First, I must tell that I am not an audiophile, just a music enthusiast. Owning only headphones wanted to give a try to IEMs since I am always on the go. This being my first IEM, wanted to invest in something good so after searching in this price range and reading multiple reviews, decided to go for the Softears Enigma.
Photographs don’t give enough credit; this set is gorgeous and elegant. Engaging, without being extremely striking, so I can listen to my music while I wear suit at work or jeans on the street. But, above all, the sound. Enigma just blowout my mind. Fantastic for my taste: beautifully balance, with good clarity, detail, separation and expanded soundstage. And in the center of all that, the magic of that vocal tuning. Some audiophiles find Enigma treble recessed, not for me: everything is there in the right amount and when music asks for a stronger performance, they become energetic. And add to that excellent comfort.
I pair them with iBasso DX320MAX Ti, Mojo 2 and Lotoo PAW GT2.
I am very happy with them and grateful with Andrew and his team.
I was able to compare the Rex5 to the Triumph. The Rex5 is more revealing with a somewhat hotter top end. It is not as forgiving of poor recordings compared to the Triumph. A crude comparison would be the Rex5 is like a Sennheiser HD800 vs while the Triumph is like the HD650.
Only a few weeks owning the SP3000T, so still in the break-in phase. So far, very impressed with the sound. Upgraded from PAW 6000, and the difference is immediately noticeable. Wider soundstage and more detail are readily apparent. I use hybrid mostly and enjoy the added warm, without going too far. MusicTeck has been great and they deserve a shout out.
If you’re looking for a simple hi-fi portable compact DAP look no further. Very user friendly and sound is great both wireless and wired. I was very impressed by the sound quality and how easy it was to setup to tailor for my liking. Love how compact it is as well.
PMG Audio Apx SE IEM Review
The PMG Audio Apx SE IEM, priced at $6,000, is a statement piece in the world of high-end audio. Positioned as one of the most advanced in-ear monitors available, it delivers on many fronts, but perfection, as always, remains elusive.
Sound Quality
The Apx SE is undeniably a technical marvel. Its resolution is unparalleled, revealing microdetails in tracks that other IEMs struggle to uncover. For those seeking pinpoint precision and a sense of air in the treble and upper mids, the Apx SE delivers with aplomb. However, when compared to the Alpha/Omega: Omega IEM, the Apx SE falls slightly short in bass performance. The Omega's bass stands as the gold standard, offering unmatched impact and sub-bass extension with zero bleed into the mids—qualities the Apx SE cannot fully replicate.
That said, the Apx SE doesn’t lack bass; rather, its tuning prioritizes clarity and detail over sheer low-end power. This design choice suits genres like classical, jazz, and acoustic beautifully, but it may leave bass enthusiasts wanting more.
Build & Comfort
The craftsmanship of the Apx SE is second to none. Truly stunning in both color and form, these IEMs are lightweight and noticeably smaller than any other high-driver-count models on the market. The design feels luxurious yet ergonomic, making it ideal for extended listening sessions. PMG Audio has ensured that comfort perfectly complements the premium price point, a critical factor for serious audiophiles.
Value Proposition
At $6,000, the Apx SE is more than twice the price of some other top-tier options. While the resolution is unmatched, and the overall enjoyment is comparable, the value equation becomes subjective. For those who prioritize resolution above all else, the Apx SE is an excellent choice. But for listeners who crave a fuller, more dynamic bass response, other IEMs might offer better satisfaction at a lower price point.
Final Thoughts
The PMG Audio Apx SE is an incredible IEM that sets new benchmarks in certain areas while leaving room for improvement in others. It’s not the best at everything, but it’s undeniably one of the finest tools for high-resolution listening.
Is it worth the $6,000 price tag? For the discerning audiophile with a taste for technical mastery, perhaps. I’ve never been one to harp on diminishing returns. While I understand the concept, I don’t think it applies to audio because of the magic that comes from the last 5%. If you’ve ever experienced true endgame speakers, headphones, or IEMs, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
With that being said, these IEMs have magic built in. When you’re kicked back in a comfy chair, letting the music flow, the Apx SE takes you to a whole other level. If that sounds goofy, I’m okay with that—it’s the truth.
I've had these for just over 2 weeks now and I just can't put them down. The sound is very, very near AB-1266 TC with a touch of Susvara. I'm running these with the Hiby RS8 and it is an amazing combination. So crystal clear in all frequencies. Massive and detailed bass impact. Very satisfying.
MusicTeck is a great store for this, and much more. I also bought the L&P W4 for times that I won't have the RS8. Detail from this to MacBeth is stunning. Only slightly less bass impact compared to RS8, but still very engaging. Very crisp and clean sound, unlike any USB dongle DAC or IEM I've heard to date. The moment I heard this combo from my friend's travel case I knew there was no way I could Not get these. You simply can't go wrong, get these now!
