Unique Melody--The Multiverse Mentor Flagship IEMs

Unique Melody Multiverse Mentor

About Me: I am passionate and thoroughly find joy in providing feedback on products to help other hobbyists along their journey. Trust only in YOUR ears. Music has been, and will continue to be, a huge part of my life. My escape from the frustrations and static of everyday life. I typically listen to Metal (progressive/ djent/ deathcore/ hardcore) alternative and classic rock. Music with meaning, emotion, and polyrhythms! Music dedicated to pushing the limits of what we thought was possible.

Introduction: For me, Unique Melody holds a special place in my heart. After finally reaching a level of financial freedom that allowed me to dip my toes in the ‘+ kilo buck’ market, I purchased the Mest MKII. I had never experienced anything like it... The immersion, the detail, the BCD! An experience that completely altered my understanding of what was sonically possible.
Overtime, as my preferences evolved beyond the MKII’s capabilities, I moved on. The MKIII was an outstanding addition to the ‘Mest’ family, but it unfortunately failed to hold my attention for more than a couple months. I needed something more. Something unlike anything else.

Behold, the Mentor Multiverse


Product Overview: Unique Melody Mentor Multiverse (MM)
- Retail: (UIEM) - $4499/ (CIEM) - $4999
- Driver Configuration: 12 Balanced Armature Drivers + 1 Frequency Shift Piezoelectric Bone Conduction Driver
4 low frequency (BA) + 2 mid frequency (BA) + 2 mid-treble (BA) + 4 treble (BA) + 1 BCD
- Sensitivity: @1kHz 114dB
- Impedance: 22 Ohms
- Frequency Response Range: 20Hz-40kHz
- Stock Cable: Deep of Universe Shielding (Custom Collaboration)
Specs: Soft PVC and Nylon Shielding/ Copper and Silver-Plated Copper/ 26 AWG/ 4 Wires

If you’re interested in purchasing a set, please find the link below.
MusicTeck - Unique Melody Multiverse Mentor

Unboxing Experience (5/5)
I have always been a fan of Unique Melody’s packaging. Compact, ergonomic, and easily storable. I appreciate the use of embedded magnets to retain the top cover in lieu of velcro and the fact that all accessories are stored in an easily accessible drawer. No molded foam to remove or additional flaps to damage and deal with. The IEM’s and cable are safely stored in a beautiful navy-blue leather case.

Contents

• UM “ESP” Double Drawer Blue Gift Box
• Pair of UM Multiverse Mentor
• Deep of Universe custom cable with oval wire clamp
• Dignis Navy Blue Leather Case
• Premium Grey Cleaning Pad
• Eartips - Silicone rubber SS/MS/ML - Silicone S/M/L
• Warranty Card

Build Quality (5/5)
Starting with the overall aesthetics, the Multiverse’s shells are gorgeous. The blue and purple shell face is elegant, simple, and just plain intoxicating to look at. The shell is made of an aviation grade carbon fiber, a ceramic outer frame, and 3D carved faceplate. The overall construction is solid, ergonomic, and lightweight. No complaints whatsoever. It really is hard to believe they crammed 13 drivers into this thing.

Fit (5/5)
The shape and size of the Multiverse is fantastic. I experienced zero discomfort or fatigue at any point while listening. The nozzle size is average, all metal, and features a changeable filter. Insertion depth is rather shallow. In a culture of ‘bigger is better’, IEM’s are growing insanely large and require you to have either ‘perfectly average’ ears or purchase customs. The universal MM is literally perfect for me.

Cable (5/5)
You can always count on Unique Melody to provide a worthy cable pairing with their flagships. The PWA x UM ‘Deep of Universe’ is no exception. The cable is a dark blue, traditionally braided 4 wire, with custom all metal hardware and pre-shaped ear hooks. You will notice some microphonics when handling, but I typically save jumping jacks for after my listening sessions. For what it is, the cable has good ergonomics.

Accessories (5/5)
Case: Blue premium Dignis leather case w/ soft removable partition for storing IEMs separate from cable. The case is quite large but that all comes down to preference and use case. I typically transfer all my sets into Pelican cases.
Cable Organizer: Leather, oval shaped wire clamp
Eartips: Includes (1) set of signature blue-heart core silicone ear tips (S/M/L) and (1) set of Azla Xelastec ear tips (SS/MS/M).
Additional: IEM Protective Sleeves/ Premium cleaning cloth/ Replaceable filters
Wishlist: None

Sound (9/10)
Personal Taste: Bass. I need to feel my music. There needs to be a distinct separation and accurate layering of instruments. I need to hear that bass guitar! This is the sonic link between the rhythmic and melodic elements in music. Vocals are generally less important to me but need to sound natural. Treble should be well extended with an emphasis on presence, air, and overall detail retrieval. I find myself somewhat sensitive in this region and absolutely despise shouty, sibilant IEM’s.


(Measurements provided by Elise Audio)
Disclaimer: I want to emphasize that graphs do not paint the entire picture. It is imperative that you know the aspect ratio of the graph, y-axis range, normalization used, and how much octave smoothing was used. FR graphs are a great visual reference when trying to communicate certain aspects of an IEM’s tonal balance, but a great looking graph does not always mean a great sounding product.

I listened to a wide range of music while developing my assessment. Before putting anything down on paper, I spent over 50 hours casually and critically listening from various sources. I found the Multiverse to be well balanced, naturally revealing, with a W-shaped sound signature.

Bass: When it comes to low frequency driver implementation, my preference has always been dynamic driver’s. In my experience, DD’s provide a better bass response, sound more ‘natural’, and are more durable. Another reason I prefer DD’s is comfort. By design, DD’s are moving air and require venting, which in turn helps in combating pressure build up. For this reason alone, I have not purchased an all BA set since the Symphonium Meteor. It doesn’t matter how great a product is if you can’t be comfortable using it. You might be asking yourself, ‘Why are you telling me this? The MM doesn’t utilize dynamic drivers?’.
Great question! Well, it turns out the MM has implemented some unique solutions to my problems.
- On the top of the MM you will find a vent. During all my testing and critical listening sessions, not once did I experience any pressure fluctuation or discomfort.
- If we can’t move air, let’s vibrate some bones! The bone conduction driver provides a different experience, no question. But the sensation is quite satisfying. Just know, it is critical you find the right eartips and fit to enjoy the full experience.
- The MM’s low frequency tuning is superb. The bass is full, well controlled with absolutely no bass bleed or masking of the mid frequencies. This is NOT for bass heads. Though I did enjoy my time jamming to 2Pac, A$AP Rocky and Coast Contra, I’d still prefer pulling out the Raven’s or Grand Maestro’s for those bass focused compositions.

Midrange: The mid-range is responsible for quite a bit, ladies and gentlemen. I don’t classify myself as a ‘mids guy’ but this region can make or break the overall tonality of an IEM. Luckily, in my humble opinion, this is where the Multiverse really shines. I would say the MM is more ‘musical’ than ‘clinical’. The mid-range is incredibly realistic and detailed. As mentioned before, the mid-bass to lower-mid transition is exceptionally executed. The MM’s lower mids are lean, full bodied, and well controlled. The upper-mids are slightly more relaxed, helping to bring emphasis to the overall clarity and detail the MM is so well known for. Vocals are slightly recessed, natural, and perfectly blended into the mix.

Treble: To test lower treble, I will typically listen to a few acoustic tracks with vocals. I found the MM to be well refined minus a slight ‘tinny’ characteristic with acoustic guitars. To be fair, I’m being critical here. The mid and upper treble has great extension and is full of sparkle and air.

Technicalities: The soundstage and pinpoint accurate imaging capabilities of the Multiverse are truly something special. It's not uncommon for am IEM to have exceptional width or height or depth... But all 3 simultaneously?! The Multiverse has earned a reputation among the audiophile community since it was released into the wild… And I find it to be 100% accurate. Additionally, the MM has great instrumental separation and layering. Overall detail retrieval is among the best in its class.

Eartip Selection
Listed in order of preference

• Symbio W/ Zeos Render Memory – Best isolation, best BCD effect, improved low-end, treble peaks are tamed.
• Azla SednaEarfit Crystal - Great isolation, powerful BCD effect, balanced tonality.
• Azla Xelastec – I have never been a fan of thermoplastic Elastomer. The Xelastec’s provide great isolation and improve low-end weight. BCD effects improved significantly. Treble fatigue issues resolved.
• Eletech Baroque/ SpinFit CP145 – I experienced minimal effects from the BCD and found the treble to be a bit fatiguing. Overall technicalities were still very strong.

Preferred Source
After testing on multiple sources, my preferred pair up for the MM is the Cayin N7+C9 stack (Class AB/ NuTubes/ L Gain). I found this source chain to provide the most expansive soundstage and a natural/ uncolored tonality. Other sources tested included the HiBy RS6+C9 and A&K SR35+ PA10.

Comparisons
For my comparisons, I wanted to focus on several categories (price (Erebus)/ frequency response (Grand Maestro)/ sound signature (Khoas)). Comparisons were conducted while listening to the same song(s) - Volume matched on the same source chain.


UM Multiverse Mentor Vs. FF Grand Maestro (Frequency Response)
Prelim: For those unaware, the Grand Maestro is equipped with a vocal switch, transforming its renowned V-shaped signature into a more balanced W-shaped tuning. On paper, the frequency response of the MM and GM are strikingly similar. But can the Grand Maestro, jack of all trades, stand up to the all mighty Multiverse?
Fit: It’s undeniable, the Grand Maestro is massive in size and hefty in weight. Though I find them to be comfortable while sitting at my desk, they look absolutely ridiculous in my ears. No question, the MM takes round one.
Sound: The GM provides a more intimate experience. Where the MM’s soundstage expands in all directions, the GM only competes in width. The MM also provides a noticeable boost to imaging. The GM’s dynamic driver provides a rich rumble where the MM delivers a well-controlled punch. Lower mids sound thinner on the GM but both sets sound very natural with exceptional timbre. Micro detail retrieval is great on both sets.
Conclusion: If I had to choose one set based on a W shaped sound signature, I would choose the Multiverse. To me, the MM takes the edge on technicalities and provides a fuller, more energetic soundscape. If your goal is versatility, the GM a great option. It’s cheaper and offers (4) unique tuning configurations that all sound fantastic.


UM Multiverse Mentor Vs. NGaudio Khoas (Sound Signature)
Prelim: The W-shaped signature show down. After purchasing the Khoas a few months back, it quickly became the most impressive IEM I had ever experienced. Well balanced, energetic, expansive sound stage, absolute detail monster. But is it enough? Only one way to find out!
Fit: Both are similar in size, shape, nozzle diameter and insertion depth. I could wear either for hours with no complaints.
Sound: As far as technicalities, both sets are summit tier. Sound stage, resolution, detail retrieval. Both sets provide a solid low-end punch, but the Khoas delivers its bass with a slightly deeper, realistic punch. When compared, the Khoas is more fluid and musical, while the MM is crisp and accurate. The MM has more top end ‘sparkle’.
Conclusion: The Khoas and MM are the two most clinical/ accurate IEM’s i have ever heard. I spent hours switching back and forth between the two and in the end, it all boiled down to preference. Neither set exhibits a strength that the other cannot replicate. If you prefer DD bass and a more polite treble response, Khoas. If you prefer the effects of the BCD and some added sparkle and energy, the MM. Both are exceptional choices.


UM Multiverse Mentor Vs. NGaudio Erebus (Price)
Prelim: A Flagship showdown! Both competitors sport an eye watering +$4.5k price tag but are either worthy? Time to take off the gloves.
Fit: The Erebus is slightly larger in size, but both share a similar nozzle diameter and insertion depth. No issues with either.
Sound: For starters, these IEM’s are tuned very differently. The Erebus provides a similar holographic experience to the MM in less bass-prominent tracks, but when that bottom end gets-a-rockin’, the Erebus struggles to expand. The MM does a great job of maintaining its technicalities at all times. If it wasn’t clear, the Erebus supplies some significant bass. The mids of the Erebus are definitely more linear, contributing to its mild V shaped signature. Vocals are slightly more recessed on the Erebus. Treble has a very similar presentation but a little more ‘polite’ on the Erebus.
Conclusion: I want both of these sets in my collection for completely different reasons. For critical/ detail focused listening sessions, the MM. For more casual/ emotional inspired listening sessions, the Erebus

Summary
After the release of the Multiverse, I’d often visit the MusicTeck product page while simultaneously thinking of ways I could budget or sell other gear to acquire and experience the magic. Do I regret not being an early adopter? Not a single bit. The UM Multiverse is no ordinary IEM. But to truly appreciate all the MM has to offer, you first need to understand what you're missing and why you need it. It’s easy to jump into the hobby and buy the most expensive set because everyone tells you it's great but to comprehend and appreciate what UM has accomplished here is no short of remarkable. In closing, yes, I would 100% recommend this product. But I would also recommend taking your time to get here. Appreciate what your audio journey has to offer!

In this review I'll be highlighting the Multiverse Mentor model from Unique Melody. For many the best IEM from Unique Melody ever and in some circles it is even considered the best IEM worldwide. So we are not dealing with just any TOTL IEM, but with the crême de la crême of IEM development. And my expectations were just as high for this model from Unique Melody. Recently I could already write a review about the MEST MK3 and I found this model very successful. I especially liked the bone conduction driver, which is responsible for a "gripping" sound in the truest sense of the word. Normally, in recent months, I tend to use more dynamic drivers for the bass range. But since the Multiverse Mentor just still contains the BCD, I really wanted to give it a try. And one of my favorite IEMs, the 64 Audio U12t is also always compared to the Multiverse Mentor, as both are a BA based 12 driver IEM. However, the 64 Audio does not have a BCD. Its BA bass is already outstanding for this technology, although it can't offer the punch of the dynamic drivers, which I sorely missed in the end.



The Multiverse Mentor is more or less the successor of the Mentor V3+ and was developed over several years by Unique Melody engineers. The name Multiverse stands for a group of unknown universes that were created after the big bang. With the name Multiverse Unique Melody aims at the fact that the Multiverse Mentor is just the emergence of a whole new development that breaks all traditional technologies and tunings.

The 12 BA drivers are composed of 4 BA drivers for bass, 2 for midrange, 2 for high-midrange and 4 for treble. The biggest innovation is the bone conduction driver, for which Unique Melody has a patent. These drivers are significantly larger than those of most competitors and no other manufacturer uses this bandwidth of 20Hz to 20KHz! This high bandwidth not only makes the bass range more noticeable, but the overall sound is stronger and more focused, all in all you can feel it more. How good I will illuminate later.





The Multiverse Mentor is available in different designs. Mine is the variant in "Blue Purple" and the IEM just looks damn good! The workmanship is absolutely top class. The shell is made of carbon fiber, which is enclosed by a ceramic frame. The faceplate gets its design by using banksias. These are mostly in Australia growing beautiful colorful plants. Each faceplate has its own unique design because it is a natural product. The shell is light and ergonomically shaped, so the comfort is very good. The insulation is also above average. Probably because of the slightly larger diameter of the Nozzle.

To a top IEM also belongs a top cable. And here a specially designed cable was created in collaboration with PW Audio. It is a 4.4mm 4 core copper cable with the diameter 26 AWG, which is silver coated. The workmanship and design are also here at the very highest level and absolutely fit the design of the IEM.

The scope of delivery also includes a high-quality leather case, an oval leather clip for the cable, two different silicone eartips in three different sizes, a cleaning brush, several replaceable filters and a warranty card. The silicone eartips are Xelastec as well as Unique Melody's own tips. By the way, the warranty for the Multiverse Mentor is 2 years from the manufacturer. Most other manufacturers grant only 1 year.



For the sound test I used the Multiverse Mentor with my iBasso DX320 MAX Ti. For this purpose, the gain level 1 is more than sufficient, because the Multiverse Mentor can be driven very easily with its 22 ohms and 114dB sensitivity.

Excited, I plugged it into my DAP and after that came nothing short of absolute amazement and zipping through all my reference recordings. Rarely have I been so flashed by an IEM from the first minute as I was by the Multiverse Mentor. As eartips, by the way, the enclosed Xelastecs fit like a glove and sound for me the roundest of all eartips. The Azla Clear also work very well and bring the mids a little more forward with slightly higher low bass, but the Xelastec of the overall performance are my favorites!

In terms of frequency response, we are dealing with a minimally warm IEM and a special W shape tuning. Here the bass range is somewhat raised. The lower mids as well. With the upper mids and the presence range we have a lowering, which is compensated by increasing the super high frequency range again. All in all, at first glance, not a neutral tuning. I could hardly imagine from the frequency diagram how the Multiverse Mentor sounds, let alone that it sounds so awesome!

Here only one thing comes to mind: Coherence above all! Such a fantastic tuning with which all types of music I have tested (classical, jazz, pop, rock, EDM, metal) sound very good. And the whole thing at the highest technical level, no, the very highest level! The expansive stage, which is more than lushly drawn in all its dimensions, is immediately noticeable. The separation and localization of individual sound events is really holographic. I can concentrate on individual elements right, left and listen to them while in the next moment I devote my attention to another instrument. So far, I've found the Raven to be the benchmark among IEMs in terms of sizing a stage. The Multiverse Mentor draws just as wide, but more holographically than the Raven. The Raven goes a bit further in depth for that. But these two IEMs are absolutely top in this discipline in my opinion.

I listen to a lot of metal and I was mostly curious about the bass range. BA Bass in combination with BCD. Does this work and can it eradicate the weakness that the U12t always carries with it? Yes and this shows that Unique Melody's BCD is simply one of the best implementations of the IEM market if not the very best! However, I haven't heard all the BCD implementations myself, so I won't make a final judgment here. The bass range goes down really deep and creates a rumble, because I have heard so with no BA driver. I am really excited and then up to the midbass, where you can literally feel the bass attacks. In no way is the bass too strong. The exact dose was administered here, which also allows undisturbed audibility in the bass. If you now take a Raven or Radon6 for comparison, they have a bit more rumble in the low bass area. But this difference is by no means as big as for example between a U12t and Raven/Radon6. What I can also hear directly is the speed of the Multiverse Mentor, where it trumps a Raven and Radon6. In terms of bass detail, I can't identify a clear winner here among the three.

Now to the mids and trebles. Voice reproduction and acoustic instruments sound absolutely natural and these areas are harmonized together with the bass to such a perfect match that you just dive into a tapestry of sound and want to listen on and on. When I listen to my reference recordings, I also look for negative points. But I can't find any with the Multiverse Mentor with the best will in the world. This tuning is just extremely brilliant and musical at the same time. In addition, this grip and the authority with which instruments and voices are reproduced. The BCD does a great job here. More bass here or treble and mids there would probably destroy the overall structure. It's perfect just the way it is!

I'm just glad I finally decided to try the Multiverse Mentor. Sure it is a very expensive IEM for 4500 USD. But what you get here for a performance is really unique. A Raven and Radon6 and a Blanc are about the same price. They are all really great IEMs. If you are looking for a musically captivating IEM at the very highest technical level with a superb BCD implementation, you may have found your endgame IEM in the Multiverse Mentor. In my opinion this is an all-rounder and can serve every genre. A true masterpiece from Unique Melody!

“Hello, Old Friend”: The Comeback

I’d bet (I don’t have a gambling problem, I swear) that most audiophiles (and their wives) have dreamt of the day that they are so pleased with their audio gear that they can just deactivate their HeadFi account with no remorse. But let’s be real-in this universe, it is far more likely that said-audiophile is hopping on to HF to catch up on the 50+ new overnight pages on the Watercooler thread so that they can stimulate their dopamine receptors and salivary glands by indulging into the hype surrounding the newest, shiny multi-kilo product.

Whew-a mouthful. But the point of my exploration of audio addiction is that I was fortunate enough to hit that elusive satisfaction of no longer chasing the dragon. I hopped onto HF here and there in the past 12 months, but happily retired from the IEM/DAP game thanks to the desktop GOAT-Susvara.

However, that freedom from the chains of audio-capitalism is fleeting because as audiophiles, we tend to be tempted by how new technologies can continue introducing revolutionary auditory products (and by virtue, unique auditory experiences). I took a backseat in some of my beloved audio group chats with some key IEM HF influencers, and only would chime in occasionally to troll them about how they better enjoy their new toy because a new one will be coming out 2 weeks later [facetious diatribe about how fast the portable world moves]. But that same tempting curiosity inevitably began to resurface as there was a common IEM that got the new hype label---the UM Mentor Multiverse.


Day after day, week after week, the glowing anecdotal comments kept flooding in. So, I decided to take my walk of shame back the portable world and check out what all the hype was about. (Sorry, girlfriend).



Specifications

Price: $4499

Headphone Type: BA+ Frequency Shift Bone Conduction Driver

Driver Counts: 12+1 Drivers

Sensitivity: @1kHz 114dB

Impedance: 22Ω

Frequency Response Range: 20Hz-40kHz

Crossover: 5-way Crossover

Configuration: 4 Bass Drivers + 2 Mids Drivers + 2 Mid-Treble Drivers + 4 Treble Drivers + 1 Frequency Shift Bone Conduction Driver

Cable: Deep of Universe Custom Cable


IEM from Another Universe:

Prior to MM, I haven’t had much luck with a Unique Melody product. I was not impressed with the Mason/FS, particularly its’ dry tuning with a 6k peak that sharply contrasted the lack of pinna gain. Indigo was a good IEM but felt very bland overall, providing nothing special outside of its unique BCD presentation. So, my skepticism was high going into finally inserting a new set of IEM into my lonely, deprived earholes.

Bass: I’ll start with what I believe is the weakest part of the MM. Balanced Armatures have grown in closing the gap between Dynamic Drivers for robust low-ends, but in my opinion, are still noticeably inferior when you are simply used to a TOTL DD (or even planar) driver for bass.

Mentor’s bass is overall great for its driver. Yes, probably better than the bird from memory, with a strong punch with minimal plasticity. However, it falls short versus a TOTL bass presentation in direct A/Bs by coming across as slightly untextured and lacking a full extension that a DD rumble can provide. For example, on Infected Mushrooms’ “Bliss on Mushrooms”, there is strong macrodynamic energy, but the midbass is not as defined and tight as something like the Jewel or EVO. Yet the bone conduction helps by rounding out the bass to compliment the holographic imaging. It’s still a very engaging listening with a pleasant bass shelf.

MM’s bass successfully does not detract too much from the rest of the IEM’s strengths and instead, provides a seamless low-end to compliment MM’s overall lush presentation. Simply put, the bass won’t be much of an issue if you aren’t A/B’ing to an EE EVO or Abyss 1266 Phi-TAC, and will still likely outperform any other BA on the market for the lows.

Mids: One thing that has ever wavered is my love for mids, and Multiverse just hits the sweet spots here. The midrange to me sounds rather linear, with a pleasant weight to notes (likely due to the BCD). I wouldn’t call the midrange as romanticized or “wet” as the Traillii, but there is special balance of clarity and smooth that the MM just nails.

The upper-midrange is not too forward, yet vocals still have a pleasant presence due to the excellent dynamics and staging. The lower-midrange does suffer in contrast, where drum hits lack the realism or heft that I’d get from an IEM like the XE6. I would attribute this to the BAs used for the lows.

Vocals are natural-sounding, with subtle hints of warmth. Not too forward, not too recessed. Guitars sound excellent with nice crunch and texture. MM’s mids are NOT mid-they are indeed special.

Treble: I tend to not be as overtly critical about the treble region, as long as it’s not too sharp, peaky, metallic and/or lacking extension. I have a slight sensitivity to hot lower-treble IEMs, which is why an IEM like Traillii was perfect for my tastes. And MM, to my ears, also has a similar’ish treble presentation that is full of air (upper-treble) with strong yet pleasant energy in the lower-treble. Cymbals sound great with good timbre, & synth notes have impressive extension. If you found Traillii treble a bit too lax or boring, MM adds a touch of excitement while providing no sibilance.

Along with the vast staging and holographic, 3D presentation, the treble comes across as whimsical. Mentor ultimately has one of my favorite trebles to date and arguably does improve upon the bird in this regard.

Staging/Dynamics: Gotta save the best for last. Let me preface this section with that MM is the closest I’ve heard to an open-back headphone in terms of staging and imaging. If Unique Melody was going for the official bird-kill, they likely knew this is where they could help differentiate themselves from the Gold-Standard Traillii.

As vast as Bird’s stage width was, it falls flat (literally) on the depth. Notes come across as panoramic, i.e., on a vast plain rather than a 3D stage/sphere. Bird’s dynamics also were on the softer side which helped contribute to its unparalleled timbre and romanticized mids, but was not ideal for those who love their hard-hitting music or transients.

MM improves upon both, noticeably. Mentor (along with Aroma Jewel to some extent), truly does have a HP’esque soundstage. It sounds vast, with an impressive left-to-right and centre image.

MM’s notes also have some excellent macrodynamics, with above average microdynamics. Notes have various weights which eloquently pop in and out of a black background, helping the listener immerse in the enveloping stage.

Imaging is great, and strongly benefited by how the BCD adds a unique weight to notes/transients that sound realistic but not overtly heavy or congesting in the stage. In Cultura Profestica’s De Antes, I pulled a Chucky doll and turned my neck a full 360 degrees because I thought I heard a baby crying from behind me in the song’s intro.



Which Universe…ahem, Source*, does MM Sound Best?



Alluding to my earlier diatribe about how fast new DAPs come out, I unfortunately am already feeling like a dinosaur with my AK SP2000 CU and L&P W2. Rockna Wavelight R2R-desktop DAC is also no newcomer, although still an incredible source in today’s desktop landscape.

(Since I initially drafted this review, I have managed to procure an SP3000 SS and the Brise Tsuranagi amp to shed my dinosaur status).

The below sources should paint a general picture about how the Mentor scales and which sound-characteristics may help shape it towards your own preferences.

Mentor + L&P W2:

Comes across as W-shaped, where the BA bass plasticity becomes quite noticeable. There is good midbass but a bit pillow-y sounding. Instrument timbre is nice and overall natural. Stage width is impressive and wraps around your head with strong depth-perception. Notes have a 3D edge that give Mentor that universe-like vast staging.

Mentor + A&K SP2000 CU:

Overall an excellent pairing. There is a much better bass rumble and extension than on the W2, although not completely alleviating that BA’s undetailed midbass slam despite its nice quantity. Mids are more euphoric and forward-sounding as the CU tends to do for most IEMs. Dynamics remain impressive, almost like a loose-bag of fun versus something more “tight” like the Jewel.

Mentor + A&K SP3000 SS:

At first, I found the combo a bit bright/unengaging, but that would be the price to pay for the soundstage boost, detail, clarity and dynamics that the SP3000 offers over its SP2000 Copper little brother. Generally, the Copper version is warmer which helps for those lush mids, but the SP3000 really helps elevate the MM into a grand-sounding IEM that is true-to-form for TOTL performance. Nice bass despite the-discussed BA shortcomings, natural-sounding vocals, and extension for days in the treble without ever being sibilant.

Some would call this the modern-day GOAT pairing. I think I'd agree.




Mentor + SP3000 SS LO’d into Brise Tsuranagi Amp:



At first I wasn’t expecting much (nor did I hear any true benefits), but adding the AMP into the Line’d Out SP3000 really clicked after an hour or so. There is a slight drop in stage width, but more depth and height, with a fuller sound while retaining technicalities. The sound becomes richer with a slightly warmer timbre that adds pleasant color to the SP3000’s neutrality. There is also better PRAT as I felt myself tapping my toes more to the music.

There is a bit of a midbass boost which in this case, I wasn’t too much of a fan because BAs and midbass do not go well IMHO. It’s one of those cases where I rather the subbass detract from the compromised, pillow-y midbass.

But all-in-all, the Tsuranagi adds a lovely musical component to the already masterful MM. I would definitely recommend checking it out if you want to thicken up the MM’s sound.

Mentor + Rockna Wavelight R2R Desktop DAC & Ferrum OOR/Hypsos AMP Stack:

Some IEMs don’t really benefit from extra power, some do slightly, and some quite noticeable. I didn’t expect much here since usually DDs benefit the most, but boy was I surprised.

R2R + BCD is a magical combo. The staging and instrument separation all opened-up noticeably, allowing more space in between notes. The stage width expands as far as I’ve heard on any IEM. Treble becomes silky, with excellent clarity, energy and transparency-yet smooth. Midrange remains engaging without being too smoothen over as it occasionally did with the SP2k CU.


Cables:

Yes the MM price is high, but I have to commend Unique Melody for pairing it with a great-synergising cable. When trying the bird’s PW 1960 4-wire, the Mentor lost some of its musicality and lushness. There was a bit more upper-mid centric focus for energy but the overall coherency of the IEM began to falter. Stock cable was also fuller-sounding than the 1960-4 wire.




The Brise Audio Yatono 8 Wire is an excellent combination that smoothens out the MM’s transients a bit while retaining a black background and detail. There is a bit more warmth that adds musicality to my ears. Bass becomes tighter and imaging feels a bit more precise. Mids are pushed forward a touch more. I really like this synergy but had significant issues with the fit and weight of the cable which ultimately did not work for my ear anatomy. Similar to the Tsuranagi AMP, Brise’s Yatono 8w also thickens up and musical’ifys (is that a word?) the MM.


Summary: The Multiverse’s Exciting Potential



As George Constanza emphatically once said, “Every time I think I am out, they pull me back in!”

I thought I was out---a broke audiophile happily listening to his gear without the temptation of the HeadFi’s seductive siren calls. Through headphones such as Susvara, Abyss 1266 Phi & Meze Elites, I had hit that meme’d endgame, which diminished my itch to constantly upgrade to the newest product. But Unique Melody's Multiverse Mentor has been the best IEM I have heard that can arguably rival these headphones. When they are in my earholes, I forget that there are two little transducers conjuring up such an engaging, immersive sound. Whatever bone conduction magic UM has inserted into them has my own bone conducting in full-frequency response.


TL;DR:

Unique Melody has truly blessed us a unique product from another universe. The Multiverse Mentor redefines how vast and engaging an IEM can sound. There is a cosmic soundstage that engulfs around your head with musical joy. Dynamics are great, imaging is world-class, and although the bass does suffer from its driver’s limitations, it complements the MM’s overall mesmerizing tuning.

Probably the best IEM in the game at the moment.


Xoxo,

Ex-Bird Lover.