Muse Hi-Fi Power : The Chi-Fi Planar Experience

 

Pros :

• Good bass response
• Clear vocals
• Affordable and cheaper set of Planar IEM
• Wide soundstage
• Wonderful imaging

Cons :

• Presence of upper-mid peaks
• Power-demanding
• Bulky shell

DISCLAIMER : I am not affiliated with MUSE HIFI nor received any monetary compensation during this review. This review is only intended to provide feedback on the product's performance.

I would like to thank Steve Tong for providing this review unit to our review tour circle.

 

I am going to review the Muse Hi-Fi Power Planar IEM. Muse Hi-Fi is a new company in the chi-fi scene, and their first unit is a planar IEM. This is my first planar IEM that I managed to get my hands on, and what do I think of it? Let's see!

 

To be honest, compared to the usual DD and BA IEMs, planar IEMs don't have that much difference from a well-tuned 1BA or 1DD setup, at least to this specific unit. In addition, BA or DD setups are easier to drive than planar ones. However, it doesn't mean this particular IEM is something to ignore.

 

/ package /

It has a generous package, but the box looks very cheap, but yeah, that's only a small factor in this review. Not a very big deal.

 

- Sleeved 3.5mm cable

- 4 sets of ear tips in 3 sizes

- Faux-leather case with the Muse HiFi logo

- Manual

- Brush

 

/ sound /

Test tracks:

Helplessly Hoping - Crosby, Stills & Nash

Heroes - David Bowie

Asphyxia - Co Shu Nie

Pepas -Farruko

Thank You - Diana Ross

Easy On Me - Adele

Portrait of a Headless Man- Septicflesh

Prototype - Septicflesh

Havana - Camilla Cabello

Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

In The Air Tonight - Phil Collins

Paper Trails - Darkside

Bass: It has a sufficiently dynamic sound that is not overwhelming. It has a very balanced sound that does not bleed to other frequencies. Radiates a lively well-presented sound. This pair is more on the mid-bass focus than the sub-bass. Thumps and kicks are quite satisfying, sub-bass rumbles can be felt but not deep enough to qualify this as a bassy IEM. Bass heads might not prefer the overall sound of these planar pair. It's not thick enough to radiate the level of dynamic and energy required to qualify their preferences.

 

Mids : Mids are well represented in this pair. The only concern I have is the upper-mid peaks that occasionally occur on some tracks. The air in the vocals has a wonderful presentation; you can feel the crisp, clear, and clean vocals. Female vocals are wonderful, clear, and appealing. Male vocals are good on this pair as well.

 

Treble : Treble is felt in this region. It has a sparkly, vivid, and bright presentation. It's not meant to offend since they have wonderful separation and extension all throughout. Prolonged listening may hurt your ears since this IEM has a bit of shimmer.

 

Soundstage and Imaging : The soundstage is amazing. It has good depth and width that separates this from some BA or DD IEMs. Imaging is great; positioning of instruments and vocals is good. However, one track I listened to made these planar IEM somehow experience congestion in busy tracks. Overall, the technicalities are good. I haven't tried any planar IEMs, so let's leave it at that. If we were to compare these to BA, DD, or hybrid IEMs, the mentioned configurations are able to match these planar drivers if properly tuned.

FINAL RATING

 

In conclusion, Muse HiFi Power is something I would recommend to those looking for an affordable planar IEM. I personally liked it. It may have its cons, but more power to the pros. Since this is the first planar product from Muse HiFi I am positive that they will use this as a stepping-stone to  create a better version of this specific model for years to come. Chi-Fi really has gone competitive over the past few years with recent releases and unique implementations, and with more companies like Muse HiFi joining the fray, it's only a matter of time until there are too many products to choose  from.