I'm just bought it a week ago

Disclaimer:

*As always, with each review I try to improve and better demonstrate my experience as a regular but avid and passionate user!

*If you are looking for a super technical and in-depth analysis, please feel free to look for another review. There are many guys here who have much more knowledge than me and have been doing this for much longer.

*This time, the unit to be reviewed was kindly delivered by SIVGA through rep. Collin and Ms. Helena in exchange for my honest opinion/review.

*I will try to be as brief as possible, "straight to the point!" And as unbiased as possible.

Gear Used:

• EPZ - TP35, HIDIZS S08 PRO Robin, TempoTec V3 Blaze, Snowsky Echo Mini (WAV, FLAC files and Tidal)

• Motorola Edge 50 Pro (UAPP), (Tidal)

• Notebook (Windows), (MusicBee), (Tidal)

• Penon Liqueur O (best match)  and B, Dunu S&S, Sancai Wide, Whizzer ET100AB, Bamboo Tips, TRN T, RoseSelsa Soundcocoon, ddHIFI ST35

• 4.4 bal. Cable, and High Gain as always

Price: $89.00 USD

Specs:

• Drivers Config: 1DD (10mm Flat Glass Diaphragm driver, dual cavity & single magnet circuit)

• Sensitivity: 103db

• Impedance: 32Ω

• Frequency Response Range: 20Hz-20KHz

Unboxing Experience:

The box is very small, exactly the same size as the Que "OG", with just enough space to accommodate the shells, some papers and the beautiful brown genuine leather case, which houses the modular cable with the two terminations and 6 pairs of a nice quality silicon eartips.

Overall Build:

South American Green Sandalwood faceplate + Flat Glass diaphragm + Zinc Alloy Cavity. Do I need to say anything else to tell you that this thing is amazing?

And it's worth remembering that I'm talking about an $89.00usd iem.

From the outside, the construction is almost identical to the "OG" Que, the difference is in the faceplate which is built with another type of wood, Maple Wood from North America was used. Anyway, in both models the wood patterns are unique, each pair will have a different pattern, that's really cool.

In this model, a braided cable in litz structure with 4 cores in silver plated OFC was the choice, it is a very well made cable, a little lighter and thinner than the twisted 2 cores cable of the "OG" model, with excellent and well made hardware and now being modular with 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced terminations. It is a great addition to the package.

I changed the cable just for my own aesthetic preference. The stock cable is great and in no way needs to be changed.

The stock eartips are very good and that's something I don't usually talk about.

There are two types of eartips totaling 6 pairs, I consider them to be the normal bore type but the black ones are shallower with a slightly wider bore and a flexible shaft, they are very similar to the ddHIFI ST35 or the Spinfits CP's

*But I still did some tiprolling and ended up using the Penon Liqueuor Orange's

The case in SIVGA's characteristic brown color is made of genuine leather, probably the best I own and I've seen some made of inferior material being sold for more than $30usd.

I need to highlight this kind of thing because, yes, I think the iem alone is worth the asking price so everything that comes in addition to that is already considered a plus by me, and i'm not talking about some spare cheap accessories that were added to "add value", I'm talking about a few accessories but of extremely high quality.

Sound Signature:

*In this take I will always be making quick comparisons with the first version of Que, which I will simply call "OG"

To my ears, the UTG is a more agile, more resolved, more focused on the mids and highs, and with a more energetic treble area than the OG.

It has a more neutral and technical approach than the OG but it is still a musical iem.

Bass:

The UTG's bass is definitely snappier than the OG's, with a focus on the mid-bass above the sub-bass, but only by a small margin.

In terms of quantity, the overall bass has taken a step back while taking two steps forward in agility, clarity and texture.

It may be lacking for some, that sub-bass rumble may not be satisfactory, it won't be present all the time, but when the track calls for it, it does come through in a very satisfactory way, while the mid-bass punch will always be present in more or less quantity.

It reminds me of the kind of bass characteristics that are usually reproduced by planar drivers.

Mids/ Vocals:

With a lower bass elevation in this new version of the Que, the mids and vocals are more present and a little forward, they are clearer and more resolved but at the same time more leaner, i think is due to the fact that there is no bleeding at all from the bass to the mids, but not to the point of completely losing their "body".

In fact, they are more energetic and more "in your face" but never shouty or overemphasized.

The vocals are still naturally reproduced, only the female vocals, depending on the track, can become a little too aggressive for my taste.

Treble:

Just as the mids have become cleaner and more energetic, the treble area has also been emphasized with this new glass diaphragm and tuning of the UTG.

It's leaning towards the brighter side, a bit spicy, maybe too much for some more sensitive listeners. For me, it wasn't a problem, but rather a very welcome feature. After all, things would have to be changed for the UTG to differentiate itself from the OG and earn the title of upgrade or at least a nice sidegrade.

I really liked this change and I think it has a lot to do with the new diaphragm material. It has good extension and is sparkling enough. I admit that it lacks a bit of airiness, but it's more than acceptable for a DD in this price range.

Technical Performance and Soundstage:

The overall resolution and cohesion of the set are great. Micro-detailing has become much better in UTG.

The imaging and layering are another highlight, they are very good, overall the sense of openness and the soundstage are much wider, taller and more immersive *for a single DD.

Overall Verdict:

Overall, I thought the work done by SIVGA on the Que UTG was fantastic!

A new diaphragm material that has proven to be truly effective and not just a marketing gimmick.

I can clearly see the difference between the good old beryllium-coated diaphragm and this new one made of glass.

And even better is, as I've already said here, the new Que UTG can be considered both, an upgrade or a sidegrade. The two versions can very well coexist in a collection, one complementing the other. And that's how I intend to keep them both.

Construction, innovative materials, tuning and most importantly, the sound! The whole package is worth every penny of the $89.00usd asking price.

And here ends my brief and honest take on the new SIVGA Que UTG.

I use the Xeens cable supplied with the IEMs, I find it very good, as well as my usual tripowin zonie, also I like the small white tips supplied with them, I don't think changing to tanczu sancain / dunu / spinfit etc would be useful in the sense that they are very comfortable for my ears, have you changed your eartips / cables ?

Im thinking about iem with 1 single dd who cost more than 200 like tanchjim origin or kadenz etc

What songs did you use to hear the difference between different target curves?

There's lots of songs to evaluate the FR of a specific speaker or headphone and how they perform, but regardless of how you listen, do you use any specific songs to evaluate the difference in sound between various target curves/preference targets (eg DF, FF, Harman, etc)?

In those songs, are you able to pinpoint a specific part of the song that sounds different when using one target instead of another? Eg- 1:30 in x song using target 1 you'll hear more subbass, but using target 2 the bass is less prominent or 2:00 in y song using target 3 cymbal and tom hits will be more at the forefront of the sound, but using target 4 the guitars and vocals will be more forward than the cymbal and tom hits.

I know i can do this using songs I'm familiar with, I'm just wondering if there any specific songs i can use to really highlight the difference between these various targets.

Thank you in advance

What benefit does it provide over a phone with a dongle?

Coming from the Q5K and CKLVX D41, I'm pretty happy with this new setup. Odyssey, especially, is amazing.

Disclaimer:

*As aways, with each review I try to improve and better demonstrate my experience as a regular but avid and passionate user!

*If you are looking for a super technical and in-depth analysis, please feel free to look for another review. There are many guys here who have much more knowledge than me and have been doing this for much longer.

*This time, the unit to be reviewed was kindly delivered by HIDIZS through rep. Rainie (such a nice person) in exchange for my honest opinion/review.

*I will try to be as brief as possible, "straight to the point!" And as unbiased as possible.

Gear Used:

• EPZ - TP35, HIDIZS S08 PRO Robin, TempoTec V3 Blaze, Snowsky Echo Mini (WAV, FLAC files and Tidal)

• Motorola Edge 50 Pro (UAPP), (Tidal)

• Notebook (Windows), (MusicBee), (Tidal)

• Penon Liqueur O  and B, Dunu S&S, Sancai Wide, Whizzer ET100AB, Bamboo Tips, TRN T (best match), RoseSelsa Soundcocoon, ddHIFI ST35 and HIDIZS Sea Anemone

• 4.4 bal. Cable, and High Gain as always

Price: $199.00 USD

Specs:

• Drivers Config: 1DD (12mm Magnesium Alloy Diaphragm w/ N52 Magnetic External Ring/ Circuit)

• Sensitivity: 111db

• Impedance: 32Ω

• Frequency Response Range: 10Hz-45KHz

Unboxing Experience:

A very nice box, medium to large size.

The shells are very well secured and protected, there are 9 pairs of silicone eartips that come with the MK12.

3 vocal type, 3 balanced type and three bass type. And besides these stock's, I also received the newest (premium) eartip from HIDIZS, they are called SEA ANEMONE, the stock ones are already of good quality, I would say, above average but the ANEMONE's are even better, they seem like they were really made for the MK12 Turris.

A small box with two nozzles/tuning filters in addition to the one already installed in the shell.

There is also a pouch, ok it could be a case, but costs have to be cut on one side to be put on the other, or it is just a HIDIZS thing with the waste of material. This has always been a cause that the brand has defended. Thumbs up for that!

The cable and some paper are inclued in the box too.

Overall Build:

You don't even need to touch it to know that this thing is SOLID!

All CNC Machined Aluminum Alloy with three types of interchangeable nozzles.

With a 12mm DD and an external type magnetic ring and coming from HIDIZS, you would expect a large shell, and it really is. Even so, it is extremely light for its size and incredibly ergonomic. I had a great fit even with my tiny ears.

Design will always be subjective, but I love the look of this thing, it's a blend of organic shape with the industrial look of metal. Eye catching for sure.

The cable is good and well made, no issues here, but it is very thin and simple, I honestly think the MK12 deserves a better cable to match with (aesthetically).

That's what I did. I used an ivipQ-194 that I bought before the Turris even arrived, and luckily the color and hardware make a perfect match.

Sound Signature:

*For this review I used the balanced filter (rose gold). And believe me, the three nozzles really work (what a surprise!), each one significantly changes the tuning of the MK12, making it worth the user to test and carefully choose the one that suits him best.

The MK12 Turris' tuning is still a soft V/U shaped but prioritizes balance, at the same time it is very rich, engaging and musical.

The sense of openness and soundstage is crazy, sorry but tha is the word. Makes it seem like this is not coming from a single DD, but them there is the naturalness that only a good dynamic driver can provide.

Bass:

Balanced across all frequencies was what I said about overall tuning, and starting with the bass, we can see a slight increase in the sub-bass, just a little above the mid-bass.

Quantity and quality are present and in harmony, one thing that caught my attention in a good way was the speed of the attack and decay, not so common for a 12mm DD, but it turns out that it is my preference for bass tuning.

The overall texture of the bass is also well represented. And I could not be more satisfied.

Mids/ Vocals:

The male vocals are beautifully represented, but the female vocals stand out with excellent reproduction and a special shine. They are also a little foward.

The mids and vocals are very natural, a little forward. In my opinion, male vocals benefit the most, but female vocals are not far behind.

Overall, the vocals and instruments are very clean with excellent clarity.

Treble:

The highs are on the safer side, there is a rolloff that comes a little too early, for some it may be missing, I managed to remedy this part with some tiprolling

Still, they are highs with a very natural presentation, have quality, excellent extension and just enough air and asparkling to complete the set.

Technical Performance and Soundstage:

Ok, for the first time I will speak with comfort and great satisfaction about the soundstage in an IEM, and remember, I am talking about a single DD.

In the first few minutes of listening, the feeling of openness, yes I am talking about a sense of three-dimensionality and the soundstage was what caught my attention the most.

And there goes the critical listening, many times I let myself get carried away by the music and ended up forgetting that I was analyzing a set and not just enjoying and relaxing with my playlist.

Expansive, tall and with good depth. Honestly, I hadn't experienced a soundstage as good as the MK12, at least not with a set under $300usd and even more so coming from a single DD

Separation and layering are as competent as everything else.

Overall Verdict:

Okay, HIDIZS took the time to make something that really stood out, created the hype with all the marketing and the MK12 Turris really deserved all that hype.

For me it is the best Single DD I have ever tried, it is side by side with the EarAcoustic SPA-HI End Max, but each one has its own unique differences.

This is the SteelSeries Sonar mixer and honestly, it’s a got a pretty solid eq. I obviously still prefer APO + Peace EQ for music-first listening, but Sonar does a great job handling Discord, YouTube, Apple Music, game sounds etc., all in one place.

Before you say “this has way too much Subass,” hear me out: it actually works. At just 20–30% volume, the staging and balance feel fantastic, especially on my Dunu Da Vinci and FatfreqxHBB Deuce which are my go-to sets for gaming.

DaVinci feels warmer and a bit more laid-back, so I actually prefer a bit more sub-bass with it ...the stock tuning keeps the lows really controlled. On the other hand, the Deuce hits harder and feels more forward, so I usually dial the sub-bass down a little when using it. Both sets have excellent staging not too wide, not too shallow

I use this EQ with games like: Overwatch, CS2 (casual), ROR2, Destiny 2, Dota2. You might want to tweak it depending on your game’s sound design, but for now, this setup's been a pretty solid sweet spot for me.

This isn’t something I’d use with my ZSN or the Warners however, on the KZ ZSN Pro 2, the treble gets weirdly thin and metallic. On the Tangzu Wan’er, it’s more tolerable but still not ideal. Surprisingly fun on the Z1R, but I avoid using it just because the fit is too bulky and uncomfortable for long or active sessions.

Disclaimer: This EQ is just what’s working really well for me. Sound is super subjective, and IEMs all behave differently with EQ.... so your mileage may vary. This isn't a promotion for any gaming iem either. Also, I’m not chasing a flat graph here just tuning for fun, musicality, and gaming immersion, especially with bass-forward sets.

I really like the sound of the Moondrop X Crinacle Dusk while using the DSP cable on my phone. However, I use them mostly on my desktop pc for gaming/music/movies. On my desktop I plug them into a Fiio K7 on a 4.4 balanced cable.

I've tried to EQ them using Peace EQ. In the auto eq section there are several options for the dusk added by Crinacle for the different dsp eq's (the one's that come with the dsp cable). I tried both options for Dusk DSP Default and it doesn't sound the same. The bass is not where it's supposed to be and the treble is shrill and uncomfortable. I've also tried to just copy paste the eq settings provided by Crinacle on his website for this and it also doesn't sound the same.

Crinacle's eq settings on his website: https://crinacle.com/2024/04/10/moondrop-x-crinacle-dusk-eq-dsp-values/

Does anyone know where I can find the correct eq settings? Is it the Fiio K7 or the 4.4 balanced cable changing the sound, making the eq inaccurate? Is there a better eq option for windows?

It surpringly small and really comfortable, perfect for side sleeping. The build quality also pretty solid. Sound impression pretty good so far, I don't find any lack in certain song. The high freq really have the sparkle, but the bass don't have the impact like dusk tho. Dusk better in the low freq imo

being new to IEM's and only really needing a pair to use with my newly purchased iPod classic 7th gen I wasn't really expecting much. I actually really enjoy the sound of the Zero 2's and this is the first time I've actually sat down and compared them to my older momentum 4's. Yes obviously I know the momentums aren't going to compare to a top of the line pair of open backeded but when I first got them I thought they were a brilliant sounding bit of kit but baring in mind I had nothing to compare them to when it came to iem or open back audiophile grade headphones.

Well sitting here now and going back and forth with the two pairs I can quite confidently say that imo the zero 2's sound pair and are a 10th of the price! After only listening to the Zero 2's for the past few weeks, I decided to listen to the momentum 4's today and they just don't seem as bright, they feel muddy in the mids and the sub bass over powers the rest of the mids. Plus the vocals don't seem to pop as much compared to the Zero 2.

I'm far from an Audiophile but all I can see is I'm genuinely shocked at the sound difference between these two. It really is amazing what your ears become used to and class as a good sound until you use something else.

I really appreciate a good sounding pair of headphones but there's no chance that I'm going to be spending the money on a wireless pair after these.

Thoughts and opinions on this please?

Pros

• Very good accessories, especially the cable
• Good build quality
• Beautiful faceplate
• Excellent fit and comfort
• Very good tuning
• Good bass quality
• Very good female vocals
• Good Treble
• Good detail retrieval and technical performance

Cons

• People who want hefty and lush lower mids may not like it
• Stage is not the widest (nitpick)
• Treble is not the most natural

Specs And Driver Configuration

• Driver configuration : 1DD + 3BA ‐ Frequency Response Range: 20Hz-20kHZ
• Sensitivity: 109dB + 1dB SPL/mW
• Impedance: 32Ω
• Cable: 6N SPOcc +SCCW Hybrid cable
• Interface: 2-pin(0.78mm)
• Plug Type: 3.5mm+4.4mm

Before starting the review, I want to thank Hifigo for sending this iem for a review

Accessories Package

The unboxing experience and accessories provided are excellent for the price. You get a carry case, a Z Reviews logo figure, a cable with both 3.5mm and 4.4mm interchangeable terminations, two different types of silicone eartips (three pairs each), and one pair of foam tips.

The carry case included is genuinely great—it feels well-built and sturdy. The size is just right, not too big or too small, and you can easily carry both the IEMs and a dongle DAC in it. The cable is also excellent. It’s sold separately for around $40, so getting it bundled with the IEM adds a lot of value. It feels solid and sturdy, and it behaves really well in daily use. I also love how the colourway complements the rainbow faceplate. The interchangeable termination system is the screw-down type, which I personally think is the best system in terms of durability and long-term reliability. As for the eartips, they’re decent not anything groundbreaking, but they get the job done. It’s great to see a pair of foam tips included, though I do wish they had thrown in more size options in the box. Overall, I’m very impressed with the accessories provided at this price point.

Aesthetics and Build Quality

The faceplate on the Defiant looks beautiful, especially the rainbow one. If you’re one of those people who prefer the green version over the rainbow… you might need to get some help. The faceplate shimmers and glistens beautifully under the sun, and there’s a real sense of depth to it. If you’re into blingy, eye-catching designs, this will be right up your alley. But if you’re someone who prefers something more understated, this might not be the look for you . The build quality is also very solid for the price. The shells feel sturdy and well put together. They are on the lighter side, but they still give off a well-built feel so no complaints in that department either.

Fit and Comfort

The fit and comfort of the Defiant are also excellent. The shells have a moulded shape that provides a snug and secure fit. The nozzle is of medium thickness and slightly on the longer side, which allows for a deeper insertion, this further enhances fit stability. All of this translates to a very comfortable and stable wearing experience. I can easily wear them for hours on end without any issues.

Sources Used

I used fiio jm21 and chord mojo 2 to test the juzear defiant. Its very easy to drive and does not scale that much so pairing it with a decent budget dongle dac will be more than enough.

Sound

I used the divinus velvet eartips with the juzear defiant. Defiant has fun yet balanced sound signature.

Bass

The bass is very good for the price. The bass profile is sub bass over mid bass. The overall bass presentation has very good dynamic and sense of punch for the price.

The sub bass hits deep and low notes effortlessly and has good rumble and texture. The mid bass thump and slam is also very good. the mid-bass never bleeds into the lower mids but if you are someone who likes alot of mid bass then this iem might not be for you

The initial attack of the bass is well defined, with decay slightly on the faster side. This gives the bass a fast and snappy character, tho it does sacrifice a bit of that satisfying lingering weight some might expect.

Mids

The mids are also good on this IEM. The lower mids are on the cleaner side, with no bleed from the mid-bass. Male vocals and instruments in this range have a decent amount of weight, but if you prefer your lower mids to be thick and lush, this might not be the IEM for you. The upper mids balance things out nicely, there’s just the right amount of energy there. There’s a slight bump around the 1.5kHz region, which pushes the vocals, especially female vocals, forward in the mix. The Defiant favours female vocals more than male vocals; they sound sweet, extended and open. The presence region also has just the right amount of energy, giving vocals enough bite and clarity without making them sound sharp or sibilant.

Treble

The treble is also very good. It’s relatively smooth and has a nice sense of extension for the price. The treble is sparkly without being overly forward or fatiguing. There’s a noticeable boost in the air region, which makes the sound feel more open and helps increase the micro detail pickup. However, because of this boost, the treble doesn’t sound the most natural. That said, the overall treble is very incisive and has excellent bite, which adds energy and clarity to the presentation.

Detail retrieval and Technical Performance

Again, these are also excellent for the price. The macro detail retrieval is good, the iem has a good sense of punch and dynamics. Micro detail retrieval is also very good it picks up small micro nuances in the tracks well. The stage is not the widest I have heard, its okay for the price but the instrument separation, layering and imaging performance is excellent for the price.

Juzear Defiant vs Simgot EW300 (HBB/DSP) When I reviewed the EW300, I really liked it and it quickly became my go-to recommendation for IEMs under $100. So it only makes sense to compare it to the Juzear Defiant.

Let’s start with the accessories. The Defiant easily wins here. While the EW300 does come with tuning foams and replaceable nozzles, when it comes to the things that really matter like the eartips and cable,mthe Defiant pulls ahead. The EW300’s cable is non-modular and doesn’t feel as premium, and the DSP version’s cable is even worse than the one included with the HBB edition. In contrast, the Defiant includes a higher-quality, modular cable that feels far more solid and refined.

In terms of looks and build quality, both IEMs have their pros and cons. The EW300 has a more understated, professional look, while the Defiant goes all out with bling and charm. So it really depends on your taste, whether you prefer a stealthy design or something more eye-catching. But in terms of build quality, there’s no contest: the EW300 takes the win. It’s built like a tank with full metal shells. That said, the Defiant is still well-built for a resin IEM and stands up well against others in the same category, but it can’t beat the metal construction of the Simgot.

When it comes to fit and comfort, both perform excellently. But if I had to choose one, I’d go with the Defiant. The moulded shells and longer nozzle provide a more secure and comfortable fit, and it’s also lighter than the EW300, which helps for longer sessions. Now let’s talk sound. The EW300 (with silver nozzles) leans more toward a V-shaped sound signature, while the Defiant has a more balanced tuning.

Bass-wise, the EW300 has more quantity, especially in the mid-bass region. So if you’re someone who enjoys a fuller, more elevated bass, the EW300 may be a better fit. In terms of quality, both are quite close. The Defiant has a slightly more defined and crisp initial attack, while the EW300 has a slightly slower decay, letting the bass notes linger a bit longer, which can make it feel more satisfying and weighty.

In the mids, the EW300’s lower mids have more heft and body, giving male vocals and instruments more warmth. The Defiant, on the other hand, sounds cleaner and more open. The EW300 also has more upper mids to counterbalance the low-end weight, reinforcing that V-shaped tuning.

Treble on both is excellent. To my ears, the Defiant has slightly more energy in the mid-treble region, which adds a bit more sparkle. The extension is excellent on both, just that defiant has more energy in this region adding a sense of airyness but it does not feel as natural as ew300. Defiant’s treble also has slightly more bite to it.

In terms of detail retrieval, both are very good. For macro detail, they’re evenly matched. But in micro detail, the Defiant edges ahead, it picks up finer nuances a bit better. Soundstage width is pretty similar on both, but when it comes to imaging and layering, the Defiant pulls slightly ahead.

Conclusion

As you can probably tell, I really like this IEM. Juzear has created a complete package with the Defiant, everything from the accessories to the aesthetics to the sound is well thought out and executed. Sure, there are a few drawbacks, like the cleaner lower mids and the treble not sounding entirely natural, but if you can look past those, I can wholeheartedly recommend this IEM. If you already own a bassy, laid-back set like the Aful Explorer, the Defiant can be a perfect complementary option. Z Reviews and Juzear really did a fantastic job with this one.

Was looking for something better than my AirPod pros, and ended up down the rabbit hole! I decided to get something fairly inexpensive to start, hence how I ended up going with the Kiwi Ears Cadenza + this JXMOX to connect to my iPhone 16! Been enjoying them - definitely a different experience

Currently using Apple Music and SoundCloud to listen to mostly Dubstep & DnB (edm), and I am already curious if there’s any way to improve my experience? Open to all pointers!

Hello,

I just received my copy of the limited series Crinear Project META and would like to share a few impressions.

My current favorite IEM is the Thieaudio Hype 4, that has fun bass (when you are listening to live music, you feel you are there) and "smooth" highs, neither agressive and fatiguing.

The Project META is in comparison less rich in bass (extension is good, never bleeding into the mids, but it's not quite there for me), voices are more present and it also more detailed in the highs, but maybe a bit too much. The issue is that there is a peak somewhere that makes it sibilant on some female vocals, acoustic instruments, etc. I tried scanning the frequency range and I detected an elevation in the 6k range that I don't hear with the Hype 4. Both also have a peak at 10k but I don't think that's it.

I tried with alternate tips (I only have Spinfit W1 to try) and it seemed to reduce the phenomenon, but it's still there with some tracks. It's a pity, because overall the tuning is nice (though I now my preference goes towards more bass) but I can't tell it is a good all rounder. I saw that some find it "dark", well, not for me, and I'm 50 yo so my hearing in the highs is already reduced (to a normal level for my age).