The Hisenior Mega "5" EST is a tribrid set that contains 1 Dynamic Driver, 2 Balanced Armature drivers, & 2 Electrostatic drivers (super tweeter). The tuning follows the Harman target curve reference. The company claims that it has a bassy warm sound with clear male & female vocals and superior high-frequency tuning for good stage and separation. I have been using it for the last three weeks in different environments, like in my room (it's quiet), on the bus while traveling & on my work site (a heavy industrial construction site which is so noisy). Throughout the whole review, I will share the sonic experiences that I have with this IEM. Without further ado, let's start...
Hisenior Mega5EST
The very first time I listened to this set, I was like, What the heck is this? It sounds so fantastic and musical. Perfect amount of sub & mid-bass with good warmth & body, The vocals are so lively without any harshness, and the instruments are separated well from each other and make a melodic presentation with an airy & extended treble section. I mean, every section of this IEM is awesome! No complaints at all!
I paired the Mega5 EST with all of my sources, and each of them worked just fine. With Dunu DTC 480 & Celest CD-10, I feel like the mids became more melodic. And other sources also drive this IEM flawlessly. Didn’t swap the cable, as the stock one is a premium cable from Hisenior that they sell separately. I used Final Clear Tips with it as they feel more comfortable to me. But I must say, the stock ear tips are very fantastic too.
Note that, by the request from Sonic Mantra, Hisenior customized the shell. The regular one is navy blue with some sparkle texture on the faceplate.
DISCLAIMER
HISENIOR was kind enough to send me the Mega5 EST to review. I am not affiliated with Hisenior, and of course, I was not asked for any copy-checking before publishing. All opinions shared in this ‘HISENIOR MEGA5 EST review’ are my subjective thoughts.
One thing more: The review is based on my personal experience and what I hear using different sources. Your experience may vary because of personal preference and physical differences like the shape & depth of the ear canal.
For your personal purchase, checkout GEEK MART or HISENIOR for their fantastic products and promotions (non-affiliated links).
GEAR USED
● DAP: Cowon Planue R2, Cayin N3 Ultra, iBasso DX180, Tempo Tac V3
● DAC: ifi Hip DAC 2, xDuoo XD-05 Plus, Cayin RU7, iBasso DC04 Pro, Dunu DTC 480, Fosi Audio DS-1, Celest CD-10, Celest CD-20 Hidizs SD8 Pro Robin, Moondrop Dawn Pro.
● Smartphone: Poco X3
● Files: Spotify & local Hi-Res FLAC & DSD files.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
● Driver: 1DD+2BAs+2Est
● Frequency response: 10Hz-50Khz
● Impedance: 25Ω
● Sensitivity: 100dB/mW
● Cable: silver-plated OCC copper cable
● Pin Type: Gold-plated 0.78mm 2Pins
● Cable Length: 1.2 M
● Plug Type: 4.4mm Balanced Gold-plated Brass Plug
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
● Hisenior Mega5 EST IEMs
● WhiteWheal Premium UP-OCC (Silver-plated) cable
● 6 pairs of wide bore, 6 pairs of narrow bore silicon ear tips, 2 pairs of memory foam tips
● Cable clip
● Pelican protective case (waterproof/crushproof)
● Cleaning cloth
● Some official papers
UNBOXING EXPERIENCE
This is something different. Most of the time, you will open the box and find IEMs with cable and a leather/fabric pouch or a good PU leather-made carrying box along with the ear tips, and that’s all. But with Hisenior Mega5 EST, the experience is different. You will be welcomed by a very rugged and solid carrying case that’s made by Pelican, which is waterproof & crashproof. This is fantastic, I must say. In that case, there are the IEMs along with the WhiteWheal cable attached in a thick rubber cutout. And in a separate box, they provide all the ear tips, cleaning cloth, cable clip, etc.
This is an extraordinary experience unboxing this earphone. The box contents will tell you how serious they are about this and how premium the IEMs are.
BUILD & DESIGN
Just about everything with the Hisenior Mega5 EST nails this perfect mix of looks and usability, which makes it super impressive in its group. Given the fact that it houses five drivers inside-1 dynamic, 2 balanced armatures, and 2 electrostatics, the compact and light-weighted shells still feel pretty small. Adding to that, overall build quality is great, with a smooth finish showcasing some serious precision engineering. Where the 7th Anniversary Limited Edition really ups the luxe, though, is with this cool glittery pattern.
The included WhiteWhale silver-plated copper cable totally matches the style of the IEM and works like a charm. It’s a high-end UP-OCC (silver-plated) cable featuring a 290-core multi-layer shielded and coaxial setup. And if that wasn’t enough, it comes with a Pelican-style case that’s not only waterproof but also crushproof! It’s a great case for safekeeping your IEMs and accessories, putting a lot more into them. The stock ear tips are also of good quality and made of soft silicone.
FIT & COMFORT
It’s all about being comfy with the Mega5 EST, as it comes with a generic shape to fit most individual ear forms—small and large. Thus, despite the arrangement of five drivers, these IEMs are super compact, lightweight, and well-suited for extended listening. The sculpted resin shells have a smooth feel and sit well in ears, while offering decent security in their fit. Smaller-eared folks should still take them on board with ease.
The WhiteWheal cable is also very soft, though a bit thick. That softness enhances comfort and keeps it away from any disturbing tangle. The ear hooks sit easily over the ear and don’t create any extra pressure. The supplied ear tips are also soft & comfortable. They seal very well and will give you a very good isolation that will enhance your listening. I’m a real marathoner and listen to music for 4-5 hours straight, and I didn’t feel uncomfortable with the IEM & the accessories. It’s really a comfortable journey with the Mega5 EST.
SOUND IMPRESSIONS
The Mega5 EST delivers a very romantic & sweet sound. It is really impressive. Every frequency feels so alive and detailed that you will crave your playlist—it won’t stop, ever! The tribrid setup of DD, BA, & EST plays a fantastic role here with precisely tuned harmony. The lower region has a good warmth without muddiness, rather with texture and thump; the midrange is super open and detailed, while the upper region is full of air and extension. The macro details in the upper region won’t bite your ear, but they will give you the ultimate enjoyment.
Every section of this IEM satisfied a warm head like me, and I think it will satisfy almost all the audiophiles out there other than the crazy analytical ones.
Here is the frequency graph (courtesy: squiq.link):
Let’s dive deep…
SUB-BASS
The Hisenior Mega5 EST has a balanced and controlled bass sound, which gives it a recommendation to those who like clear and deep music. Moreover, the bass goes very low and results in a deep sound that gives a strong base to the music. Among other good attributes of these earphones, their clear and neat sound is one of them. The bass is strong but does not overpower the middle sounds; hence, other parts of the music are well-heard. It’s fast and accurate. It can handle very quick bass changes while keeping everything clean.
The deep bass of “Constant Craving” by K.D. Lang is smooth and well-controlled, which is perfect for musical tastes where just the correct amount of accuracy matters. In such a situation, this track demonstrates rich production by the Mega5 EST and presents soft bass lines clearly and nice interlaced with the mid and high output. This creates a wide, enveloping sensation that helps the listener to connect with the mood of the track. Sub-bass in the IEM is more about the quality than the quantity. Listeners who like to feel the strong, loud bass may find this prudent approach too quiet.
MID-BASS
The Mega5 EST, though, has mid-bass response that is more about clarity and control than raw power. This makes it fit people who prefer balanced, natural sound. The great tuning helps the mid-bass add depth to the whole sound without being too prominent compared to other frequencies. One of the major characteristics of the mid-bass is its speed and accuracy. The IEM brings out fast bass lines easily and handles the most difficult rhythms with quickness in sound. It shows very detailed and exact instruments, such as the bass guitars and drums.
Interesting to note, “Englishman in New York” by Sting sounded decently warm in the mid-bass section while playing with the Hisenior Mega5 EST. It’s a pretty well-done part to add some sort of warmth and depth to the sound without masking the clarity of Sting’s singing voice and sharp saxophone solos. Mid-bass seamlessly transitions to lower mids that maintains the tune in balance. Every bass note is clear and separate to make sure the rhythm section supports and does not overpower the sound. It does have attention to quality and detail but lacks some impact that can be given by bass-heavy IEMs.
VOCALS
MALE
The IEM does an excellent job with male voices, bringing both clarity and warmth. Its dynamic driver and balanced armatures combine to make male voices sound full and natural. The midrange is a bit forward, so vocals feel upfront and engaging, while the tuning keeps things smooth, making deep male vocals sound strong and full. Its rich tone and clear sound make it a good option for songs focused on vocals.
“Street of Dreams” by Rainbow sounds really exciting on the Hisenior Mega5 EST, at least for those fond of male singing. Most dominant is the emotive voice of Joe Lynn Turner, which is very well supported by the IEM’s well-set midrange. Its Harman-inspired tuning contributes to this IEM having a tinge of warmth, which makes vocals real and interesting. Turner’s voice retains his emotive power, with every single note falling in place with the melodic guitar and rhythm of the song. One will note quite easily that the vocals are clearly separated from the instrumentalists, wherein none of the two confuses and the lyrics are clear.
FEMALE
Female vocals are done very nicely on the Mega5 EST: bright and clear, yet full of emotional depth. Tracks with high or dynamic female singers feel intimate and open because of how the strong midrange lets these voices come forward without being overbearing. This warm lower midrange also adds fullness to the voices so that they sound very realistic, improving the expressiveness of singers in genres such as acoustic or pop ballads.
Really fantastic is listening to “Mr. Rock & Roll” by Amy MacDonald with the Hisenior Mega5 EST, where the way this IEM presents lady voices, clear and warm, just shines. Amy MacDonald’s voice has a powerful and expressive richness, right in the lead, which just has her storytelling on a deep connect. Amy’s vocals remain clear and interesting even with the energetic guitars and drums playing. This separation ensures that there is no amalgamation or confusing the two, highlighting the emotional fervor of her performance.
INSTRUMENTS SEPARATION
The Hisenior Mega5 EST offers excellent instrument separation with precision. It allows every instrument to own its place in the composition, which means that finding each part in the music is quite easy, even on complicated songs. The most important feature of this IEM is that even in the busy tracks, it manages to keep everything clear. Instruments such as guitars, drums, and keyboards retain all their characteristic sounds without masking each other. The balanced tuning warms up the mid-sounds and keeps the highs smooth and clear for a better listening experience. However, the instrument separation is not perfect; in extremely fast and/or busier songs, some details may be a bit buried, especially in the mid-bass area.
The exceptional separation capability of this IEM makes “Rock & Roll Dreams” by Meatloaf a very well-defined ballad to listen to. From the start of the song, the warm bass guitar plucks along with the cymbal strokes coming clearly without any muddiness. The layered presentation of the piano, guitars, and orchestral elements has their distinct place on the soundstage. It allows you to follow the piano’s subtle flourishes, the soaring strings, and the dynamic guitar lines without them blending into each other. This type of presentation enhances the emotional delivery of the song.
TREBLE
The beautiful thing about Mega5 EST is its treble. It’s sweet without being spicy, detailed without being harsh, and airy with good extension. If you are treble-sensitive like me but want to enjoy quality at higher frequencies, then this is your thing. The treble performance of this IEM is smooth, detailed, & well-controlled. The dual electrostatic drivers make the true magic here. The treble extends well, but it keeps the delivery away from any harshness or sibilance. In my testing, I find the treble performance is a bit tip-dependent, with wide bore tips improving clarity and narrow bore tips limiting the extension.
The Hisenior Mega5 EST makes “I Disappear” by Metallica unique, especially with greater emphasis on the treble. It has a lot of cymbals and an awesomely detailed, exhaustive guitar work; all are pumped through crystal clear and precise, which requires one to have the treble during the listening session. This showcases its remarkable skill in the upper registers; thus, allowing small nuances of shimmering hi-hats and the edgy, wah-heavy guitar solos to clearly shine through. This clarity ensures that even in the most complicated parts, the treble is well-defined.
SOUNDSTAGE
This earphone offers both width & depth that complement its overall tuning by delivering a balanced soundstage. It stays cohesive & realistic, placing instruments and vocals with precision. Orchestral or ambient music, where tracks are composed with a lot of atmospheric details, produced with good details, and with an open stage. Layering is a very strong part of this IEM, that manages to separate instruments effectively and prevent them from blending into each other. Additionally, the imaging allows for the accurate placement of sounds. The whole thing enhances the listening experience.
Listening to “In Your Eyes (Secret Word Live)” by Peter Gabriel with Mega5 EST is a sophisticated experience. This live track is a marvel of a great instrumental mix, killer vocals, and well-transferred vibes from the crowd, which the earphone picks up super clearly. From the deep bass to the sparkling cymbals, every instrument finds its place, making the whole track feel really layered. The drums, guitars, and expressive voice of Peter Gabriel-each sound perfectly positioned with accuracy within this wide, fairly deep soundstage. The background noise from the crowd makes it feel like you’re actually there with everyone else, totally in the moment.
TECHNICALITIES
The Hisenior Mega 5 EST impresses with an all-around technical performance, focusing on three key areas: dynamics, speed, and analytics. The tri-hybrid configuration includes DD, BA, and EST tweeters, making it suitable both for casual and analytical listening.
DYNAMICS
The Mega5 EST indeed goes really well in terms of dynamics, adding that energy and depth to all kinds of tracks. They nail the quiet-to-loud transitions, making the music feel so engaging and full of life. Bass dynamics sound very impressive, tending to respond in a controlled yet punchy manner. All in all, the overall dynamic range, while above average, does not push boundaries in creating a highly immersive experience.
SPEED
The Mega5 EST can, without doubt, be considered one of the most impressive aspects; I would say its balanced armatures just nail those quick transitions perfectly for fast paced genres such as metal and EDM. This quick transient response helps to keep the notes well heard, precise, and clean. That speed, at times, might make the note decays a little shorter, perhaps a bit too clinical, for people who want it to sound more natural. Though a warm source can easily solve this.
ANALYTICS
Mega5 EST sounds very clear, articulate, perfect for detailed-oriented listeners. The instrument separation is very good and nicely layered not to sound congested, even on busy tracks. Imaging is quite accurate; you can easily pinpoint instruments in space. Great for the macro details, the micro-detailing could be somewhat finer compared to the higher-end options.
SOURCES
Sources are to provide power and give you a good/bad synergy that can bring out the potential or the weaknesses of the IEM. I will divide this section into two sub-sections. Now let’s jump in right away.
POWER
This is not a too-easy-to-drive or not-too-hard-to-drive kind of earphone. You can run it from your smartphone. But it will not open up its original capability until you give it some extra power. Believe me, with less power this IEM delivers a weird sound profile with shouty upper mids & fatiguing treble, while the bass region seems a bit off. But with a good DAC dongle, you will hear something very pleasing and musical. DACs like Dawn Pro, DTC 480, DS-1, DC04 Pro, CD-10, and RU7 are capable enough to drive it. You don’t need any DAC with huge power or desktop DAC-AMPs to drive it.
SYNERGY
It paired very well with all of my sources, and I didn’t find any issues whatsoever. The main thing is, what do you want from this IEM? It is a tribrid driver set and can merry the tune of your source with no time. You love the analytical sound and have the M15 with you; just plug and play, and it will give you the best analytical experience. But a balanced source or an analog source can provide the best out of it with good lower region texture, midrange details, and extended treble. This is my personal choice.
And if you need more warmth in the bass area, you can pair it with a warm source like the ifi Hip DAC or the xDuoo XD-05, as these both have a magical ‘bass boost’ switch. The Mega5 EST has a wide range of frequency responses, and all the drivers are capable enough to give you the tone you want to hear from your source, whether its bright, analytical, balanced, analog, or warm!
CABLE & TIP ROLLING
I didn’t think of any cable swap as the supplied WhiteWheal is a premium one and goes well with this IEM. But after traveling with this set, I found the two-pin connector is not reliable, and sometimes the IEMs are coming off of the connector. So, I attach it to my beloved Dunu Lyra mini, and it stays secure for a long time. And the sound was also good—no audible change.
Those tips that came with the IEMs are also good and provide comfort and good seal. But I roll it with different tips I have in my collection, like Spinfit W1, Omni, Final Clear, Dunu S&S, Candy, etc. And finally settled with the final clear tips for the seal, isolation, and most importantly, the comfort they gave me in longer listening sessions.
RECOMMENDED FOR
● Everyone who loves to enjoy their music with a fantastically tuned IEM.
NOT FOR
● All those people who are unsatisfied with everything!
CONCLUSION
I’ve already said all the things I need to say about this IEM. This is really a fantastic piece of gear to keep and to enjoy your playlist, whatever the genre is. Bass heads may not be satisfied with this, or some analytical or critical listeners also feel this is not that attractive to them. But to me, this is a GEM to keep! I love to use my leisure time by playing the songs from the classic 70s, 80s, and 90s era. And enjoyment of music is my main goal other than to analyze them with critical listening. I think this Hisenior Mega5 is my thing.
And if you like this kind of vibe and someone like me, then you should give it a try. I’m sure the next thing you will do is to buy it.
The Mega5 EST is so fantastic that even corn can sound sweeter with it!
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