SOFTEARS

The Softears RSV is the old (2021) IEM offering from the company, equipped with 5 Balanced Armature drivers on each side. The casing is crafted from a medical-grade resin, and the IEM employs a 3-way crossover architecture. Despite its simplicity, it doesn’t lack in intriguing features.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Sensitivity: 125db/1VRMS @1kHz
• Impedance: 8Ω @1kHz (±15%)
• Frequency Range: 5Hz – 40kHz (1/4’ Free Field, -3dB)
• Effective Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz (IEC-60318-4)
• THD+IMD @94dB: <1% @1kHz
• Cable Connection: 2-Pin 0.78mm
• Shell: 3D Printed from Imported Medical Resin
• Driver Configuration: 5 Balanced Armatures

FIT

The Softears RSV provides an exceptional fit. It offers a semi-custom fit that is extremely comfortable and has a relatively unobtrusive design. It sits comfortably in the ear and effectively blocks out external noise, thanks to the absence of ports or similar features for a dynamic driver. This is, in fact, a benefit of a complete BA configuration.

As I mentioned earlier, the tips could have been improved through potential collaboration. I tested the Softears UC tips and SpinFit tips, along with a few other tips I have. The outcome is quite satisfactory with all the tips that match my ear size, so I don’t foresee anyone encountering issues with the RSV’s fit overall.
Upon attaining a snug fit, it effectively muffles ambient noise, providing a significant degree of isolation.

SOUND

The RSV is easy to like and listen to, with a safe tuning and impressive technicalities for its price. It’s hard not to appreciate this IEM given its soft, smooth, and easy-going nature. It’s a very musical and enjoyable monitor overall. Softears designed this IEM for more mainstream use with a low impedance value, allowing you to connect it to your smartphone or a DAP, and it will play your music in a non-aggressive manner. It’s smooth and quite forgiving.

The RSV has a warm-neutral reference sound signature with a Harman Target style sub-bass bass shelf of around 6-7dB, a very neutral and accurate midrange presentation, a forward upper-midrange presentation with 10dB pinna gain, clean and accurate lower treble, a dip in mid-treble which adds warmth to the signature, and a fairly neutral upper-treble extension and presence. The RSV is excellently tuned, offering a warm tonality and timbre presentation that is not only tonally accurate but also very easy to appreciate, enjoy, and live with on a daily basis. It’s a sound that one can relish for extended periods without losing interest or experiencing fatigue.

BASS

The Softears RSV delivers a bass response that is both impactful and balanced. It’s a pleasant surprise, considering it comes from BA drivers. The bass doesn’t overpower, but it certainly makes its presence felt with a punchy kick and a satisfying decay, a characteristic trait of BA technology. It strikes a good balance, providing enough presence for a wide range of music genres, all the while maintaining excellent control.

The bass performance of the RSV is quite gratifying. It delivers a punchy rumble in the sub-bass and a commendable mid-bass response. Despite its BA nature (which is less punchy and deep-hitting compared to DD), it manages to deliver sufficiently to complement the other frequency ranges effectively. The mid-bass takes center stage in comparison to the sub-bass. The bass response of the RSV is predominantly tight and well-contained within its region, making for a well-rounded auditory experience.

MID

The lower-end transitions seamlessly into a delightful midrange response. The RSV displays its enchanting allure with its captivating midrange delivery. The vocals, in my opinion, are the star of the show with the RSV. Both male and female vocals shine with the RSV, exhibiting a charming tone and a rich texture. The mids are tuned with a high degree of safety, exuding a controlled and musical character. The tonality of this IEM is simply outstanding, and I find no shortcomings. The instruments and vocals resonate with a natural and lifelike quality. There’s a remarkable coherence in this part that gives you the sensation of being at a live recording.

TREBLE

The treble of the RSV resonates with a natural sound, devoid of any sibilance or harsh intrusive peaks. It presents a lower-treble that is both accurate and natural sounding. While the treble may not have an extraordinary extension, it does have a commendable presence and definition. Considering the price, the treble extension is good, and the level of detail is excellent. When paired with a quality source device, you’ll be able to discern great details with impressive micro performance. In summary, the smooth treble plays a significant role in delivering a relaxing and musical experience with the set, albeit at the expense of some details.

TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

The RSV places a strong emphasis on depth and vocal presence, delivering a highly coherent soundstage that is fundamentally convincing. It strikes a balance where nothing feels excessively accentuated or out of place, boasting excellent instrumental separation and above-average clarity. The RSV offers good width and depth, which is quite commendable for its price range, even though its soundstage may not be the most expansive or impressive.

The resolution of the RSV is also noteworthy, as is its transparency. The instruments are distinctly separated and presented in a pleasing manner. The imaging of the RSV is something I particularly admire; it’s undoubtedly one of the best in the under $1000 category.

CONCLUSION

The RSV is a remarkable IEM, which undoubtedly offers one of the most delightful tonalities in the sub-$1000 range. Its timbral coloration is exquisitely euphonic, producing a sound signature that is not just captivating but also very pleasant to the ears. These IEMs are not only visually stunning but also boast excellent build quality and ergonomics. They come in a luxurious package and deliver an exceptional sound. Truly, the RSV is a perfect blend of aesthetics and performance. In short, I LOVE IT.