My jewel box (fatfreq GMA, AME Mousa, Sony Z1R, UM MM)
I’ll probably should let go 3, but they are all so different. Here what they do:
- Sony Z1R (lower left): a true classic and build like a tank. I can’t find much fault with them, the bass is satisfying and full (but it’s not a basshead IEM at all, just a „healthy“ amount) with pleasant mids and highs. I think even after so many years they strike a great balance of all things I like (bass, soundstage, imaging, emotional connection). Only issue: comfort. You’ll need to try for sure.
- UM Multiverse Mentor (lower right): the king of detail, soundstage and separation. No other IEM does it this way … the soundstage is amazing while keeping all things clearly separated, it’s like having your own 3d space. It’s a very technical IEM great for classical music. I find mine is also super pretty and has glass shards in its faceplate which shine depending on light and angle
- AME Mousa (upper right): This one pulls something off which is unique: it has a dark yet smooth signature with great tonality and instrument separation while being in a very heavy metal shell and being super comfortable. It’s the perfect companion for long, relaxed listening with nice bass boost
- GMA (upper left): Fancy, pricey and sublime with the best bass in any IEM … hitting hard (very visceral). Soundstage and all other aspects are equally satisfying.
If I’d need to „assign“ an overhead equivalent, I’d rate them like this:
- Sony Z1R: Final Audio D8000
- UM MM: Focal Utopia, for sure!
- Mousa: Meze Elite
- GMA: Abyss ab-1266tc without the quirks