Technical Performance and Sources
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The sound-stage is very good and it’s both wide and deep, while depth is more impressive. In general, the IEM has very good separation and that is one of its strong suits. The separation is very impressive, especially for its presentation. You don’t usually get that together with a bass presence like this, but the Stark separates everything nicely. Stark is also very impressive for overall layering so it’s no slouch in that regard.
The stereo imaging is strong and positioning is good as well, except the vocals which are recessed and they cry from a deeper part of the stage. The Stark has great control over everything from bass to treble and that is also one of its qualities. The tonality is the part the Stark suffers and its congested mid-range doesn’t help to that either. Overall resolution is very good but it’s not on an amazing level.
Source-wise it needs a bit more power than the majority of IEMs out there. So I recommend a source that can give good and clean power with a flat or mid-focused presentation. I’ve been using the Stark with the Dethonray DTR1, unsurprisingly. With a source like that, you can take full advantage of that dynamic driver.
Earsonics Stark
Comparisons
The unique TE5B from Hyla is another bass monster in the market (if you can find one). These two both have a very impressive dynamic driver bass which are two of the best bass monsters in my opinion. The difference lies in the mid-range however, where the TE5B sounds more coherent with a slightly better tonality with more space.
The treble is also better with the TE5B with its piezoelectric tweeter technology. They both have great resolution and separation. The TE5B has a bigger sound-stage but the Stark is not too far back. But when it comes to overall build quality, the Stark is incredibly good so the limited edition Hyla can’t touch that level of sturdiness.
The S-EM9 once was the flagship Earsonics IEM and it was popular at the time. When I listen to the Stark, I immediately think about the S-EM9. That is simply because the Stark sounds like a continuation of the S-EM9 presentation-wise. They both have recessed and thin mids, impressive bass, big sound-stage, and good treble.
The Stark pushes that presentation further with its dynamic driver. It has more texture, more kick, and more slam. Despite its heavy bass character, it has surprisingly good PRaT as well. However, the S-EM9 has a better treble response for treble-heads. THe treble is brighter and more emphasized overall. Compared to the S-EM9, the Starks has more smooth and easy-going highs.
Build quality comparison is not even close though. Stark for the win.
The Earsonics Purple to me still is the best Earsonics IEM I’ve tested. It is still on our recommended list for a reason. The Stark and Purple both have an impressive bass response but the Stark goes deeper and has more sub-bass rumble. So you have a bigger bass with more texture and layering with the Stark. Don’t forget that the Purple has a tuning knob to increase the bass, but no matter what you do the Stark triumphs in terms of pure bass performance.
The Stark is also slightly better in sound-stage, overall separation, and layering. But presentation-wise the Purple gives more balanced and cohesive mids, more extended and articulated treble with more brightness and better transparency. However, if you like to have a fun type of sound, the Stark offers a very full and warm bass with its unique tuning.
Build quality is the same story. The Stark is not miles but a few hundred miles ahead.
Earsonics Stark
Conclusion
The Earsonics Stark has great technical performance for many reasons; the sound stage, separation, layering, depth, resolution, and bass quality. However, the presentation leaves things to be desired especially in the mid-range. The mid-range is a very important area for music. With the Stark, the mids feel trapped in a smaller space with a recessed nature. If that particular area was better, it could’ve been a fantastic monitor.
There surely will be people who would like the Stark, every IEM has an audience. If you want the best bass performance from an IEM, the Stark provides you that. If you like a big and deep stage, great texture, and layering while listening to your bass-heavy EDM tunes, then you can experience it with the Stark on the highest level. Electronic music is simply a delight with this IEM.
Also if you liked the S-EM9 before and you’re a bass fan, then the Stark is an improved S-EM9 for you with a much much better build quality. Long story short; the Stark is not an all-rounder. It appeals to certain people and that’s perfectly fine. It does what it does on the highest level. But if you’re not after those particular traits, it’s a bit more difficult.
