Unique Melody MEST MKII Review

7. Comparisons

What to compare the MEST to? First of all the other MEST versions of course, but also other hybrids featuring EST drivers! Looking at the latter, the first ones that come into mind are the award winning Vision Ears Elysium, the new EXT and the Shozy Pola39. Comparison was done with the Pegasus Musician DAC and the Violectric DHA V590 as amplifier. Let’s start comparing!

UM Family

The MEST MKI (also in custom version) had a more neutral signature where there is less body presence overall. There is a big difference in how the MKI does bass compared to the MKII. The latter has more body and impact and the depth and layering is more profound.

The original MEST doesn’t share the warmth and smooth character of the MKII’s mids and the vocals here are sharper and more to the front. It makes the MKII sound more relaxed, while the MKI is more hyped.

The third big difference is in the upper mids and treble. With the MKI there is more energy and treble extends better with better dynamics, speed and precision.

The MKI is a completely different IEM from the MKII. I would not see it as an evolution but a whole new IEM, with a different tuning. I do like both. The MKI is the more reference sounding one, where the MKII is the more fun sounding one. The MKI for me is more special as it extends better, is more dynamic and more lively. The MKII is easier to listen to with its warmer character and smoother presentation. These are IEMs for different tastes, so they fully complement each other.

The universal Mini MEST is not like either of these IEMs, but more something in between. It has slightly more body and presence than the MKI, but it’s nowhere near that of the MKII. The vocals are more like in the MKI, forward. And the same goes for the treble section (more energetic) and the mids (lighter, upper mid forwardness). Compared to both customs (MKI+MKII) the Mini MEST gives the lightest bone conduction experience, and they sound more like a regular IEM.

Vision Ears Elysium

The original Elysium (CIEM) is a more clean sounding monitor with a higher lever of clarity. The note extension as well as the spaciousness and sound stage width are better in the VE. Elysium’s vocals are more forward and the energy level from top to bottom is higher (like in the MKI). The ELY sounds fresher, and the treble section next to being more clear and energetic also extends further.

Both the ELY and the MEST MKII are great monitors, but the German IEM is the technically strongest one. The VE is lighter in presence and bass, but better in positioning and stereo imaging. The MKII is fuller, bigger, smoother and warmer. So yeah, very differently tuned high end IEMs and it comes down to what you prefer getting from a monitor.

Shozy Pola 39

The Shozy Pola 39 (also in custom) is more like the VE Elysium in regards to body, presence, clarity and energy, but it isn’t as extended and spacious as the VE. It does have more forward vocals compared to the MKII, as well as a more lively treble presentation.

Actually, Pola39’s tuning is very much like that of the Elysium, but it doesn’t reach the same technical level. So again here Pola 39’s tuning is completely different from that of the MEST MKII, making it an IEM for a different type of user (or a sidegrade).

Vision Ears EXT

The EXT is the new version of the above mentioned Elysium, and we have it in a universal shell. The EXT has more bass presence that the original Elysium and the MEST MKI, but less so than the MEST MKII.

The EXT, like the Elysium, is more spacious and airy and the sound stage is wider. The EXT’s notes extend better and from highs to lows there is more energy and liveliness. The newest VE monitor has a better sound stage extension, especially on top. While the bass level of the EXT is higher than that of the Elysium, it still is nowhere near that of the MKII. The MKII bass is fuller, extends lower with good sub bass presence and it has better layering in that area. Detail wise the EXT scores best, but it is overall the better technical IEM (just like the regular Elysium).

The EXT is a great IEM, and those who like the Elysium but find it a bit too light, will absolutely dig the tuning of the EXT. The EXT’s full review will be published soon, so keep an eye out for that one.

Conclusion

With the MEST MKII, UM has managed to create a very different sounding version compared to the original. The new MKII is smoother, warmer and fuller and it has a more fun and very musical approach with a good technical level. It’s easy on the ears, good for on the go (because of the added weight) and a pleasure to listen to when relaxing. The original has a more neutral/reference like tuning and that one is more exciting, lighter and livelier.

If you like an overall full bodied sound with good bass quantity as well as quality, and that presented in a warmer and smoother way, then the MKII is the IEM for you. The MEST MKII is easy on the ears, very musical and very enjoyable and it has a strong enough technical excellence to please the big crowd. If your looking for a more neutral, more energetic and super technical tuned IEM however, than the MKI, or one of the IEMs I compared it to, will be more to your liking.

So is the MKII good? Yes it is, but it’s just so very different from the MKI that they are more complementary than they are competitors. I personally do find the MKI more special because of the technicalities and the awesome energy level, but it for you can be the other way round. If you like bass(!!), fulness, musicality and a smoother delivery than the MKII is the one for you.

MEST MKIII coming up? Yes please!

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Page 1: Intro, UM, MEST, MEST MKII, Vs MKI, Technical Specs

Page 2: Breakdown, Build Quality & Comfort, Personalization, Cable, Price & Accessories, Customer Service

Page 3: Sound

Page 4: Comparisons & Conclusion