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Softears RSV (Reference Sound Five)Image © Amazon

Softears RSV (Reference Sound Five)

72/ 100
Great
HearWiki score

Priced about right

$730
typical price, USD
Still sold new
Manufacturer pageBuy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
Softears
Type
Wired IEMs
Fit
-
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2021

Score breakdowngreat overall

Sound8.1
Value4.2

A wired reference-series IEM using five balanced-armature drivers. Softears designed it as a reference-sound model with an easier driving requirement than its more complex reference designs.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The Softears RSV is a five-balanced-armature wired IEM that prioritizes a smooth, musical, and broadly appealing tonality over outright technical supremacy. Its tuning is described as natural, euphonic, and easy to enjoy, making it a safe choice for listeners who value comfort and emotional engagement. While it may not lead its price class in raw detail or imaging, its cohesive timbre and pleasant balance earn it strong praise.

What works

  • Very natural and pleasant tonal balance
  • Smooth, euphonic character that is easy to listen to
  • Good timbre and resolution for its class
  • Safe, inoffensive tuning that suits many genres

What doesn't

  • Imaging performance is a weaker point
  • Technicalities trail some similarly priced competitors
  • Not a purely accurate reference tuning

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - Softears RSV (Reference Sound Five)
Driver5BA
Driver typebalanced-armature
Driver configuration5BA
Drivers per side5
Impedance8 Ω

What the reviews said

6 source(s) feeding this product's score.

headfonics.com

87

The reviewer finds the RSV’s tuning very easy to listen to and emotionally engaging, with a smooth, euphonic character. The displayed rating is strong overall, and the set is framed as a pleasing listen rather than a purely technical reference champion.

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crinacle.com

The RSV is praised for excellent tonal balance, strong timbre, and good resolution, while imaging is called its weaker point. The overall view is that it is a more natural and pleasant alternative to more explicitly detailed but less organic competitors.

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headfonia.com

The review presents the RSV as a new Softears model with five balanced armature drivers per side and generally favorable sound qualities. The published snippet does not expose a formal numeric score, so the verdict can only be summarized from the editorial conclusion visible in search results.

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headphones.com

The reviewer describes the RSV as a very safe, broadly enjoyable IEM that is easy to like. It is praised more for being inoffensive and pleasant than for standout technical performance, which is said to trail some competitors at the price.

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twister6.com

The reviewer says the RSV may not be the most accurate reference tuning or the most technically accomplished IEM in its class, but it stands out for its very pleasing tonality. The emphasis is on musical enjoyment and a highly agreeable presentation.

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Alternatives in the $360–$1,460 range

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Where it sits in our rankings

The data-driven guides this model qualifies for.