Nihal evaluations the brand new Softears RSV-MKII, a 2nd-generation 5 BA driver IEM with an upgraded aluminum shell and improved tuning. It’s presently priced at $699.
Disclaimer: This pattern was despatched to me in trade for my trustworthy opinion. Headfonics is an unbiased web site with no affiliate hyperlinks or companies. I thank the group from Softears for his or her help.
Click on right here to learn extra about Softears merchandise beforehand reviewed on Headfonics.
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Softears RSV-MKII Assessment
Abstract
If you happen to’re somebody who enjoys a vigorous, bass-shelved sound that doesn’t sacrifice midrange richness or total musicality, the 5 BA driver Softears RSV MKII IEM will really feel like a terrific match. Regardless of a couple of quirks, the tuning is a kind of that instantly clicks and leaves a robust impression.
Professionals
Punchy and impactful mid-bass.
Musical midrange with wealthy tonality.
Spectacular soundstage.
Cons
Is not going to enchantment to ‘reference lovers’.
Softears has been busy currently. They began out with the discharge of the Softears Quantity S earlier this 12 months, after which we noticed the discharge of Studio 2, tuned for studio professionals and stage artists.
On the SIAS 2025 present, they teased new variations of IEMs such because the RS10 and Cerberus, slated to be launched within the close to future.
Following the occasion, they launched a brand new model of their extensively acclaimed IEM, the RSV, which was initially launched in early 2021.
The RSV, which homes 5 balanced armature drivers, has been a well-regarded IEM for its pleasing tuning.
Holding the identical driver configuration, Softears has achieved some re-engineering and launched enhancements, stating that the brand new $699 RSV-MKII is not only a refresh however an improve.
Has the brand new RSV-MKII design and sound signature stored tempo with competing model choices such because the Yanyin Carmen, LETSHUOER’s Mystic 8, and THIEAUDIO’s Oracle MKIII?
Let’s dive in and see what the RSV-MKII has to supply in my full assessment beneath.
Options
The brand new RSV-MKII homes 5 balanced armature drivers, all from Knowles. For the low finish, there are two Knowles CI collection drivers employed. The midrange is dealt with by a Knowles ED driver, whereas for the excessive frequencies, the RSV-MKII makes use of a composite Knowles SWFK driver.
Softears has achieved some optimizations to those drivers to get the utmost out of them. The IEM has an upgraded 4-way crossover structure with 4 unbiased acoustic tubes over the 3-way crossover discovered within the earlier era.
For enhancing the low-end response, Softears has designed a singular dual-bass tube design. The RSV-MKII additionally options Softears’ patented passive air-damping and dual-pressure reduction methods inherited from their flagship RS10. This design helps relieve the ear canal from any air stress buildup inside.
One closing vital be aware is that the RSV-MKII is rated as being very simple to drive and pretty delicate at simply 7Ω and 122 dB @1kHz SPL. In idea, the IEM will not be going to extract a lot juice out of your sources.
Design
RSV-MKII is inbuilt an all-black theme, with the physique made from medical-grade resin and the faceplate crafted from anodized aluminum alloy. The faceplate has a matte end and is exactly formed utilizing CNC precision machining, giving it a sturdy construct.
The V-shaped motif is made from carbon fiber and positioned barely off-centre on the faceplate. Inside this motif, yow will discover the “RS” emblem. Personally, I really feel it has a minimal but elegant design.
The all-black theme, or reasonably the single-color scheme, carries an inherent class. The faceplate has a barely shiny, shiny texture that provides to its enchantment.
Nonetheless, I do miss the gold foil accents from the sooner model of the RSV, which added a bit extra dazzle beneath targeted gentle.
Massive vents will be seen on the perimeters of the faceplates, a part of the newly added airflow stress reduction design that minimizes stress buildup. The nozzle is barely vast, however not sufficient to trigger match points. It has a mean size and a lip design to forestall ear tip slippage.
You can too see 4 sound tubes rising from the nozzle, although with none mesh to dam filth or earwax. The IEM connects through a recessed 2-pin 0.78mm socket.
Consolation & Isolation
Consolation has by no means been a difficulty with most Softears IEMs. The shells listed here are a bit bigger than the average-sized IEMs.
For me, the match has been fairly comfy, one of many causes being an ergonomic design with contours that comply with the pure curves of the human ear.
It avoids any sharp edges or stress factors that would doubtlessly trigger any discomfort. There are rounded, clean curves throughout to assist the IEM settle extra naturally.
The shells are fairly light-weight, lowering pressure even throughout lengthy periods. They do stick out slightly, even when fitted correctly, however stay intact of their positions.
Total, the design gives a safe match, minimizing the necessity for frequent readjustments. When you have smaller ears, I don’t suppose the match shall be troublesome, although it’s all the time greatest to attempt them first.
Even when I’m on the transfer, I don’t really feel any loosening or threat of them falling out. The isolation issue on the RSV-MKII is first rate, blocking a good quantity of out of doors noise.
The stress reduction system minimizes stress buildup contained in the ear canal, which might typically occur with poorly vented all-BA driver IEMs.
Ear Ideas
Softears have all the time been beneficiant with the ear ideas they embody with their IEMs. The RSV-MKII comes with two several types of ear ideas: UC ear ideas and Sort-B ear ideas.
UC ear ideas have been a go-to selection for many individuals as a consequence of their mushy and comfy design. The opposite set of ear ideas are common silicone air ideas with smaller stems and narrower bores, designed to supply a balanced tuning.
Personally, I like each units, however I discover the UC ear tricks to be slightly slippery, so I’m not a giant fan of them, although I nonetheless suggest making an attempt them with the IEMs. I additionally tried some aftermarket ear ideas and located the Divinus Velvets to pair fairly nicely.
Given the nozzle diameter and the ridge on it, ear ideas with slender stems will be tough to push on, so becoming the Divinus ear ideas took some effort. I want ear ideas with wider stems since they match extra simply onto the nozzle.
Usually, I’d recommend utilizing ear ideas with a wider bore to maintain the sound extra open and airier. Slender bores can restrict the treble frequencies and make the sound slightly boring.
Inventory Cable
The Softears RSV-MKII comes with a high-quality cryogenically-treated pure copper cable designed to ship cleaner and extra correct sound.
The cable is created from high-conductivity, oxygen-free copper, which the Softears group typically makes use of on their different cables. Its core is constructed with 12 teams of 19 ultra-fine strands, every simply 0.046mm thick, utilizing 6N7 high-purity stranded copper.
The design makes use of a 19-strand “reverse twist” configuration, which reduces resistance and sign loss whereas retaining present move secure.
The twisted construction additionally cancels out undesirable inductive results, lowers noise, and improves high-frequency element, giving off a cleaner and extra pure sound supply.
The cable’s dealing with is kind of simple, although you may anticipate some tangling when rolling it up. I significantly just like the {hardware}, because it feels very sturdy and has substantial sizing.
The 4.4mm adapter, splitter, and 2-pin connector comply with the identical design scheme, completed in black. You’ll discover a Softears emblem on the termination adapter and an “RS” emblem on the y-split.
The cable performs very nicely and doesn’t demand a swap. Moreover, a 3.5mm male to 4.4mm feminine adapter is included, carrying the identical design and construct high quality, protecting you for a wider vary of sources.
Packaging & Equipment
The RSV-MKII is available in a small matte-black field that retains issues understated till the bright-orange racing stripe catches your eye within the nook. That little flash of colour raises sufficient curiosity and is the one clue that one thing particular is ready inside.
Opening the lid, you discover the IEMs neatly organized in entrance, sitting in a mushy foam cutout. The rest of the cable is coiled and positioned beneath this part.
Carry the froth, and the whole lot else is tucked neatly beneath. The cable is coiled in a tidy spiral and positioned within the cutout once more. Eradicating this part, you discover the equipment packet.
This packet holds all of the extras, akin to packs of ear ideas, a 3.5mm male to 4.4mm feminine adapter, a mushy cleansing fabric, a cleansing brush, a consumer handbook, and my favourite of all, two small IEM pouches. Because the final a part of the unboxing, the carry case is discovered beneath this packet.
Going by means of the inclusions, I don’t really feel Softears missed something. It’s a reasonably compact and keep-it-clean packaging that also carries a premium contact.
There could also be grander packaging at this worth level, however by way of equipment, the RSV-MKII sits on the prime of the listing.
Carry Case
The zippered carry case has a compact, spherical design that matches the general design scheme. The branded exterior is completed in black leather-based with neat stitching and a clear, minimal look.
Inside, the case is lined with a mushy, suede-like materials that provides safe storage. There’s a mesh pocket on the interior a part of the highest lid the place you may retailer ear ideas and small equipment.
I just like the design and construct of this case, and the truth that there are minimal pasting and extra stitching makes it extra sturdy. Each the highest and base of the case are agency and structured, seemingly strengthened with laborious cardboard or a skinny picket lining.
This, nevertheless, takes up some area. The case is sturdy sufficient for each day use and compact sufficient for journey. The issue, nevertheless, is that it lacks sufficient area inside to comfortably retailer the IEMs together with the cable.
I’m wondering why manufacturers don’t take note of the truth that customers want to retailer their IEMs extra comfortably. I’d even hand over a couple of equipment in favor of a bigger carry case.
Click on on web page 2 beneath for my sound impressions and advisable pairings.
