EarAcoustic Audio STA Hi-End Max
EarAcoustic Audio is a new brand in the IEM market, and their new release called STA Hi-End Max is surely a eye-catcher. With it’s flashy look and premium build, it’s look and feel like something really expensive. But now the main question is, does it sounds good too or just look good?
Let’s see.
Disclaimer
I got the STA Hi-End Max sent over by EarAcoustic Audio for review, just to be clear. Everything I’m saying here is just my own thoughts, nobody told me what to say or anything like that. They didn’t pay me either, just sent the unit, that’s all.
Quick note tho: I’m the type who’s all about that warm, analog kinda sound. you know, where the music feels thick and cozy, bass and mids got a little extra oomph to ’em. I love when stuff sounds full and kinda soft around the edges, like vinyl. Natural, chilled out, not all sharp and clinical. That’s the kinda sound that really pulls me in, makes me just sit back and lose track of time. So yeah, just keep that in mind, that’s the sorta thing I’m basing this review on.
If you’re thinking about grabbing one, you can check it out at EarAcoustic Audio. And if you’re in Bangladesh, you could hit up GeekMart for it.
Build & Design:
To be honest, this IEM is one of the most beautiful looking one’s I seen in this price. One side of the faceplate have the EarAcoustic logo, and the other side have a Snake design. The whole faceplate is surrounded with small crystals, which gives it a shiny and cool look.
The shell is made with CNC aluminum, and it’s feel really strong and premium in hand. Even tho it looks a bit heavy, it’s actually pretty comfortable to wear, and the shape is nice fit for ears.
The cable also looks good, it’s 2 pin cable with 3.5 mm plug. It’s looks stylish and have premium feel too. At this price, the cable is really decent. No complains from my side.
Also it comes with a silver color pouch that have EarAcoustic logo on it. The pouch look and feel premium. It’s soft and good quality and match the whole theme very nicely.
Sound Impressions:
Now let’s talk about the sound, which is the most important part actually.
I feel the tuning is kind of V-shaped. That means bass and treble are boosted while mids are not that forward.
Bass:
The mid-bass have a good punch, which can be fun in bass heavy tracks. When I play “Still Got the Blues” by Gary Moore, the guitar notes felt warm but the low-end had that extra slam which little bit overpower the mids. Sub bass is okay, not that deep but it gives some rumble when listening to “Toy Soldiers” by Martika. It’s more of a mid-bass focus than sub-bass extension.
Male Vocals:
This part is little bit weak. The mids are too recessed, and to my ears, the male vocals sounds little thin and not full. When I play “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, the layering of vocals don’t sound clean. it’s kinda congested. Even “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin doesn’t give that open airy guitar feel in the intro, feels closed in. The instruments and vocals get blended together too much in complex tracks.
Female Vocals:
Surprisingly, female vocals sound better than male in this IEM. They got nice energy and sparkle, specially in the upper mids. When I play “Someone Like You” by Adele, her voice feels emotional and bit airy, but still little sharp sometimes. “Don’t Know Why” by Norah Jones also sound smooth and engaging, the sparkle in her voice comes through nicely. Even “Toy Soldiers” by Martika has that emotional punch in the chorus part.
Treble:
The treble have nice energy, specially on tracks with cymbals and electric guitar like “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. There’s a sparkle which makes the sound feel lively. But sometimes, if volume is high, it can sound a bit sharp. Detail is okay-ish but not that high level clarity.
Soundstage & Imaging:
The soundstage is not that wide, feels like all the sounds playing inside your head. I tried some orchestral parts and live versions, but it still didn’t open up. Imaging is also average, hard to pick instrument positions especially in tracks with lot of layering.
Conclusion:
The EarAcoustic Audio STA Hi-End Max is a very good looking IEM with solid build and premium design. It fits well and comes with cool accessories too. For beginners who want a nice looking IEM with decent sound, this can be a good starting point.
But, if sound is your main priority, then I think there are better options in same price range. The tuning still needs more work. The mids is weak, and soundstage and separation also not great.
That said, if EarAcoustic Audio improve their tuning, they can be a strong brand. Because their design and build quality is already amazing.
Happy Listening
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