Softears Twilight

Intro

Softears is a Chinese audio brand that focuses on technology, research and development, and innovation. Although relatively young, the company has substantial experience.

The founder of Softears began working in the audio industry in 2014. The studio was officially founded in 2017 in Shenzhen, often referred to as China’s Silicon Valley. In 2019, Softears expanded by establishing an independent lab for research and development (R&D) and its own factory in Chengdu, a city known for its rich cultural heritage. Softears specializes primarily in in-ear monitors (IEMs). Their products are designed to deliver high-quality sound and comfort for extended listening sessions.

Softears Twilight is a 10mm Single DD iem

Disclaimer:
This review reflects my personal and subjective listening experience with the mentioned audio gear product. I would like to thank Conceptkart and @gadgetgod for organizing this review tour in my country and allowing me to share my thoughts on the product, it doesn’t influence my review in any form and nor I am compensated.

Before I start, I would like to mention that most of my impressions of the gear is based on the source and test tracks mentioned, so YMMV.

Sources: Mojo 2 + Poly via AirPlay, Apple Lightning dongle

Playlist

Bollywood 60%, Indian Classical 25% and Western Pop 15%
Before I start, I would like to mention that most of my impressions of the gear is based on the source and test tracks mentioned, so YMMV.

Sources: Mojo 2 + Poly via AirPlay, Apple Lightning dongle

Playlist

Bollywood 60%, Indian Classical 25% and Western Pop 15%

Listening preference

I like balanced sounding sets, particularly with good vocal and lower frequencies, I love bass but cannot sacrifice Mids. Stage and Imaging do wow me but that’s not something I keenly go for in the set, comfortable listening takes priority. I love Single DD iems


Listening preference

I like balanced sounding sets, particularly with good vocal and lower frequencies, I love bass but cannot sacrifice Mids. Stage and Imaging do wow me but that’s not something I keenly go for in the set, comfortable listening takes priority. I love Single DD iems

Specs:

Impedance:16Ω

Sensitivity: 116dB/Vrms @1kHz

Effective frequency response: 20-20kHz (IEC60318-4)

Frequency range: 15-40kHz

(1/4' freefield, -3dB)

THD:<1%@1kHz

Housing: 5-axis finely engraved anodized aluminum alloy

Driver size: 10mm

Diaphragm: PU suspension diamond-like dome

Build and package

Constructed with high-quality materials, including metal components, ensuring durability and a premium feel.

Since it was a review unit, I didn’t get the complete package, so the experience is limited to what I received.

It comes with a soft and supple 2 pin cable terminated into 4.4mm balanced, the shells are rectangular in shape which looks different than the competition for sure and the nozzle is a bit slanted for better fit, I got a very good fit with the Twilight. Tips used during my extended listening of these iems were Lacquer black tips which have become my recent favorites.

First impressions The Softears Twilight in-ear monitors provide a an extremely lush kind of audio experience with exceptional detail and precision across the frequency spectrum. This goes neck to neck with my Beyer Xelento in the production of the lower shelf. The open vents give it an open and Airy presentation, vocals are lush, and bass will satisfy your craving however wanted a bit more sparkle in the highs.



Bass

Starting with the bass, the Twilight delivers a controlled and articulate low end that strikes a balance between depth and accuracy. Bass notes are tight and well-defined, in my view, twilight would suit various genres as the frequencies don’t overshadow each other and maintains good balance. However, to note the sub bass takes a back seat here and the mid bass takes the center stage in terms of presentation. Bass has weight and good depth.


Treble/Highs

Moving to the treble, the treble is airy and detailed, adding brilliance and energy to the instruments. It maintains a smooth and non-fatiguing presentation while still capturing intricate nuances in the music. While detailed, the treble extension lacking a bit of sparkle and it is one of the aspects I desired for more in this set, the resolution in the highs could have been better.

Vocals/Midrange

Vocal presentation on the Twilight is captivating, with lush and expressive midrange reproduction. Vocals are rendered with intimacy and clarity, allowing the emotion and subtlety of vocal performances to shine through. Vocals and instruments are captured with lifelike clarity and emotion.

Male-Focused Track:

The Twilight brings out the nuances and emotions in male vocals exceptionally well. There’s no nasality or harshness in the midrange. The clarity and lifelike quality make it a joy to listen to Bollywood melodies.

Female-Focused Track:

When it comes to female vocals, the Twilight maintains its naturalness and musicality. The midrange captures the richness and transparency needed for soulful Bollywood songs.

Instrumental Track:

On tracks with strings, cymbals, and other instruments, the Twilight carries the energy with aplomb. Its articulate presentation ensures that every detail shines through.

Stage and Imaging

The soundstage of the Twilight is both expansive and immersive. It boasts impressive height and width, creating a spacious sonic environment that enhances the overall listening experience. Instruments are well-placed within the soundstage, offering a sense of depth and dimensionality that draws you into the music. During my first listen, I was quite surprised with the openness of the sound and the height of the stage, in my experience the stage is taller than wider. Especially due to ventilated shells, the presentation is airy and open.

Imaging on the Twilight is precise and accurate, allowing for precise placement of instruments and vocals within the soundstage. This level of detail and imaging accuracy adds realism and immersion to the music, making each track come alive with clarity and separation.

Conclusion

Overall, the Softears Twilight in-ear monitors deliver a refined and sophisticated sound signature with emphasis on controlled bass, expressive vocals, expansive soundstage with impressive height and width, precise imaging, and intricate details. the Softears Twilight offers a balanced and refined sound signature, making it a great choice for music enthusiasts who appreciate clarity, depth, and an immersive listening experience.

Whether you’re enjoying soulful Bollywood melodies or energetic instrumentals, the Twilight delivers. They are a superb choice for audiophiles and music enthusiasts seeking an unparalleled listening experience.

Disclaimer: This review reflects my personal, subjective preferences and is solely based on my experiences with the product. It's important to note that Concept Kart does not influence this review, and I have not received any compensation. As always, I highly recommend testing the product yourself before purchasing. I want to thank Concept Kart and @gadgetgod for organising this review tour and allowing me to share my thoughts on the product.

Get yours from here!

Chain: Mojo2+Poly via Roon with Final Type E tips.

The following is a review of the Softears Twilight (ST), an in-ear monitor that boasts exceptional sound quality. The bass performance is not only punchy, but also precise, adding depth and dynamism to the music. It strikes a delicate balance between providing satisfying low-end presence and not overpowering other frequencies. The bass remains clear and agile, ensuring that each note is articulated precisely. Although it may not cater to those seeking an excessively bass-heavy experience, its controlled and nuanced presentation appeals to those who prioritize balance and musicality.



Moving on to the midrange, the ST sets a new standard of naturalness and musicality. Vocals and instruments are rendered with clarity and lifelike quality that draws the listener deeper into the heart of the music. The midrange offers a balance between richness and transparency, allowing each note to resonate with authenticity and depth. It avoids any hint of harshness or artificiality, ensuring a smooth and immersive listening experience. The ST's midrange is capable of capturing every nuance with finesse and grace, making it perfect for any music genre.



The treble performance of the ST is characterized by its extension and refinement. It adds sparkle and detail to the overall sonic landscape. Strings shimmer with clarity, cymbals ring precisely, and high-frequency nuances are rendered with finesse. Despite its energetic presentation, the treble remains impeccably controlled, avoiding any hint of harshness or sibilance. Even during extended listening sessions, the ST's treble retains its musicality and balance, ensuring a fatigue-free listening experience. Its smooth and articulate delivery adds an extra dimension to every track, elevating the listening experience to new heights.



The most captivating features of the ST are its expansive soundstage and precise imaging capabilities. From the beginning of the music, listeners are transported to a three-dimensional auditory landscape where instruments and vocals are positioned with remarkable accuracy and clarity. The ST's vented shells contribute to a sense of airiness and openness, creating a spacious stage that extends far beyond the confines of the listener's ears. Although the stage may lean towards the shallower side, its sound distribution in front and around the ears creates an immersive listening environment that captivates and delights.



In conclusion, the ST is a masterpiece of audio engineering, delivering a captivating listening experience that transcends expectations. Whether you're exploring the depths of a bass-heavy track or revelling in the intricate details of a delicate melody, the ST's musicality and balance shine through. With its expansive soundstage, precise imaging, and fatigue-free treble, it offers a listening experience that is as immersive as it is unforgettable. For audiophiles seeking a refined and engaging in-ear monitor that sets a new standard in sonic excellence, the ST is a true revelation.

Thanks to gadgetgod and Concept Kart for organising the review of the Softears Twilight .

As always, these are my own opinions and with no compensation of any kind accepted or given.

Softears has been a raved about brand in the recent times. I have personally heard and probably reviewed the RSV and the Turii (maybe didnt write a review for the turii).

The Turii is the elder sibling of the two, both in terms of looks as well as build config. Both the Turii and Twilight sport a single DD in a unusually engineered shell.

The faceplate is rectangular and the pin sockets are at the tall end of the rectangle!

Build

The Twilight is built with a magnesium aluminium alloy shells. The detachable cables plug into the shell using a 2 pin recessed connector.

The cable is fairly supple and is non fussy with a smooth glossy finish. The stock cables came with a 4.4mm balanced pentacon termination at the source end.

The faceplate is rectangular as mentioned earlier, with a small rounded bulge holding the drivers and sporting a fairly small (about 5mm similar to Sony iems) nozzles.

While the nozzle size allows for deep insertion, the rounded driver bulge do make contact with my pinna. Comfortable to use for a fairly long time, but does introduce a little bit of a bother with deeper inserts.

I used a standard M sized silicone tips, and got a comfortable fit. With a single 10mm doing the duties, I very much look forward to reviewing this unit!

Driveability

The iems seem fairly easy to drive, and posed no challenge to the Lotoo PAW S1 in the balanced out with farfield eq enabled (personal preference for now).

Sound

From the get go, there is nothing that seems harsh in the sound. The soothing single DD takes you on a beautiful musical journey, like all well tuned single DDs should do.

The Twilight shines in presenting a balanced W tuning across, without any bleed, harshness or sibilance. The overall signature is warm with good extension.

Bass (4/5)
With deep insertion, the bass is well represented and with very good slam and rumble. There is no bass bleed into mids and the iems are excellent to listen to, be it basshead or not.

Mids (4/5)
On tracks with male and female focus, the Twilight is able to bring out the nuances and emotions in the vocals well. There is no nasality or harshness/shoutiness in the mids. Well done!

Treble (4/5)
Tracks with strings, cymbals etc carry a lot of energy. The Twilight is able to carry the energy with aplomb and is very articulate in presentation. Again no harshness or sibilance on even poor tracks.

Staging, imaging - The iem shells are vented and allow for a good amount of air in the treble. As a result, the stage is wide around the ear. The imaging is good too, and the general placement of the instruments is good.
The stage is quite shallow though, and the sound is more or less flat around the listener. You are in front of the stage, and the music is around in front and around the ears in a arc.

Comparisons

Intuaura Purple - The Purple is the flagship (atleast here) offering from Intuaura. The Purple is also a single DD iem that is well implemented. The iems from a sound perspective are quite similar in terms of presentation and balance,
and both are neck and neck in terms of competition, although the Purple is priced about 25-30% lesser than the Twilight. This is not a easy win, as the Purple shells are acrylic, while the Twilight sport a much stronger Mg Al alloy,
easily justifying the price difference. Hence a tie in almost all ways.

Meze Advar - The Advar was a breathe of fresh air when a lot of the upper mid budget iems were multi driver units. The Advar, while being a bit more heavier and polished looking of the two, was not quite as balanced as the Twilight.
The Advar is made a lot more special to look at (and does win in terms of looks). The Twilight possibly edges out the Advar in terms of the balance of sound and tonally being more accurate of the two.

Conclusions

The Twilight is a beautiful sounding single DD iem, and it gets an easy recommend from me, as this config is my preference. And the twilight does almost everything very well.