS reviewed an IEM.. was expecting a resolve's video hahaha

[@angelocortez6757]

Glad it wasnt resolve, dude hates every iem 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@kyon_kyonstar]

DMS yoinked thess before they could even get to resolve

[@ResolveReviews]

@@angelocortez6757 Accurate ;)

[@marlowe1537]

@@angelocortez6757 Plus, am I the only one who is bored to tears in examining--in minute detail!--every single squiggle on a FR chart? DMS uses these briefly and perfectly; Resolve is beyond overkill.

[@rene837]

@@angelocortez6757 Lies

[@imarasnothere]

I bought it based on Listener's review + your praise for it on twitter and it's the best purchase I've made this year! The tuning and tonal balance is near perfect for me and the value is incredible (relative to what it costs). Thanks for uncovering a hidden gem!

[@paulgal]

Can I ask a question what do you use to listen to IEMs. Do you EQ them?

[@imarasnothere]

@@paulgal for PC, Topping DX1 DAC AMP. For mobile, Apple Dongle. I never EQ as I like to hear IEMs as the manufacturer intended. Thankfully the Mega5est sounds great stock!

[@williamstevenich]

​@@imarasnothere "as the manufacturer intended". You'll be very embarrassed by that state in a couple years. I grantee it.

[@CaseyConchinha]

Same! Great iem with no need for EQ!

[@Daniel-lq5qq]

​@@williamstevenichYes No Tuning will BE ever perfect for Millions of people eq IS a must to make IT perfect

[@jemaglr5316]

AGREED! Loooooove my set sm! ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@jaygray91]

5:21 I just heard these at a store. I've watched this review before and this sentence didn't really register to me. But after the test drive, thats exactly what i felt but couldn't put on a finger why. I wanted to listen more at the store because of that feeling. But it was almost closing time and had to stop lol.

[@sand9577]

I've been loving the Letshuoer S12 for the better part of six months, and I've wanted to step it up. I think this one will be it.

[@juanblanco7898]

It's going to be quite different, though

[@sand9577]

@@juanblanco7898 Different how? With more bass, similar resolution?

[@Tssukiii]

Could you compare them to the IE600?

[@DenisDamulira23]

Rewatching this review on my fresh out of the box Mega5EST. Wow! This is an excellent IEM. Sounds very open with very good imaging as described with amazing natural lush sound. The vertical stage is also some of the best I've heard.

[@thaflybear]

what else have you heard?

[@nathanberger618]

I am watching this video listening to my Mega5-ESTs!

[@earlybird3668]

is he correct, they are so good, they are endgame level IEMs?

[@nathanberger618]

@@earlybird3668 they are good but there are better IEMs out there

[@miassenpai6057]

So glad I can demo this IEM as long as I want here in my country.. This is a bit better vocal IEM for me, than the Thieaudio Oracle Mk1

[@chillstep4life]

And what country do you live in? Where I live I cant demo anything =(

[@OmgWtfTsuji]

Great now I have another pair added to my wish list and it's already pretty full.

[@the_king_of_normies1501]

There should be a mention of the stealth revision that was made to this. I've seen some people say that the new revision is worse than the original version. Would like to see DMS comment on this in youtube.

[@ralphmarshall1000]

You’ve got to love an audiophile not too proud to plug directly into an iPod in public. I can see your colleagues scoffing. I can also see them failing a blindfolded test as to whether or not the sound was coming direct, or via a two hundred dollar dongle. Years back, I bought Moondrop Arias based on your gushing, and I was not disappointed. This tempts me to spring for a pair of these. Apparently our hearing is similar.

[@HeliBenj]

Very late to the party and rarely comment, but this review is the one that made me bit the bullet and so glat I did, first IEM / headphones that just let me enjoy the music, all the music... Such an experience, basically what I was always hoping for in an audio product. Word of caution, I was very disappointed at first, had to do a fair bit of tip rolling to get it to be balanced, ended up with JVC spiral dot which are very wide bore, perfect. at least for my ears, Crin's recommendation (based on a graph?) to use the narrow bore was very bad. I did't think tips made a huge difference on IEM prior to this one, so I was very surprised with this one

[@aceofspades6667]

So these vs ie600 from a technical performance perspective? I don’t mean objective frequency response curves. I mean detail retrieval, timbre, bass slam, texture, thin vocals, and spacial information.

[@CaseyConchinha]

I have both, these are my impressions: IE 600 the detail is more in your face but the on the Mega5est it's detailed but not fatiguing so I find myself noticing details more. Better timbre and bass slam on 5est. They don't soundstage as wide but its more realistic, 5est stage similar to headphones imo, and theres height and depth.

[@Non-y3s]

@@CaseyConchinhaI never find my ie600 fatiguing, but I also don’t own the mega5est. You think it’s worth having both?

[@CaseyConchinha]

@@Non-y3s they are very different sound signatures, so I would say yes! I like both I just prefer the mega5est now that i have them!

[@KmtS9]

Yup, saving up for these. Gonna avoid any and all audio purchases for them. They are actually only about $460 where I am (considering dollar conversion rates), so imho, a steal. It's really between these and the Hype 4, but I think these are probably a tick better.

[@Slyngelstaten]

Where is the price so low? I just bought from Aliexpress seller for 470usd

[@juanblanco7898]

​@@Slyngelstaten It's just $10 less, basically the same amazing price for these

[@jill4470]

It's $425 here (after applies voucher), gonna get one for sure

[@zeljkosto]

Thank you so much DMS!!! Is there any new iems sounding like Mega5-est?

[@olimphus26]

So fat the SA6 ultra has been my go to IEM, how do you think they compare?

[@tedthomas9809]

I should have these by Moday from hifi go--- I figured if both yourself and Zeos like them it must be worth the hype. I hope. Love to listen and not be assaulted by a bad tuning. Thank you for your review and looking forward to these.

[@mokisan]

How is it? Hope to hear from you as to how you like it?

[@GiantGreenGecko]

How are they?

[@cdotwu]

Would be interesting to hear Precog's take on this as well..

[@brunis_m]

Precog never likes anything

[@lokrj]

Dude prefers U12T, nahhhhhhh hell no

[@raikenninja4843]

​@wind016 I think he sold his U12T for the U4S.

[@juanblanco7898]

​@@brunis_m Ahahaha. He liked Subtonic Storm, if I'm not mistaken. And Variations. He just has good standards. As well as specific taste.

[@massivemikeh]

No it wouldn't! Lol

[@S.G54321]

Extremely good iem. But the Prestige LTD would be the upgrade path from this. Smoother, larger sounding, better layering, better imaging, better detail, overall much more refined. But the Mega 5est does offer amazing price to performance. But if you use a little eq on the Prestige LTD. Mind blowing what it can do

[@bryce74]

I have the Prestige LTD but probably going to send it back as the shell hurts my right ear towards the bottom. The shell on the Mega5est looks similar am I correct to assume it is smaller than the LTD?

[@davdidit6]

Awww crap, I was going to buy a new Apple Watch and I already love my Senns IE200 with Dunu S&S tips, DMS recommendations have been spot on for me.

[@ognjenhadzi-tonic6446]

Definitely getting a set of these. I’ll be using them with my iphone. Would a portable amp like the hip dac make a noticeable difference or is there no need really for that purchase ? Money is not a big problem.

[@calvinchann1996]

For me, the most important thing is comfort given that I seem to have small ears and narrow ear canals. To date, the most comfortable IEM's that I have found are the Sennheiser IE range with the small tips and I have tried many others. Size and nozzle wise, how do these compare? Or should I just accept that my IE600's are end game? I'm waiting for my Dusk pre order to be fulfilled.

[@FilipinaVegana]

You should try the DITA "The Answer". They are similar fitting to the Sennheiser but sound far superior.

[@Rat0713]

You have small ears and narrow ears canals and bought the Dusk which is thick af? lol

[@sarahpark5768]

Curious on your opinions on Dusk!

[@leonarda8946]

Good stuff DMS, a gem for the price. Bee. Very few who know about Hisenior, good to see the exposure they are getting. Been using M5E almost daily, even after my review and I have other IEMs to work on.

[@SPLWF]

How does this sound compared to the Monarch MK3? Also is the fitment like the MK3? I was able to demo the MK3 but worried about fitment and if it sounds same of better? Thanks.

[@matthewgoldenberg1435]

How do these compare to the ie 600 in terms of sound quality, performance, and durability? I am deciding between them!

[@M3a9m]

Lovely review. I'm definitely going to give them a try. Could you please review SURE SE846? especially their sound quality in comparison to Mega 5 EST? Thank you.

[@KristianK42]

What is a "length mode"? 🤔 At 3:05.

[@nyverinorlyth9555]

I think it's the resonance that is generated due to the space between the eardrum and the IEM tip. If we get a resonance from the canal, it creates a sometimes undesired peak in the sound. Please take this with a grain of salt, I'm not audio engineer, and this is mostly 2nd hand information

[@shroud1390]

Why the no return affiliate link. DMS says you need to TRY, and drops a no return link. Doesn’t seem like a DMS move. How do they compare to the Shure KSE1200 and AKG N5005?

[@PEANUTGALLERY81]

Oh wow…. this is super high praise, even with all the caveats thrown in. I wasn’t in the market for one coz my wallets hurting….so I’m hoping these stay in production till Black Friday or 11.11 this year

[@saschamilenkovic4320]

Very interesting. Need to try these.

[@elliotmoose1855]

Can anyone identify the 4.4mm to 3.5mm adapter he's using in this video?

[@WhoobieD]

Okay so there's an adapter, no one will answer my question about how to get this to fit into a 3.5mm. I am also interested in what adapter he is using

[@elliotmoose1855]

​@@WhoobieD I ended up getting an adapter from ddhifi

[@WhoobieD]

@@elliotmoose1855 thank you, I pulled the trigger on the AFUL Performer 8s right before I find out about these..... Looks like I have a decision to make

[@Cons2911]

This vs next lower model.. Is the difference worth it? The one I see locally is about half the price of this one, not sure if there are others but it's not available here, ultra something

[@Xmvw2X]

So...this is weird... I decided to give these a try. I've spent about 15 years in the pursuit of the perfect IEM, so why not. They arrived a couple days ago, and I've been doing some listening, and I found something very interesting. I'm just not sure if it was their intent...so...it's kind of weird. I don't think these are meant to be listened to a high power source. It sounds like these were tuned for a general use audience, more specifically for folks listening to them on the common hardware they have, like a cell phone. And with most modern phones, that's a Snapdragon onboard audio setup that's, well, fine. It lacks a number of elements like appreciable power, dynamic range, and is kind of bad with sound stage separation and presence for it. But, it favors a product TUNED for it. And I think that's what they did. MANY (most) IEMs benefit from a good DAC and available amperage overhead. There's very few I've used that don't benefit to some degree. But the Mega5-EST is different. It seemed tuned for a mid-fi source device. On a desktop DAC/amp, on a portable player with high power overhead, the MEGA5-EST is low frequency dominant. The bass driver is loose and tuned deep. It also doesn't specifically have the motor for it, nor the motor for high control and articulation when given power. It just gets kind of boomy. With a highly competent source, the bass is both unbalanced and oddly out of place with the rest of the presentation. You can EQ down the bottom end a bit to dial out a chunk, but then it loses that depth and needs more than a couple bands to really tune it well. It's oddly a bad woofer in this use case, and I'd think there'd be better options if higher end hifi was truly the target. But I don't think it was targeted for this. The IEM has a lot of clarity but is uncharacteristically thin in note versus other options. The transparency is high, clarity is high, it's clean but not analytical, not articulate, not super detailed. The sound stage is excellent, extremely good, especially with slight EQing to round it out for how my ears affect the response curve, although I could also likely tune this a bit with tip changes to dial that in. The bass may also be a part of that too. The too much bass driver without the motor to really back it up, the light and clean mids and highs that don't make significant use of high power sources, the level of detail forgiveness that softens lesser quality source material and artifacts, it all caters to being tuned for something else. And that something else is a mid-fi source like a common cell phone or similar device. Lower power, lower dynamics, a flattening of the dynamic range and sound stage, weaker bass and especially deep bass, and all the little bits just come together on the MEGA5-EST. Every shortcoming on a high level source is a strong point on a lesser source. The cleanliness and thinness spreads out and sounds more natural. The bass especially balances out and the bottom end is no longer overpowering, nor tonally unbalanced. The tuning actually works with low power. It also acts like an automatic Loud feature because it will enhance at quiet volumes and then level off at higher volumes presenting a pretty consistent tonal and range response at a wide volume selection. More importantly, the motor and suspension design works well at low power. It retains good control and definition and doesn't get muddy and poorly controlled like a whole lot of other IEMs. It's GEARED for it, which is super interesting. It feels planned. It feels deliberate. I've listened to more than 50 different IEMs and none are configured like this. This feels like it was designed specifically for this consumer use case. Every aspect of the design balances out, sounds natural, and feels appropriate. There's many high end IEMs that scale really well with the source device, magical on a very high end source. But these work the opposite. They don't sound good on a high end source. They sound off and odd. But on a middle of the range source like a common cell phone, holy cow these dial right in to one of the better balanced and sounding IEMs on that kind of device. I have better IEMs that sound worse in that application. So, yeah, it's kind of weird. And I'm really curious if it's by design. It feels like there were very specific choices made for very specific reasons and a very specific audience it was aimed for. Weird right? But give it a try if you've got a pair and a variety of source devices.

[@W1LLi4m_]

Very interesting.

[@Xmvw2X]

@@W1LLi4m_ I do want to be clear on something. I think the Meta5EST is a limited product. Its technical prowess is mediocre in many ways. On very good sources, other products significantly out pace it. And on those sources, the Mega5EST sounds off. But on a low end source like a common cell phone, nearly every advantage other products have goes away, and the Mega5EST dials in. The weirdest part is how far this change goes. I have a Monarch MKII. Its on a moderately different tier than the Mega5EST on a good DAC/amp. The difference is moderate. But poor sources do big things to good sound. I can play something on a modem cell phone with just the onboard Snapdragon audio, and the Monarch MKII and Mega5EST are nearly identical in performance. Nearly every advantage the Monarch has goes away. Every quirk the Mega5EST had goes away. The playing field has been leveled. It sounds quite silly to say, but there isn't enough of a difference left to legitimately care. Yes, the Monarch MKII is still better, but only very slightly on this kind of source. Most interestingly, I don't think the Mega5EST loses anything appreciable. It doesn't really have an element that gets worse. It just gets to sound significantly better against everything else that had taken massive hits to technical prowess. A significant problem of many very high end IEMs is they can actually sound legitimately bad on low end sources, not just less good, actually bad, annoyingly bad. The SE846 is a good example of this. It's significantly affected by poor sources and low amperage. It actually becomes annoying to listen to. The Mega5EST instead shines and sounds better. It's nowhere as good as a great product on a great source. It's still fundamentally limited by the hardware and competency of that hardware. But on low end sources, it's pretty stellar. It kind of eeks out some of the best sound you can get on a budget source. There's not a lot out there that can, and the Mega5EST seems especially tuned for it. The double edged sword or course is there's nothing to gain from using a better source, and there are a lot of other choices that will easily out perform this on those sources.

[@Pauli2006]

​@@Xmvw2Xhi so how did you connect this to your phone , its 4.4mm and phones have 3.5mm please tell me how do you make it

[@Xmvw2X]

@@Pauli2006 It comes with more than one cord. It's got the fancy one, and then it's got a far more plain one with a standard 3.5mm jack. But since it's a standard 2 pin connection, any 2 pin cord will work from any IEM that has that very common connection.

[@Pauli2006]

@@Xmvw2X ahh wow , recommend me a good alternative cable please jssjssjssj im new at this

[@ricardocoloma-md]

i bought them and agree they are great, if you tip roll between the 3.9mm small bore ( neutral) and the wide bore short light blue tips provided (v-shaped fun/spicy) is where I am lost which is the metas of it, because the written review like the neutral better but the coffee tips of DMS are similar to the light blue one offered in the packaging of hisenior so up to each own I guess.

[@Slyngelstaten]

Which 3.9mm do you use?

[@brauliomartinez8265]

After trying many eartips I settled with Spinfit's W1 for these. I would strongly suggest trying them

[@Guido1962]

I’ve an honest question which maybe asked here’s at the wrong place: should I buy IEMs? At home I use an excellent planar openback and, if necessary, a very good closedback. On trains, aeroplanes, in hotels, at the beach etc. I use very good ANC earbuds (i.e. bluetooth) and I’m even considering buying overear ANC HP like the Bathys. I would love to own a pair of IEM - I’m just not sure what for…

[@Prxyshj]

What is written on the shell? I cannot read it clearly.

[@juanblanco7898]

It says "febos".

[@Prxyshj]

@@juanblanco7898 What does that mean? I thought it might mean something in a different language but can’t find anything. Seems weird it wouldn’t say Hisenior or the model

[@juanblanco7898]

@@Prxyshj Honestly, I have no idea. I gave it a quick Google search, but nothing meaningful came up.

[@jill4470]

@@Prxyshj "Feel the Beauty of Sound". That's what written on the box of the iem so I guess that's what it's supposed to mean

[@Prxyshj]

@@jill4470 got it thanks. That explains why headphonesty said it is a confusing *acronym* in their review

[@Viewer13128]

When talking about matching your sound profile, can you explain more? because most other positive reviews still consider this a very good mid-fi at most and even one positive review states "Not very detailed for its price range" and not airy enough. It seems to be around a B grade from HBB. It appears to almost everyone else, their sound profile doesn't match yours, so more info on that would be appreciated. At first after watching this video, I almost blind buy.

[@flowstatelabs]

Same. Good call. Also what genres are best?

[@TechieFelixLP]

I tested them for awhile and liked it. Yes, it does came out not as detailed as something like the Variations. However, I personally find the Mega5EST more versatile than the Variations due to the Midbass dip.

[@Viewer13128]

@@TechieFelixLP tyvm for sharing some more realistic impressions. i've been reading more positive reviews and impressions on the Mega5EST, and they all seem to match with each other, whereas DMS is the onlyperson hearing it 10x better. I think DMS's unique personal sound profile might mean he can't review IEMs for us because apparently his is very rare. i wish i could try it for myself but it's just not possible unless i buy it.

[@TechieFelixLP]

@@Viewer13128 that is no problem bro. perhaps he just like it very much hahahha

[@kdelavirgen]

Are these worth picking up for reference monitoring/studio use if I already have the U12Ts?

[@TechieFelixLP]

I think the Mega5EST has less midbass compared to the U12T. But that's just based on a 15 seconds listening session of the U12T. For me, the U12T sounds a little veiled. The Mega5EST sounds cleaner with Subbass emphasis.

[@Abhi-wn7sw]

No. Don't waste your money. Precog said these are like RSV-good tuning but not very technical

[@bk_panther_]

How does this compare to something like the THIEAUDIO Oracle?

[@robertkrangle958]

Hey Mr. D………would replacing the Whale Cable even give you better sound and clarity????.

[@kingkkool126]

You should make an overview video for the sub 500$ IEMs in the current state. So many good options now, some with more complex driver setups. (Mega5est, Dusk, Hype 4, IE600(when on sales, etc.)

[@Viewer13128]

can u provide link to the eartips? the one on amazon says currently unavailable.

[@ubacow7109]

Wish he talked about staging beyond the FR. That to me is what seperates the A/B tier iems from the S tier IEMs

[@aidencraft32]

Aren't the vocals too recessed? I tried to autoEQ my Artti T10s to the mega5 since I cannot demo them right now and the vocals sound a bit too recessed. Thoughts?

[@SneakyBleak]

This is what I also caught with this iem, recessed vocals. I was able to compare this with the Fiio FH9

[@balakrishnanc1661]

How is compared to moondrop crinacle dusk ? some people say mega5est is bit of boring sound.

[@cadmiumpureland]

I am thinking, are u serious? But when I look back at most of your reviews, u were critical in your assessment and I believe u really mean it. 😊

[@radiocalm1424]

Do you have a link to those ear tips that you liked with these? Just ordered the megafest, figure I’ll try those tips with it. Thanks. 😊

[@paulosilva8200]

You recommend this to treble sensative and insane loud volumes?

[@JohnnyADi]

Would this be the IEM version of the ZMF atrium?? Should I use my DS Tungsten for technical and this for the purpose of the Atrium? I already have an Hd600, and I'll eventually buy the mm500 for my professional purpose of cinematic scoring.

[@bgoldsm]

How does this compare to the audio 64 u12t? thx

[@JohnClarkW]

I am falling down the flathead rabbit hole, and saving up some money for either project Omega, or a TGXear Desolation Sound.

[@keithb5612]

Does anyone know how this set compares to the Thieaudio Oracle og iem?

[@thetez96]

How do these compare to Focal Clear MGs? Hows the imaging, soundstage, 3d holographics, separation, layering/cohesion? I'm heavily debating p/going back n forth between getting a pair of used Focal Clear MGs, using them with my Radsone ES100 or maybe getting and using witg JDS labs? Atom 2 headphone amp & dac2 combo, or getting Mega 5 EST or Plunge Audio Unity IEM'S & getting & using either of them with same stuff as for clear mgs or maybe Hifiman KEF 500 or KEF 600 R2R DAC &headphone amp combo, or maybe just waiting for my 2+mo th delayed pre-ordered Meze Audio Alba IEM'S and getting either a used/open bix, etc? Feliks Audio Echo mk tube headphone amp/preamp or Woo Audio WA11 Ttube headphone anp/preamp. Also have a pair of Hifiman Sundara cans .i can use w any of those. Sone of those headphone amps, etc I would definitely patly getting to eventually use as a preammp to replace a meh Douk/Nobsound type ecc83/12ax7 ptp preamp that has no headphones output, putting signal to a EL34 powered, Douk Audio/nobsound type/level ptp power amp, both Douk type tube items only have standard se RCA inputs/outputs besides power amp having sone banana tp style binding posts for speaker outputs. Sound wise I prefer a bigger more 3d holographic soundstage, great depth to all notes & sounds good, natural, organic, lush, harmonically complex & rich, good+ separation, tad to fairly warmer of purely neutral, good definition & cohesion/layering, solid+ amou t of air, treble, upper mid sparkle n chime, bit of sweetness from upper mids to treble, mature/refined overall but especially treble, treble can get & overall it can get plent delicate, has right amount if bite in mids thru trebble very solid+ dynamics,fairly good+ note bloom, it doesn't get muddy or congested especially with hard/heavy/heavier rock/metal/doom, etc, excellent stringed instruments, like piano, reg, downtuned, baritone, 7 string, etc, electric guitars, acoustic guitars, violins, orchestral instruments, etc, basses, cello, doubke bass, etc, very good+ female vocals, flat or dips only between 2.5-3.5/4.5khz, 3 khz physically causes me pain if tii muck, from sone female vocals, brass, snare drums, cymbals & high hats, not so much with guitars, velvety, defined, well controlled audible bass, mid bass, etc, with crisp leading note edge, kinda similar to good nos tubes and alnico drivers pared together plus fairly good cabling, etc. A,ways & grew up on tubes, not made in China, analog tyoe preferred guy and where applicable vintageor type parts. So what u, y'all think might be best combo of items& headphones for me?

[@thetez96]

I currently have around $1k but in 2.5-3 weeks will have another $100-$200, don't make bank, live in very expensive region were I was birn, bread nraised, its hone always has been, its why .I'm considering several used items in my purchases, forgot about Thieaudio Hype 4 for $375 used-$500 new, Thieaudio Monarchs on sale new for around $1k usd, Moondrop May for under $170, SimgotSupermix4? For under $245 usd, Audeze isine10 used for under $380 & Euclid used for under $475 usd, Project M or sonething from bloom audio for under $600 usd, don't recall brands names, buts its a collaboration, model called The Davinci iems for under $450 usd, Focal .hednys for around $600, Woo Audio Tube Mi ni for $500 , uround $375-$430 used, what y'all think?

[@charliebaker1427]

curious if youd tried storm or mad24 dms?

[@Tssukiii]

He said he tried Storm and it was great, but he also said he liked Mega5est better (not relative to price, but in a direct comparison)

[@charliebaker1427]

@@Tssukiii gotcha probably a fairly preference thing there but good to know

[@ScottoGrotto]

Hi DMS, Which of your favorite headphones do you like the Mega 5 Est more than? My tastes seem to flow with yours Senn 650 ( does dekoni now make a decent earpad for these, the og dekoni was too bass dominant for me ) ZMF og Auteur Blackwoods- love, would go up the ZMF food chain if $ allowed :) Have you spent time with the canpur cp622b? How does that compare to the Mega 5 for you?

[@waynethang9034]

I'm thinking of getting this, how would you say it compares to Fir Radon 6? You already think it's better than the Subtonic Storm so this feels like a fair question lol. But my huge collection of expensive IEMs hardly ever get used anymore once I got the RN6. The kinetic bass is just very tough for any other traditional bass setup to compete with.

[@WhoobieD]

Am I correct on saying these will not work with a Sony DAP with only a 3.5mm input? Thanks

[@PatrickBarnaby]

Headphone Show Can you please review the new Mega5EST Bass Edition? Headphone Store don't have Mega5EST Bass Edition yet.

[@syanhc]

Wow! I wanna listen❤

[@reptidan]

Would these by an upgrade from the seeaudio bravery but with a similar soundsignature?

[@maegnificant]

Still super disappointed with the Dusk. I think this thing was extremely artificially hyped by popular reviewers, for all the faults it has. Had to send it back because it was so annoying to deal with, now I gotta eat the shipping plus restocking cost. I have learned my lesson, hopefully.

[@GeekProdigyGuy]

didn't resolve literally say in his review it's only good with the DSP? and that the app is garbage

[@CaseyConchinha]

These a better than the dusk imo, better tuning and no need for dsp

[@maegnificant]

@@GeekProdigyGuy the analogue tuning is better sometimes, depending on the music. The DSP cable is straight up faulty.

[@nl_2652]

Legit same experience, now giving Mega 5 EST a shot 🤞🏼

[@maegnificant]

@@nl_2652 do tell your thoughts! My next purchase will be the Drop+Grell OAE1 (headphone) I am still satisfied with my Timsok Ts-316 IEMs. But the Mega5est is also very interesting.

[@verbatim_transfer]

would a custom molded monitor remove length mode due to deeper insertion? or have i misunderstood length mode?

[@Patife_PT]

Wow, better than the subtonic storm?? That's a big claim! I have to try them now!🔥

[@darktompol]

What is goldensound's opinion on these? I found I have very similar hearing to him

[@dustind9242]

Seems to check all the boxes, which makes them an incredible value.

[@kshitijk14]

We rarely see DMS fanboying over something so it is god.

[@IcarsisTV]

Instead of using a 4.4mm to 3.5 adapter. Could I just switch out the cable with any other 2mm 0.78 pin cable?

[@Tssukiii]

Should work!

[@TechieFelixLP]

Yes

[@Greg.Siucrazyforaudio2016]

is this an end game iem , I hope this is what i'm looking for !

[@jtor9538]

Great review! Does anyone know where we can get a sound demo of this IEM?

[@hxhky]

Awesome review! - It will be interesting to see how it compares to the Dusk X, adjusted for the price. - And how well it scales with better amp/DAC. - Congrats on the new Mac? :)

[@hermanvisser4034]

Hi DMS, based on your review, I bought a pair and I received them today. Out of the box they sound stunning. As you remarked, the plug in system is a bit quirky. I seemed to have got the L and R correct, confirmed by my other set of headphones. I have one more question, which I wonder if you can ask the boffins? What about polarity of the two pin plug - can one earphone be out of phase with the other? Anyway, this set gives my ZMF Arium cans a run for their money, which says a lot.

[@mokisan]

How do you like the mega 5-est?

[@elba_magellan]

I wish you had gone into more detail about length mode and how the response characteristic would be to your ear canal very specifically and making a semi general rec on that without caveats would be disingenous. You just got lucky. I hope im wrong on this interpretation - please let me know so I could pick these up next :) I appreciate all your reviews and esp the effort you put into audio.

[@tomwalker7629]

Hi, please, where did you get the 3.5 adapter?

[@dujankees]

It graphs very similar to the Thieaudio Oracle, just with more sub bass boost

[@kool_thing]

Damn, you're right. Loved my Oracle, too bad they died on me :(

[@larrydunn4626]

and the Oracle is legendary for vocals.

[@kazumasatou6124]

I have both, can definitely confirm. My oracle measures with a bass boost tho 😅

[@disforia1]

Are we talking Oracle mk1? And how do they compare in sound quality?

[@bezchlebalukas1779]

Thanks for the video, do you recommend use dac amp for these? I have Moondrop dawm and i am not sure i should buy something like Cayin RU7 for these. Thanks for answer.