lol yeah I def threw a low shelf on the MM. If I get some time Ill try it will smaller tips and see if I can get it closer to my ear. I haven’t heard the Monarch MK2 yet although I would love to. I have the Monarch MK1 on me now which I i will be giving a longer listen to in a couple of days
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I was super excited ever since I bought these, the DUNU SA6 MK2. Got these in the mail yesterday, and they sound quite clean and crisp in their definition.
Some Initial thoughts related to its sound:-
Call me a fanboy but I simply loved the SA6 Ultra when it came out, the pair had all the qualities of an amazing set such as crisp detailing, excellent resolution, smooth tone, and a rich timbre. Well, the SA6 MK2 takes that performance a step above. I personally find the Treble and upper mids to be a tad bit smoother but a lot more airy than the Ultra. Instruments on the SA6 MK2 have a crispier definition, not the sharp kinda, but smooth kinda crisp. The resolution and details for instruments and vocals are also improved. Vocals have a clean, rich-textured presentation. Vocals on the SA6 Ultra were already very good, MK2 just takes them a little notch better in terms of clarity and definition. Compared to the SA6 Ultra, The MK2 has way more livelier vocals, they feel more lifelike. The bass section is also cleaner and has a tad bit more punch than the SA6 Ultra.
Staging-wise, I would say that the SA6 MK2 has a cleaner, wider, and more 3D presentation to the sound. Instrument separation, imaging, and separation are excellently done. The depth on the stage add a 3D factor to its sound.
Although I don’t notice much of a difference with the tuning switch, the bass is already good enough for my taste. I switched the plug to ‘on’ for a while but couldn’t notice much of a difference to highlight just a tad bit of boost in the mid-bass.
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I would be curious if you’ve heard an IEM with similar sound signature as OH10. I liked them a lot but they don’t fit right in my ears due to the nozzle angle.
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Symphonium Meteor Review
Day 2 brings the Symphonium Meteor and this one was a real tough one for me. Its definitely a perplexing IEM that warrants more time than I have to give it but overall this has been one of my favorites.
Sound Profile: Bass boosted mini W
Overview
I will say I really enjoyed the Meteor, probably more-so than the Mest MKII. It leans pretty close to my preference while also giving a very unique experience. I definitely think it’s worth the money. I will say if you are looking for something closer to a natural presentation this probably won’t be your cup of tea.
Details
Treble
The meteor has pretty crazy extension that doesn’t get peaky or shrill at any point. It also avoids the fraying effect that I feel the Mest had while having similar air. While treble is obviously well extended it doesn’t come off as sparkly or shimmery to me which is nice and keeps vocals sounding natural. Detail retrieval is good for the price range but nothing particularly mind blowing to me.
Midrange
Guitars and other string instruments have good body and detail. This is one of the best replays of guitars that I have heard in a while, it sounds correct but then takes it to another level and gives a very immersive. You can feel the reverb yet it doesn’t mask the delicacy of the higher frequencies. Things get interesting in the vocals though, vocals come off slightly recessed and ethereal, benefitting from the save immersive qualities that the instruments show. They definitely don’t sound natural to me but I don’t hate it!
Mid bass
So this list he first time I have a heard an all BA IEM and I was very interested in this set because of the elevated BA bass and I have to say its definitely different but I appreciate it. Mid bass is extremely tight and precise. There is no bleeding and boominess but you definitely still get the tactality and can feel the mid bass kick drums and slaps. Having said that I definitely prefer DD bass.
Sub bass
Sub bass hits hit well but can come off soft, maybe that is the BA limitation. Even with the softness the bass hits are distinct, clean and quick, never lingering or loose. It’s not basshead bass but that wasn’t expected anyway. I think the sub bass (and mid bass) is actually very nicely balanced with the rest of the FR and it never overpowers it for my library. For an all-arounder I could see getting along with this however I think it would take it up a notch if they had a DD here for the lower freqs.
Genres
Below are my rankings for how this set plays each genre. These are based on my general enjoyment of the replay for some songs that fall in each category and is therefore very subjective and may not represent the category as a whole. If you have any questions as to what songs I listened to for each category feel free to ask!
Pop - 8/10
Rap - 7/10
Hip Hop - 6/10
R&B - 7/10
Latin trap/reggaeton - 8/10
House/EDM - 7/10
Country - 8/10
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Meteor’s tuning is one of my favorite representations of the rhythm section.
Couldn’t agree more and I think this especially helps on songs with faster bass guitar and double kick drums. I’m inclined to believe it must have something to do with BA having the ability to react quicker and respond more realistic to an actual pull, slap or whatever the technical term is.
As a whole if only given one choice I’d go DD all day. I think it strikes the best balance and I love the extra rumble/depth you get from the air moving. Meteor though is one exception where because of the overall tuning in the bass regions and the BA’s capabilities for bassist/double kick drums I’m taking it all day. Instrumental funk, reggae and anything along those lines. HipHop, EDM or the likes I’m looking for DD. Wish we could have the best of both.
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I agree, I’m very impressed by the meteor bass. Honestly it’s better bass than a lot of DDs I have heard!
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Actually, if you can find a pair the ThieAudio Excalibur comes off as a more refined, detailed, and timbrally/tonally accurate version of that tuning. Slightly warmer in the low mids, but a similar overall presentation to my ears.
Aside from that, I have very little experience with IEMs that are that significantly V shaped because my tastes generally have me looking for milder v or u shaped tunings to downright neutral or neutral bright.
Edit: It’s funny, but it just occurred to me that both the OH10 and Excaliburs were purchased on whims from @rattlingblanketwoman because they were being sold at ridiculously good prices so I have him to thank for my trip into the land of v tunings. 
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Rating for rock?
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I removed my rock rating cause there are do many different sub genres and it’s such a small part of my library i didn’t have the time to really dive into those songs. If you have some songs though I can let you know what I think
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Softears RSV Review
Time for another quick review! This time its the Softears RSV which was quite the treat to listen to!
Sound Profile: like really good… maybe a warm neutral? It definitely has elevated bass and forward vocals but with full mids
Overview
Well… so I really really really like this set! For my preference it beats out the Meteor and Mest MKII easily. While I love my bass, I need good vocals or else the whole sound falls flat. I could honestly see this set knocking out the IE600 from the top spot for me. This will be getting A/B’d with the IE600 later this week for sure. As for the price, I don’t think I could pull the trigger on this for new price. While it’s really good it doesn’t do anything super magical (besides being overall really good) to put it at over $600 for me. I could see grabbing this for under $600 though.
Details
Treble
The RSV is not a particularly airy IEM. There is a good amount of detail but it’s definitely not in the upper treble. Having said that I don’t think it’s missing anything in how it replays vocals and instruments alike. It doesn’t have the most spacious soundstage although it’s not particularly tight either. The RSV strikes a good balance where it doesn’t over offer and under deliver when it comes to the treble.
Midrange
IMO this is the sets bread and butter! Vocals are like being right there in front of the singer. They are clear and accurate and forward and beautifully detailed and a bunch of other positive adjectives that I don’t have time to write. Instruments come through well articulated with good detail and warmth. There is nothing sterile about the replay here. Instruments and vocals are well separated while still giving an intimate feeling like you are at a small venue.
Mid bass
So the bass really tricked me on the RSV. After coming from the Meteor’s very tight and clean bass (mid and sub) I honestly thought I was listening to a DD in the RSV until I looked it up. Mid bass has all the goodies. It’s Thumpy, snappy and tactile which I love. It also has some things that I usually attribute to DD bass which is that it’s a little loose and lingers a little longer than the bass on the Meteor does. The quantity in the RSV is about right given the looseness as I would be worried any more bass would start to muddy up what’s there. Having said that I honestly wouldn’t want much more mid bass than what it presents anyway. While its not the most detailed I really appreciate how it works with the rest of the replay.
Sub bass
I’ll just say it. I want more sub bass. This IEM definitely sounds more mid bass focused than sub which is cool because the mid bass is good however for my library I think it could use a couple of dbs in the sub 40hz region to just get some more rumble.
Genres
Below are my rankings for how this set plays each genre. These are based on my general enjoyment of the replay for some songs that fall in each category and is therefore very subjective and may not represent the category as a whole. If you have any questions as to what songs I listened to for each category feel free to ask!
Pop - 8/10
Rap - 7/10
Hip Hop - 7/10
R&B - 8/10
Latin trap/reggaeton - 8/10
House/EDM - 6/10
Country - 8/10
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Stellar write up, Cal
I’m very surprised they ranked so highly for bass dominant types of music for you to be honest. I fully expected the RSV to live up to the legendary vocal specialist status it’s garnered over the years and only really shine in that regard. Good insight here, man 
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Honestly I was surprised too and originally overlooked it because I thought it was going to be a vocal specialist but the bass hits. It’s not crazy boosted but honestly the mid bass presence is much better than the monarch mkI and the IE600 (which is in my ear now). Maybe it’s the late gain in the upper mids? The monarch has a very noticable tuck and the elevated treble in the ie600 takes away from the bass imo. I was also using bassy tips with the RSV. I gotta try those tips on the ie600 again…
EDIT: also thanks for the kind words! I have been enjoying the rapid fire reviews. I think it allows me to be more objectively critical before brain burn in makes everything sound better
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I’m not sure about that 
. Music is not just vocals! If only the RSV would do what the IE600 does with only one driver… So pity.
I don’t know why everyone is unhappy with the IE600 and underestimates it? I guess they are listening to the IE600 with a bad source! 
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Honestly I would really like to try out the RSV, these are just my qualms from pulling the trigger on the set. I really like IEMs that have forward and lush vocals however I don’t see the price justified enough and due to the lack of technicalities.
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Quarks DSP.
Bought it as a replacement for KZ CRN with in line mic for my calls. Just for that. But man! Even though I am a sucker for mid bass and it is lacking it by a bit (by its’ tuning definition, nothing surprising) the sound is so damn clean for the price that I am here sitting for 2h straight listening to stuff around. Extremely small and comfortable as well.
I may believe it can be someone’s endgame easily (especially everyday Joes with android phones)!
One fricking 6mm driver, there is really no detail being lost, everything is fine and dynamic as hell… As @VIVIDICI_111 sometimes suggest between the lines I may start to believe that everything is hidden in FR + decay characteristics. Truly a shocking discovery, wtf am I doing with 500$+ stuff packed with some tech that may really not matter…
If you ask me it is now default recommendation below 100$ (did not hear EA500, but Olina, Mele, Truthears Zero, Cadenza, KAI and plenty others are definitely not significantly better if better at all)
edit - Just a reminder - it can be bought for 12 fricking bux. Normally 16, like really mind can be blown, it is a VIDO of IEMs I guess
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For me it’s the elevated treble and the lack of proper mid-bass, it’s just not my cup of tea. I don’t think it’s the source, I’ve tried multiple sources and still did not like the IE 600 or the IE 300 for that matter.
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Ya man the Quarks DSP is an anomaly for its performance. Pretty insane stuff. I was also mind blown when I first listened to it. And it’s a lot smoother and cleaner than the EA500, but at the cost of textured bass. Only IEM that could be better is the Hexa, but even then it’s marginal imo.
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Yep this sums it up well. The IE600 lacks mid bass which the RSV brings. The RSV is not just a vocal specialist imo.
I A/Bed the last night and and my conclusion is it’s too hard to compare them as they are both very good and do what they are tuned to do well however they are tuned too different to say one is objectively better than the other.
RSV gives you:
- Lush vocals
- Good midbass
- Rich mids
In exchange for: - Average details (for the price)
- mediocre stage and imaging
- insufficient sub bass (for me)
IE600 give you
- clean vocals that aren’t thin
- good details, imaging and staging
- great sub bass
- Good dynamics
In exchange for: - Elevated treble for treble sensitive folks (not me)
- lack of mid bass
@SoundEater you aren’t wrong in saying that music is not just vocals and that is why its important to understand the reviewers perspective and library. IMO there is no headphone/IEM that is best for everything you could possibly listen to. For me and my library vocals and bass are the most important things so thats why I focus on those. If you listen to OSTs or instrumental music like classical then you probably care more about details, staging, imaging, etc. so the RSV won’t be high on your list but the IE600 might be.
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I hear that, $730 is a lot to shell out for a lot of people so you expect a lot too. I don’t see them being worth that price, especially with the stuff you can get now in the < $300 range.
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