Wired IEMs
Hisenior Mega5EST
84Outstanding
$650
Full review dataHisenior Mega5EST vs Moondrop Illustrious: 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 4 of 4 measures.
- Hisenior Mega5EST
- Moondrop Illustrious
HearWiki score
84
58
Sound
9.1
6.7
Value
8.3
4.1
Price (USD)
$650
$900
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 Moondrop Illustrious is 2 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.
- Mega5EST2023
- Illustrious20252 yr newer
Specifications
Mega5ESTIllustrious
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $650
- $900
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 58
- Released
- 2023
- 2025
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 1DD + 2BA + 2EST tribrid
- 1DD
- Driver type
- tribrid
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 2BA + 2EST
- 1DD
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 11 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 1
- Impedance
- 25 Ω
- 25 Ω
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Weight
- 6 g
- -
- Detachable cable
- -
- Yes
- Connector
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
What reviewers said
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
Moondrop Illustrious
The Moondrop Illustrious is a high-end, single-dynamic-driver IEM designed for listeners who value a natural, relaxed, and neutral tuning over aggressive coloration. Built with premium materials and a full accessory kit, it delivers a refined, monitor-style presentation that suits critical listening. Its main compromise is a softer low-end kick, making it less ideal for bass-heavy genres.
- Pro:Excellent build quality and premium accessories
- Pro:Natural, relaxed, and neutral tuning
- Pro:Refined presentation with a single dynamic driver
- Con:Bass lacks impact and punch
- Con:Not a dynamic or punchy-sounding earphone
- Con:High price may not suit bass lovers
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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