Hisenior Mega5-EST 7th Anniversary Limited Edition – Harman-iously Harman Benchmark

Disclaimer

• The reviewed IEM is a loaned personal unit. Thus, all the opinions are original ideas, without any influence from any 3^rd party or external opinions.
• No EQ or filter presets were used during the entire review period.
• Sound impression are kept neutral and does not include 3^rd party accessories (ie; eartips, cable, reversible mods)

Introduction

Over the past couple of month I have been hearing the name of this IEM a lot, the Mega5-EST. A universal pair of in-ear monitor made by Hisenior which almost instantly gained legendary status, I have came to know this brand only a couple years ago back, when the predecessor Mega5P was the hype in the ChiFi community although they have been operating since 2015. We have covered a few IEMs from this brand as well in the past, which was the T2 Classic and the Fe3 Universal. As they say, new page opens up a brand new story, thus with us this time we finally have the chance to review about the Hisenior Mega5-EST 7^th Anniversary Limited Edition which retails for around US$549 (MYR2455). Massive thanks to one of our loyal followers, also an online friend of mine (thanks Faiz!) was kind enough to send his personal unit for me to try.

To say that the Mega5-EST is the best IEM within a certain price bracket would be an understatement for how it performs. Perhaps it might as well redefine the thought of “performance to value” ratio that is often repeated from time to time, we have said it for the Moondrop Variations yet it has its own quirks, Well, that’s the different case with the Mega5-EST. It is truly a versatile IEM, throw anything at it and it still sounds good. Nevertheless, I would still like to share my opinions about this IEM and see where I could shine more light on the Mega5-EST. Thus, let’s dive into it.

Unboxing Experience

Unboxing the Mega5-EST was straightforward and simple. The packaging came with an outer sleeve that has illustrations of the IEM itself on the front, the catchphrase “Feel The Beauty Of Sound” on the sides of the sleeve and all of the technical details and specifications at the back. Pulling the sleeve unveils a hard box containing the product. Turning the flap upward, you’ll be immediately greeted with a lovely Pelican 1010 style watertight case and a small box containing eartips. In this case (no pun intended), Mega5-EST came with two packs of silicone and one pack of foam eartips of various types and size which are more than a handful. On a side note, I did notice that those who owned earlier batches received a different set of eartips compared to the newer batches but I guess these differences does not cause any major issues. Still, its something worth to note.

Furthermore, opening the Pelican case unveils the Mega5-EST itself, with the cable already attached. To my own knowledge as well, the 4.4mm White Whale cable does only come with the purchase of Mega5-EST 7^th Anniversary Limited Edition, meanwhile for the standard variant came with a different modular cable and colour scheme which features a transparent shell and a colourful face-plate design. Additionally, there are also included one cleaning cloth and a cable clip made with thick hard plastic which is stored in the zipped compartment inside the case.

Specifications

Driver: 10mm custom bio-cellular diaphragm dynamic driver (DD), 2 balance armatures (BA), 2 Sonion electrostatic (EST)

Impedance: 25 Ohms

Sensitivity: 105dB@1mW

Frequency Response: 10Hz-50kHz

Distortion: 0.5%±0.1%

Nozzle Diameters: 6mm

Cable

Exclusive with every purchase of Mega5-EST 7^th Anniversary Limited Edition will include a non-modular straight plug 4.4mm Hisenior White Whale upgrade cable compared to the ones that came with the standard version. One thing that immediately struck me upon unboxing the package was how gorgeous the White Whale cable was with its pearl white hue which radiates ever so gorgeously when shone under natural light and how effortless I could tidily wrap it every time for storage.

According to specifications provided in Hisenior’s official website, the White Whale cable features a thick 2 core, 24AWG premium UP-OCC silver-plated copper (SPC) cable with an ultra-soft PVC insulation. The wire structure consisting of 290 cores of wire strand combined with multi-layer Litz design protected under a thick layer of high-density shielding. It does reminds me to the cable that came with Thieaudio Hype 2 which I have tried couple months ago, regardless the White Whale cable felt and looks much more premium. Both ends for the connectors are gold-plated, meanwhile the casing for the connectors including the Y-splitter and chin slider are made out of aluminium alloy with an anodized gray-ish blue finish. Despite its thick appearance, the White Whale cable does not felt heavy in any sort that it will weigh down the IEM. However, it does tend to be micro-phonic when it rubs against coarse textures or upon in-contact with my body during physical activities (ie: walking, etc) and it can create discomfort due to the vibrations emitted directly through the IEM shell.

Build and Comfort

Overall construction of the Mega5-EST 7^th Anniversary Limited Edition were made using 3D printed shell with two-tone finish. Which came in gray on the inner side and the face plate is a combination of black with blue-ish glitters which gave me an impression of the milky way, finished with a clear lacquer to give it a glossy, smooth finish. The Mega5-EST is the continuation of the previous Mega5P which also had receive very good impressions from the audiophile community. The upgrades over the previous models are smaller shell design, upgraded nozzles, newer driver configurations with the addition of two Sonion electrostatic drivers (EST) for the treble. Most interestingly Hisenior has designed a newer, calibrated air vent design which much also contribute to the fresher tuning for the Mega5-EST. Based on the specifications list, the Mega5-EST features a single 10mm bio-cellular diaphragm dynamic driver, two units of balanced armature and two units of Sonion EST drivers on each side.

Wearing experience on the Mega5-EST was very comfortable for a universal fit shell reminds me of the Thieaudio Hype2 but more comfortable. Despite, the internals are stacked with tribrid driver combinations, it still maintains supremely lightweight. The nozzle of this IEM is not that particularly long, I could still manage to achieve and maintain a perfect seal upon wearing the IEM, it stays flush and snug even when I move my jaw to multiple positions without creating any hotspot that could cause any discomfort nor pain within the concha region even during long hours of listening. That said, the nozzle diameter of the Mega5-EST is fairly large measured at 6mm, hence those with smaller ears may experience some pressure upon inserting this IEM inside their ear canal. Additionally, one must be aware that eartips with smaller, stiff bore width may not fit with the nozzles for example such as Sony EP-EX11 and so on. 

Test Equipment

• Local Hi-Res files > Astell&Kern SE100 M.Chat (Linear Phase Fast Roll-off Filter)
• Tidal (Master) + Local Hi-Res files via UAPP > Sony Xperia 1 V + DSEE Ultimate (ON), Dolby Atmos (OFF)
• Tidal (Master) + Local Hi-Res files via UAPP > Sony Xperia 1 V > Venture Electronics Odo (3.5mm)

Readers may be advised that other than preference and hearing capabilities, equipment variations could also result to different opinions. Thus, those with premium and much refined equipment may yield greater results.

Power Requirements

With an impedance of just 25 Ohms and rated at 105dB/SPL of sensitivity, the Mega5-EST is efficient and does not require much power to comfortably reach my preferred listening level of around 53-60dB. I mainly use my A&K SE100 for most of the testing through balanced output which can provide up to 4.1Vrms of output that’s pretty much standard with most dongles these days. That said, I only needed to turn up the volume up to 45-50/150 for most of my listening. Even when plugged directly to my Sony Xperia 1 V, I could still manage to drive the Mega5-EST to its optimum level without any need for beefier equipment.

Initial Impression

Since this IEM is a loaned personal unit, I need not worry regarding burn-in phase for the IEM itself prior to sound evaluation. Throughout the analysis, I paired up the Mega5-EST with a neutral source, the A&K SE100 on Linear Phase Fast Roll-off Filter chosen given that it’s the most natural sounding filter compared to default. Eartips used are the blue coloured stock eartips provided in the package. Bonus test tracks used can be found down at the end of this review.

The Hisenior Mega5-EST is one of the better tuned Harman neutral IEM that follows perfectly from A-Z according to the Harman Curve, more specifically Harman IE2019 that I have personally heard. Added with the Hisenior Exclusive Smooth Coherence tuning, this IEM exudes a warm, lush, inviting and energetic sound signature especially in the lower region as if almost it makes you feel youthful back again. Meanwhile, at the top-end it sounded smooth, slightly on the laid-back side yet crisp and detailed thanks to the implementation of the dual EST per side. Long story short, it’s the perfect bond and implementation between musicality and technicality. Timbre of instruments and vocals sounds natural, while the tonality were noticeably slightly north to neutral. I could see why this IEM is hard not to like, especially for those who prefer the Moondrop Variation and the Truthear Nova. Regardless, let us continue deeper with the sound impression.

Low Frequency (Bass)

Bass frequencies on the Mega5-EST is expertly tuned which goes deep, textured, with bold slam and control which may due to the implemented acoustic tubes used to separate each driver position, quality of the dynamic driver utilized and of course the tuning itself. Although, the bass in general I would say more adherent to those who prefer bass quality than quantity, I reckon both parties would appreciate the bass tuning in this IEM. Its addictive, clean, delivered with above average clarity and most importantly versatile with most genres one could throw at it.

Sub-bass rumbles deep into the lower-end of the spectrum, presented very good both macro and micro level texture. Bass extension is excellent which gives an immersive experience for genres such as Jazz, Classical, etc. Mid and upper-bass performance are delivered with average speed which there is a slightly delayed transient/decay between each bass slam. Bass slams are bold, presented more towards “thud” with a tad boomy tail. Note weight are north to neutral yet isn’t overdone which gave instruments with dominant primarily in the bass such as kick drums, cello, double basses, etc its depth. Additionally, I could not find any muddiness or spillage into the lower-mid which often times affect the clarity and tonal balance in the midrange.

Middle Frequency (Mid)

The essence of the Harman tuning is achieved by striking a harmonious balance between the bass frequencies and midrange, which is what you will receive with the Mega5-EST. Tonal balance has a slight amount of warmth while at the same time sounds natural and isolated perfectly from melding or overshadowed by the bass frequencies in the lower-mid region. This gave vocals and instruments accurate timbre quality and above average clarity, especially with stringed instruments which I could easily tell apart from each other. Midrange presentation is forward and strong resulting an intimate, immersive experience especially for those who love vocal heavy songs.

However, since the ear gain of the Mega5-EST peaks around 3kHz may trigger those with pronounced sensitivity in the upper-mid as they might find this IEM to be a tad shouty. To add more, due to the 3kHz peak shift compared to the conventional 1kHz gain, some elements in the midrange sounded detached and to me slightly odd, for example the sound of snare drums in the song The Sound Of Muzak – Porcupine Tree were almost completely overshadowed and overwhelmed by other elements. This issue could be addressed with an EQ given that one has the skills and knowledge raising the EQ knob within the 1kHz range.

High Frequency (Treble)

Based on my listening across multiple genres, it does provide a slightly subdued treble presence yet still manages to sound crisp and detailed. Timbre quality as much as concern are natural, sound of hi-hats, crashes and stringed instruments playing high-notes came across almost realistic, with a slight tizzy sound at the tail. Treble extension is average in my opinion, these are quite lacking in airiness and dynamic range in the upper-range. Although, this IEM uses EST drivers and seemed to appear well-extended on paper.

Of course, this can be resolved by using wide bore eartips that further enhances the treble region past 10kHz and balances the bass frequencies or via equipment synergies which could provide greater level of dynamic range such as the Chord Mojo 2. On certain genres such as ACG and C-Pop (Chinese Pop) in particular, the Mega5-EST should not be mistaken with sibilant but the treble on these can be a tad sharp within the 8kHz region. Nevertheless, despite the shortcomings I did not have much issues with the treble as the tuning highlights the mids and upper-mid, giving more clarity and detail.

Technicality

From a technical perspective of the Hisenior Mega5-EST, soundstaging capabilities was average, there is not much extension beyond the perimeter my head, perhaps just a bit spacious which the difference is minimal. There was good amount of width and height within the soundstage but I personally find it slightly boxy from the way the bass frequencies resonates. Spatial imaging was good as well especially rendering and tracking movements of macro details, smaller nuances tend to be slightly difficult for the Mega5-EST to follow but its certainly capable. Regardless, the Mega5-EST separates and handles various elements playing simultaneously exceptionally well even with busier tracks, it does not sound congested nor resulting to melding. Layering were also very good, certainly above average I was able to differentiate the different depths of the elements in my music quite easily.

As the tuning is based on Harman neutral, the Mega5-EST exudes balance not only through how it sound but also being exceptionally well rendering details and small nuances. Macro details and small nuances are clear and present with a touch of smoothness in the execution, not overdone like what you would get from highly technical IEMs. However, the overall resolution was only as far as average at best. Perhaps, I have been tremendously impressed by the overall resolution within the bass frequencies delivered by the 10mm bio-cellular dynamic driver while the rest of the frequencies were fairly average. Lastly, wrapping it off with the dynamic range test for the Mega5-EST is rated at above average. Utilizing the Ultimate Headphone Test – ABYSS Headphone dynamic range test as a reference. In which explained in short, a sample sound of a drum and a bell are played simultaneously as much as 7 counts, but only the sound of the bells will become quieter. Hence, from a scale of 7 counts, Hisenior Mega5-EST was able to produce an audible 6 out of 7 counts.

Comparison(s)

Alpha Omega Ra

One of my favourite for an easy and fun listening which I have reviewed in the past, which you can read about it here. This IEM features U-shaped tuning which emphasis more on sub-bass, than the balanced W-shaped tuning on the Mega5-EST. Both of these IEMs share the same configuration and similar integrated air vent features which mainly helps to deliver better bass response. Bass quantity felt heavier, sounds meatier with far greater extension on the Ra, meanwhile the Mega5-EST bass is more prominent in the mid-bass and upper-upper bass region which results to a much punchy, tighter bass slam and overall a better IEM for those who prefer a higher quality bass response.

Midrange on both IEMs are skewed north entering the coloured side, but the Ra does sound much more distant and slightly thinner. Yet again, the Alpha Omega Ra does not sound peculiar as the pinna gain peaks at 1kHz, conventional to most previous Harman tuning when compared to the Mega5-EST which peaks farther at 3kHz. Due to that as well, upper-mid sounded a lot smoother, much laid-back on the Ra. However, if forward presence, better clarity and much natural timbre are your main concern the Mega5-EST should be the obvious choice.

Treble on both IEMs are delivered via EST units and there are some similarities such as smooth treble response. Other than that, I personally think the Mega5-EST does it much better, by means crisper treble, slightly more presence and brilliance and ultimately better clarity. However, past 10kHz the Mega5-EST does not extend that very well and that is the only aspect Ra edges it, due to that AO Ra delivers much greater extension and airiness despite having a tad smaller soundstaging.

Eartip Combination(s)

Azla Xelastec

Simply my favourite eartip pairing with the Mega5-EST as the Xelastec is well-known for its midrange and upper-mid performance. This pairing allows the midrange to shine with clarity slightly more and enhancing its forwardness and separation between each frequencies region. Bass became much tighter and slightly leaner allowing faster, much rapid bass response but at the cost of faster, shorter bass decay. Treble shines with more presence and sparkle especially within the 8k-10kHz region, clarity was further improved. Soundstage remains the same as it was stock.

Tanchjim T-APB

These eartips by Tanchjim provides the punchiest bass while preserving the bass quantity unlike other eartips such as FiiO HS18, Sony EP-EX11 and similar types. This however comes with a slight drawback though, as the treble on the Mega5-EST became a bit more sharper. Upper-mids became a tad more pronounced which can lead to ear fatigue during long hours. Similarly with Xelastec, this eartip does not improve soundstage or increase treble past the 10kHz mark hence, one still find the Mega5-EST soundstage to be boxy.

E Pro EP00

One of my regular eartips which I use most often for eartip rolling as the EP00 works with pretty much everything. With the Mega5-EST though, this pairing provides leaner bass response mainly in the mid-bass to upper-bass region which leads to bass slam that is much softer and polite. Midrange has a slight more clarity, alongside smoother and softer upper-mid thus, sounds much more open and natural but it does feel slightly recessed which I personally find lacking. Regardless, treble much more airy with even greater soundstage, the boxy soundstage issue which I brought up in the sound impression was completely resolved with this eartip.

Purchasing Links and Where to Get?

Red Ape Audiophile Headphones Store

https://shopee.com.my/product/65895521/24107453917

Conclusion

To wrap up the review about the Hisenior Mega5-EST 7^th Anniversary Limited Edition, phew that’s a mouthful. I have to admit it that it deserves a spot between some of the most impressive IEMs I have personally heard this year. Because most of the time, when we are speaking about the $500 and above realm, is where you’d find IEMs that is tuned to please specific demography. That can be a tad problematic if you have a limited budget which allows you to only purchase one without contemplating some of the quirks or cons that might not suit your preference. One could also associate Hisenior had come up with an IEM that is the“Jack of all trades is a master of none” and in this case, the Mega5-EST was indeed a better pick than an IEM that is“a master of one”.

If I have anything to suggest to Hisenior, it would only be in terms of accessories which I would prefer if they could have included 3^rd party eartips. Considering the Mega5-EST is a flagship and an IEM that exclusively marks their 7^th anniversary. When speaking about sound quality, again its hard not to like and most of the criticisms I have pointed out in the sound impressions could be fixed via eartip rolling and through EQ in one or two key regions. Apart from that, there is not much fault with this IEM and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend, might as well blind purchase the Mega5-EST. Especially if one is looking for a balance, versatile IEM that can perform for both enjoyment and to please their serious audiophile nature.