Wired IEMs
Symphonium Audio Helios
78Great
$1,100
Full review dataSymphonium Audio Helios vs Thieaudio Valhalla: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Thieaudio Valhalla comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 81. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Thieaudio Valhalla - Great overall at around $1999.
Wired IEMs
Thieaudio Valhalla
81Great
$2,000
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Symphonium Audio Helios leads on 2 of 4 measures.
- Symphonium Audio Helios
- Thieaudio Valhalla
HearWiki score
78
81
Sound
9.0
9.0
Value
7.0
6.0
Price (USD)
$1,100
$2,000
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 Thieaudio Valhalla is 4 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 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Helios2021
- Valhalla20254 yr newer
Specifications
HeliosValhalla
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,100
- $2,000
- HearWiki score
- 78
- 81
- Released
- 2021
- 2025
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- balanced armature
- 19× balanced armature
- Driver type
- balanced-armature
- balanced-armature
- Drivers per side
- -
- 19
- Impedance
- 8.5 Ω
- 9 Ω
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Connector
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
- -
What reviewers said
Symphonium Audio Helios
The Symphonium Audio Helios is a high-performance all-balanced-armature IEM that delivers exceptional bass, treble detail, and holographic imaging, making it a standout in its price range. However, it demands significant amplification and features a large, angular shell that may pose fit challenges for some users. Its energetic, incisive sound signature appeals to critical listeners but may not suit those seeking a warm or relaxed tuning.
- Pro:Outstanding bass and treble extension for an all-BA design
- Pro:Excellent imaging and holographic soundstage
- Pro:Strong technical performance and detail retrieval
- Con:Requires substantial power to perform at its best
- Con:Large, angular shell can be difficult to fit comfortably
- Con:Aggressive, gritty tuning may not suit all preferences
Thieaudio Valhalla
The Thieaudio Valhalla is a premium all-balanced-armature in-ear monitor that prioritizes technical clarity and precise sound staging. Its design focuses on delivering crisp, well-defined bass, transparent mids, and extended treble without harshness, making it a strong choice for analytical listening rather than a relaxed, warm signature. The build quality and fit are top-tier, reflecting its flagship status.
- Pro:Exceptional detail retrieval and instrument separation
- Pro:Clean, well-controlled bass with solid punch
- Pro:Neutral yet engaging tuning across the frequency range
- Con:Very high price point limits accessibility
- Con:Low impedance may require a quality source to avoid hiss
- Con:Not suited for listeners seeking a warm or laid-back sound
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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