Wired IEMs
FiiO FA9
66Good
$500
Full review dataFiiO FA9 vs Hisenior Mega5EST: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Hisenior Mega5EST comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Hisenior Mega5EST - Outstanding overall at around $649.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Hisenior Mega5EST leads on 3 of 4 measures.
- FiiO FA9
- Hisenior Mega5EST
HearWiki score
66
84
Sound
7.8
9.1
Value
4.5
8.3
Price (USD)
$500
$650
Generation & platform
The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?
Same generation
The Hisenior Mega5EST is 3 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- FA92020
- Mega5EST20233 yr newer
Specifications
FA9Mega5EST
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $500
- $650
- HearWiki score
- 66
- 84
- Released
- 2020
- 2023
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 6× balanced armature
- 1DD + 2BA + 2EST tribrid
- Driver type
- balanced-armature
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- -
- 1DD + 2BA + 2EST
- Driver size
- -
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 6
- 5
- Frequency response
- 15 Hz - 40 kHz
- -
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 25 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 110 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- ANC type
- none
- -
- Transparency mode
- No
- -
- Companion app
- No
- -
- Custom EQ
- No
- -
- Wear detection
- No
- -
- Controls
- none
- -
- Weight
- 6.2 g
- 6 g
- Water resistance
- none
- -
- Foldable
- No
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- USB-C
- No
- -
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
What reviewers said
FiiO FA9
The FiiO FA9 is a 2020 flagship in-ear monitor built around six balanced-armature drivers in a 3D-printed shell, offering a switchable tuning system for versatile sound signatures. It delivers deep bass extension and airy treble, with a lightweight design and easy drivability, though it lacks wireless features and active noise cancellation. This wired monitor is aimed at enthusiasts seeking a highly adjustable, source-friendly listening experience.
- Pro:Excellent build quality with 3D-printed shell
- Pro:Multiple sound-tuning switches for personalization
- Pro:Deep bass and airy treble for a balanced sound
- Con:Fit may be uncomfortable for smaller ears
- Con:Tuning options can be overwhelming for some users
- Con:Instrument separation is only middling
Hisenior Mega5EST
The Hisenior Mega5EST is a premium wired tribrid IEM that pairs a dynamic driver, dual balanced armatures, and dual electrostatic drivers for a cohesive, engaging sound. Its tuning leans toward musical enjoyment rather than clinical analysis, wrapped in a lightweight, well-built shell with a generous accessory set. The overall presentation is balanced and easy to listen to, making it a versatile choice for those seeking high-end performance without fatigue.
- Pro:Engaging, pleasure-oriented tuning that remains balanced and cohesive
- Pro:Premium build quality with a lightweight, comfortable fit
- Pro:Includes a robust accessory set and quality cable
- Con:Shell color may not perfectly match the faceplates aesthetically
- Con:Tuning favors broad appeal over extreme technical precision
- Con:No active noise cancellation, limiting isolation to passive means
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.