HiSenior Mega5EST Review

Today, we review the HiSenior Mega5EST Tribrid IEMs. It’s selling for $549 USD.

Disclaimer: HiSenior provided the Mega5EST. As always, this review reflects my unbiased perspective.

HiSenior

Founded in 2016, Hisenior Audio specializes in designing and manufacturing professional custom and universal fitting in-ear monitors for musicians, audio engineers, and audiophiles. According to their website, “their mission is to respect and protect every musical dream, whether at home, on the road, or on stage. Hisenior aims to inspire a stronger connection to music, enhance stage performance, and ensure valuable hearing protection through their high-quality in-ear monitors.”

With over seven years of professional IEM experience, Hisenior uses premium drivers from Knowles and Sonion and incorporates advanced technologies such as 3D ear impressions, CNC machining, ABV, and switch technologies. They offer 100% customization, including shells, faceplates, and logos, along with personalized customer support and a one-year warranty.

The Mega5EST is available for $549 USD on Hisenior-iem. They ship internationally.

HiSenior Mega5EST

The Mega5EST is equipped with five drivers per side. 1DD for lows, 2BA for the mid and mid-high, 2 ESTs for the high/ultra highs. A four-way passive crossover and a three-sound bore design complete this tribrid configuration. The Mega5EST we are reviewing today is the 7th anniversary version, which comes with with hand-finished blue faceplates and a blue-ish grey base color. That being said, you can also order a custom version through this link or a custom-designed universal. You can also email them and request unique designs if you have anything particular in mind. They’re pretty good!

Specifications and Highlights

• Driver Configuration: 1 Dynamic Driver (DD), 2 Balanced Armatures (BA), 2 Electrostatic Drivers (EST)
• Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 50 kHz
• Impedance: 25 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 105 dB/mW
• Cable: Detachable 2-pin 0.78mm, WhiteWhale Litz Cable (Silver-plated OCC copper, 24 gauge, 4.4 mm balanced termination)
• Connector: 4.4 mm balanced jack (no single-ended option)
• Shell Material: Resin
• Crossover: 4-way integrated passive crossover
• Nozzle: 3-bore design
• Isolation: -20 dB

Packaging and Accessories

The Hisenior Mega5EST arrives in a special 7th Anniversary Edition package, which immediately impresses with its black and blue design. The box features the Hisenior motto “Feel the Beauty of Sound” (FEOS).

Upon opening the box, you’re greeted with the Hisenior crushproof Pelican-like case nestled securely in foam cutouts. Inside, the IEMs, microfiber cleaning cloth, and a cable clip reside. Just next to the pelican-style case, there’s a tiny cardboard box that houses an impressive number of tips. The included ear tips selection is extensive, featuring twelve pairs of silicone tips and two pairs of foam tips. The rich ear tip selection will definitely help users find the perfect fit for optimal comfort and sound isolation.

Without a doubt, the standout accessory is the WhiteWhale Cable. This cable is made of litz silver-plated OCC copper. The cable is terminated with a 4.4 mm balanced plug and cannot be purchased with a single-ended plug. Despite its premium build, the cable is somewhat bulky due to its thickness, but it has a small Y-split and chin slider for added comfort. The pre-curved ear hooks ensure a secure and comfortable fit during use.

The Pelican-style protective case included in the package is another highlight. This case is both waterproof and crushproof, offering exceptional protection for the IEMs. Inside the case, dedicated compartments keep the IEMs, cable, and accessories neatly organized. This robust case ensures that the Mega5EST and its accessories remain safe and secure, whether you’re on the road or storing them at home. You can also mod it to hold your small to medium USB DACs along with the Mega5ESTs. Overall, the packaging and accessories provided with the Hisenior Mega5EST is quite good for its price bracket.

You can also watch an unboxing here:

Design, Build Quality & Fit

The Mega5EST features resin shells with glittering blue hand-painted faceplates, giving it a touch of flair. The faceplates feature the motto in silver lettering and handwriting font. The 5.5mm diameter metal nozzles are pretty standard size and compatible with a wide range of aftermarket tips, making tip-rolling easy for those who like to use 3rd party tips like me. My preferred ear tips are the Divinus Velvet Wide ear tips, which worked exceptionally well with these IEMs, further enhancing the fit, comfort, and, most importantly, the sound.

The Mega5EST’s base/inner shell is simple and understated, with its solid blue-ish gray color. While the design is sleek, incorporating the same vibrant blue seen on the faceplates would definitely enhance the overall aesthetic. For those looking for a more personalized look, Hisenior offers a collection of customizable designs, allowing users to tailor the look of their universal IEMs to their preferences.

The Mega5EST’s build quality is quite good. The left and right earpieces are identically mirrored, and my unit has no imperfections. Despite being a tribrid IEM, the shell is compact, about 25% smaller than the Volare. The inner side is flatter, allowing for a deeper and more secure fit. The ergonomic shape and well-placed protrusions contribute to a better fit, even during extended listening sessions. I can wear these for 8 hours straight. Although I have large ears, I believe most users will find the Mega5EST comfortable unless they have particularly small ears. The IEMs sit flush and look attractive when worn. The blue also shines very aesthetically when in contact with direct sunlight.

In a nutshell, the Hisenior Mega5EST offers excellent design and build quality with a comfortable fit. I also appreciate the option to customize the design for an additional $50, which is a unique deal in the current market.

The review continues on the next page. Click here or use the jump below.

Page 1: HiSenior, Mega5EST, Packaging & Accessories, Design, Build Quality & Fit

Page 2: Sound, Low, Mid, High, Technical Capability, Comparisons, Last Words