HiSenior Mega5EST Review

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Mega5EST – Sound & Performance

The Mega5EST impressed me from the very beginning. I found its signature excellent at this price bracket, and I’ll describe what it sounds like. But first, I’d like to let you know that I used the iBasso D16 as the source and the DX180 as the digital transport for this write-up, along with several dongles, including the Kensei, Onix Alpha, and the iBasso DC07Pro.

Mega5EST features a balanced, extended, and fun signature with a sub-bass elevation, a pretty linear midrange, a well-tuned ear gain, and a small peak at the ultra-high region for extra air and extension. If I tuned an IEM, this recipe would be the first one I’d work on. That’s exactly why I find it excellent in this price range – there aren’t many like it.

I can label it neutral-warm, with fun elements on both ends of the spectrum. It’s not a bright IEM by any means, in fact, it’s a little conservative when it comes to ear gain region. This makes it smooth enough to enjoy with many genres, even poorly mastered tracks sound nice enough on these. I say “nice enough” because they are unbearable with some of the gear I have, especially with more neutral sounding IEMs.

If you are looking for an IEM that you can listen to for hours without any fatigue, this is the golden candidate under 1k$. Let’s take a deeper dive.

Low

The Mega5EST’s bass is well-defined. The impact is there when the track asks for it, providing a good sense of depth thanks to the elevated sub region. Mid-bass is tuned as a bridge that eases the transition from the elevated sub-region to the linear midrange. The instrument body is nice, thanks to the overall balance these IEMs have. The DD bass remains clean and controlled in many genres, and it is quite snappy, too.

Midrange

The midrange is linear, transparent and organic. Organic because they have a bolder, more natural tonality due to the well-tuned ear gain region. The hi-hats, cymbals, and other upper midrange dependent instruments follow the midrange from a step back with a good sense of stage, while the energy in the extra high region makes up for the smoother upper midrange. Whoever designed this IEM has found an excellent balance here, if you ask me, as it is very hard to master the energetic upper midrange / lower treble if you aim to design an IEM that is also smooth and natural. Vocals and instruments are accurately reproduced, with a slight warmth that adds a natural touch to the presentation. I love the articulacy of Mega5EST’s midrange; it reminds me of the legendary TG334, in a way.

Treble

The treble is present but tuned in a way that’s inoffensive yet detailed. The high treble extension is audible, and helps with the sense of air. The stage height gets a positive boost from this as well. The end-to-end extension of Mega5EST is something I wish I encounter more in this hobby. The ESTs are implemented well, they do not sound light or thin. Treble is one of the highlights of this IEM as it does a dreamy job reproducing the top end without any shrill or unwanted/piercing brightness.

Technical Performance

The technical performance of the Mega5EST is solid, with excellent imaging and sound separation for the price. Mega5EST excels in delivering clear separation of instruments, and it is easy to pinpoint whatever is playing on the stage. I tested Effect Audio’s Cadmus with it to see if it would improve the technical capability, and it did a fantastic job. With the cadmus pairing, the rivals are the kilobuck IEMs imo, especially if you have a neutral-warm source to go with it like the DC07Pro from iBasso. Cadmus, DC07Pro & Mega5EST combo might be the best combo I’ve heard in a decade under 1k$.

The key thing about the Mega5EST is that it somehow manages to stay smooth while still presenting nearly all the details in the track. The soundstage is wide with relatively good depth, especially when you pair it with good sources like the one mentioned above. Excellent.

In terms of speed and transient response, the Mega5EST is excellent. It handles rapid drums and complex rhythmic patterns with ease, though it trades off sub impact with speed, especially when listening to congestion prone tracks where lots of instruments are playing simultaneously.

Comparisons

When compared to other IEMs in a similar price range, such as the Volare or the Mangird Top, the Mega5EST stands out for its smoother sound signature and tonal balance. Mangird offers a bassier sound with more bright lower treble and lighter treble, while the Volare also has a lighter tonality with a similar bass response and more energetic upper midrange / lower treble. The Mangird is the most analytical of the three, with a more congestion-prone signature that may not work with neutral sources. The Volare and Mega5EST are both quite good, with good tonal balance but Volare does not exhibit the ‘smooth sauce’ the Mega5EST has. What it lacks in smoothness, it makes up with its slightly wider staging and slightly spicier treble.

In terms of technical performance, the Volare and Mega5EST are the most impressive. If I had to choose between them, I’d consider these few remarks: Mega5EST is not as picky as Volare when it comes to sources. Mega5EST is smoother on the lower treble and features a better tonal balance, especially if you want an IEM that you can listen to for extended periods. The Volare, while sounding slightly more transparent and detailed, is also bigger, and it has a unique nozzle that requires a good, deep fit. I managed to get a good bass response only with a few ear tips, whereas I can just throw whatever is available to the Mega5EST and go outside without worrying about fit & isolation. I believe Mega5EST is a better all-rounder, especially if you listen to many genres like me. At the end of the day, both will keep you satisfied. I don’t think they have much rivalry at this price bracket.

Last Words

In summary, the Hisenior Mega5EST offers a unique sound signature that is smooth and musical. While it may not be the most detail monster IEM available, it excels in versatility. It plays well with many genres, and it is an excellent all-rounder that you’ll enjoy for hours end.

Mega5EST exceeded my personal expectations for IEMs of this price bracket. I wholeheartedly award it with our HFN Recommendation. I hope the creators behind this IEM build upon this signature and create something that’s even more impressive for their fanbase to enjoy. Until then, Mega5EST is golden!

Summary

Pros:

• Excellent Signature
• Excellent Performance
• Good accessories
• Great price-to-performance ratio

Cons:

• Shell base color could match the faceplates

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

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