Marcus evaluations the PMG Audio Apx ME, a brand new re-tuned titanium-shell version of their award-winning 12-driver dynamic, BA, and planar IEM. It’s at the moment priced at €6000.00.
Disclaimer: This pattern was despatched to me in trade for my sincere opinion. Headfonics is an unbiased web site with no affiliate hyperlinks or companies. I thank PMG Audio for its help.
Click on right here to study extra concerning the PMG Audio merchandise we now have beforehand reviewed on Headfonics.
This publish follows our present scoring tips, which you’ll learn in additional element right here.
PMG Audio Apx ME Assessment
Abstract
Truthfully, I discover little fault with the PMG Audio Apx ME. It is at a world-class stage, sounding clean and detailed, and addressing a lot of the suggestions from earlier homeowners, making it some of the highly effective but natural-sounding high-end IEMs in the marketplace at the moment.
Professionals
Deep and highly effective low-end with extremely detailed, but clean mids and highs.
Strong titanium shell design.
Improved packaging and equipment.
Cons
Shorter nozzle means better tip dependance and a extra unstable sound signature.
Followers of the unique Apx may miss the treble brilliance of the older mannequin.
The PMG Audio Apx ME is the third iteration of the corporate’s limited-run summit-fi common IEM collection, which started with the unique Apx in early 2024.
For many who are unaware, PMG Audio is the high-end sub-brand of Customized Artwork’s proprietor, Piotr Granicki, with a no-limits, money-is-no-object strategy to earphone design, aiming to seize what he feels is ‘greatest at school.’
How profitable that has been is considerably tough to gauge as a result of every launch is a really restricted run: the primary began with simply 20 items, adopted by 100 items of the 2nd model, the Apx SE, and now the Apx ME, which has a 200-unit run.
One may argue that since every wave has bought out, that sure, mission achieved. I might help that on a private stage, given I additionally awarded one of many highest scores ever given to an IEM on Headfonics with each the unique and the Apx SE profitable awards in 2024.
If there’s an IEM I seize for journey, reference work, or pure enjoyment, it’s the unique Apx. One thing about its expansive staging and delightful layering nonetheless wows me at the moment.
So, how can the brand new €6000 Apx ME supply one thing totally different? Properly, by producing the smoothest, deepest sound but from an Apx, while capturing a few of that lovely top and air of the unique Apx. Additionally it is packaged in a sturdier metallic shell and comes loaded with a vastly upgraded accent bundle.
Essentially the most mature and audibly accessible Apx model so far? I discovered in my full overview and comparisons beneath.
Options
The PMG Audio Apx ME is now a hybrid 12-driver common IEM with an 8-way passive crossover, in comparison with the Apx and SE’s 11-driver configuration.
The exact configuration has some adjustments from the earlier version. Nonetheless, the oblong ultra-planar subwoofer for the sub-lows and a 10mm PEEK diaphragm dynamic driver for the lows and lower-mids is unaltered.
The 8 flat impedance (FIBAE) BA are freshly recoiled greater impedance drivers in barely totally different configurations from the earlier model.
There at the moment are 6 devoted to the mids (decrease mids and mids) as an alternative of 4+2 for the mids/highs, with the higher frequency extension, as earlier than, coated by a smaller spherical Extremely-Planar tweeter.
The brand new driver is bone-conduction (of kinds), or extra exactly, a VCD driver (brief for Vibration Conduction Driver), geared toward enhancing bass response with a peak round 250Hz and enhancing total structural resonance in a extra significant method than commonplace bone-conduction options.
Earlier options, equivalent to POD (Stress Optimizing Design) and GSO (Geometrical Sound Outlet), are nonetheless current however have been upgraded.
POD is now POD+, a 3D-printed waveguide that covers each the dynamic driver strain and midrange response. GSO has up to date the nozzle geometry to reinforce the staging and imaging efficiency of the Apx ME.
The Apx ME is rated at 10.8Ω ±1.5Ω for impedance, with an SPL of 117 dB/mW @1kHz, so it has a bit extra load than the unique or SE version, nevertheless it appears extra delicate than the older variations on paper.
Design
So, that is one other enormous change: switching from resin to a CNC-machined titanium shell for the Apx ME shell. It creates a very totally different aesthetic, and for a lot of, it’ll look extra premium.
It excudes a mature monotone matte gray with black fender rings and a plate completed with a carefully etched hexagonal honeycomb sample in matching black outlines.
Each of the Apx ME nozzles have protecting meshes to stop mud and dust from accumulating. Additionally, maybe not many will discover, however I admire the superbly designed quad venting array just under the 2-pin connectors.
On the previous resin fashions, these have been recessed behind a single rectangular port, so not as apparent. Having them mounted to exit the shells straight is extra enticing to me.
What I additionally like about this explicit Apx model is the dearth of weight from the titanium, one thing I used to be involved about earlier than making an attempt them out.
Although not fairly as mild or as contoured because the resin shells of the earlier iterations, they’re however surprisingly mild and extremely robust-feeling within the hand.
The Apx ME nozzle can be shorter than the resin designs by a noticeable quantity. This may place extra emphasis on tip selection for passive isolation and also will create a extra unstable surroundings for efficiency consistency.
Consolation & Isolation
As talked about, the extra weight of the Apx ME shells is negligible within the ear. PMG Audio has saved the sizing pleasingly compact. Therefore, they sit nicely in most ears, although by default a lot of the ear canal penetration comes from the tip moderately than the titanium nozzle.
As a result of the Apx ME titanium shells have a extra uniform form and a usually much less forgiving nature of metals for isolation in comparison with resin, you will want to decide on your ideas rigorously.
An excellent match and the proper tip selection will produce a wonderful seal and an impressively comfy match for longer listening classes. On condition that PMG Audio has considerably enhanced tip choice, I believe they really feel the identical method.
The most recent tip choice is available in an impressively lengthy black metal-and-glass panel tray with no fewer than 5 sorts in small, medium, and huge sizes. There are not any foam choices; that is an all-silicone tip lineup.
Typically talking, my go-to becoming dimension was medium, with giant additionally working however with diminished efficiency, provided that the nozzle was farther from my ear canal.
The very best tip for me was the wide-bore white silicone tip, which delivers essentially the most balanced, immersive sound signature from the APX ME.
The narrower-bore black ideas could be my second selection, as they seal simply in addition to the white silicone ideas and supply an equally immersive sound. They may, nevertheless, produce a barely stronger bass response.
Afterward, the dual-flange produces admirable outcomes when it comes to expanse and seal, however I discover it rather less comfy throughout longer listening classes.
The narrow-bore white silicone and clear gel-type ideas didn’t create an efficient seal in my ear, noticeably decreasing staging depth and dimension and permitting an excessive amount of background noise to bleed in.
Inventory Cable
The Apx ME comes with a completely new inventory cable, the third such inventory cable.
This time, the hybrid mixture of metals from the SE model is changed with a less complicated, customized 6N OCC pure-silver wire in a coaxial geometry with silver shielding, inside a brown twisted PVC jacket, and terminated with matching titanium barrels and connectors. The cable is terminated with a 4.4mm jack by default.
For pliability, I might fee the brand new Apx ME inventory cable someplace between the light-weight OG inventory cable for dealing with and the heavier SE different.
Aesthetically, it’s extra in line with the titanium shell end and a mature, low-profile shade, however the jacket feels slightly agency. I might have most well-liked a softer outer materials for extended use, however given the scale of the wiring (no official AWG however undoubtedly low 20), which may not have been attainable.
As with the SE cable, the Apx ME inventory cable comes with an built-in IEM organizer strap, which is appreciated for its low-profile design and the chance of by no means being misplaced when on the go.
Microphonics or cable noise could be very low, as is reminiscence retention. It is a very well-behaved cable and unlikely to tangle up when in use.
Packaging & Equipment
With every new PMG Audio IEM launch, the packaging will get extra refined and premium-looking.
If there was one lasting criticism of the OG, it was that the presentation felt a bit tough across the edges. The SE enhancements, together with a devoted leather-based zipper case and compartmentalized equipment, have been very a lot welcomed.
If something, the Apx ME packaging is a refined model of the SE show case, with a broader accent lineup.
The massive brown leather-based outer carry case could be very refined but strong, with ornamental exterior ending and a neat insert to deal with the equipment.
The ear ideas are available in their very own elongated metallic case with a transparent panel on high, but when, like me, you’ve a most well-liked set of ideas, it additionally comes with a tiny square-like model the place you may pack your favourite ideas into when on the go.
You additionally get a smaller zipper carry case to suit inside baggage and an identical leather-based coaster that sits on high of the cable compartment.
One final thing. The Apx ME case contents may be emptied, with Velcro-finished dividers obtainable to compartmentalize the bottom. This may will let you neatly pack a system rig, equivalent to a DAP, a conveyable amplifier, or spare cables, alongside the IEMs for an entire journey or community-meet equipment.
Sound Impressions
The next sound impressions have been accomplished utilizing the iBasso DX320 MAX Ti, the HiBy RS8 II, and the FiiO M27 with a low-gain balanced output connection.
Abstract
If there’s an evolutionary line within the Apx fashions, the Apx ME sits nearer to the SE version than to the OG. It produces a fair smoother sound than the SE and considerably enhances high quality and low-end energy, delivering a really deep and authoritative presentation.
Nonetheless, it will even be improper of me to low cost the affect of the primary Apx mannequin, as a result of not solely has the Apx ME refined the SE’s tonal steadiness, nevertheless it’s additionally stolen a trick or two from the OG’s spacious soundstage.
One may argue that it’s the better of each worlds, with a richer, extra natural-sounding full-bodied vocal timbre, weighty, detailed bass, and loads of house to let the Apx ME ship a simple, simply loved efficiency.
And it’s not simply ‘moar bass’ both. This isn’t a bloated driver response with a molasses-like path left behind each word. It’s much more agile than that.
The sub-bass bias remains to be there, and the separation and layering are glorious. Moderately, it’s the ‘pointed’ slam and the textured element from the Apx ME lows that impress me much more than what the SE provided.
The highs have leaned again slightly from the SE, significantly greater than within the unique. For many who struggled with the brighter highs of the unique, the Apx ME delivers a much more liquid-like treble efficiency with an even-harmonic bias within the midrange tuning.
Some may really feel the unique nonetheless has the peak benefit, and to an extent, I do discover the unique’s immersion from its treble presence fairly distinctive.
For those who didn’t, the Apx ME’s mids-to-treble coherence is superior to the SE, which doesn’t fairly convey the identical pure, wealthy midrange tone.
Frequency Response
The most important Apx ME tuning adjustments from the earlier two fashions for me are primarily beneath 150Hz, and every part above 1k. You can also make a case for 100-250Hz, given the VCD drivers peak round 250Hz, however that’s extra of a ‘bodily feeling’ than an outright amplitude change.
As with the older fashions, PMG has retained that sub-bass bias, which I a lot favor over elongated bass cabinets.
From 80Hz right down to 20Hz, I hear slightly extra elevation than the SE, and while it does really feel comparable in amplitude to the OG round 50Hz-20Hz, it provides a fuller sound courtesy of a perceived stronger 50-100Hz elevation. It additionally sounds extra bodily and textured courtesy of the VCD driver.
Although there isn’t an enormous FR change within the upper-bass and lower-mids, the Apx ME rises a bit earlier from 1-3k and stays constant as much as 5-6k, moderately than the older mannequin’s gradual rise and peak at 5k.
The deviation from what got here earlier than feels extra dramatic post-5k. The primary Apx had a noticeable raise from 5-7k with a treble shelf greater than both the SE or the Apx ME.
The SE was lowered however nonetheless felt comparatively full of life in comparison with the smoother ME tuning, which drops the vitality a good bit between 5-8k.
There’s a light raise round 10k that ensures the Apx ME doesn’t fall into the ‘darkish lure’, although. In comparison with the earlier 2 fashions, some may argue it’s the darkest-sounding treble of the three.
Personally, I just like the ‘take no prisoners’ ethereal and tall presentation of the unique’s treble tuning, but when I’m selecting one thing with the smoothest highs, then the ME beats out the SE’s barely compromised interpretation each time.
Staging & Dynamics
Regardless of the relaxed treble tuning, there is no such thing as a doubt that the Apx ME is a huge-sounding monitor. Maybe with a slight bias now to depth over treble brilliance, it however sounds easy, particularly by means of the mids.
I hear a slight enhance in dynamic vary and textured element within the Apx ME mids in comparison with the older fashions. Virtually each word now has a stronger basic frequency, so while seemingly not as forward-sounding in some areas, it however sounds greater and extra assured in its supply.
The presentation is excellent on the macro-level. Reverb is palpable, with a cathedral-like high quality that makes a few of the competitors sound as if it’s being delivered inside the confines of a padded studio.
If there’s a slight critique is extra due to how wedded I’m to the OG’s treble efficiency. I’m within the minority relating to how nicely the top-end tuning was obtained.
There are occasions once I really feel the unique has a extra enveloping sound than the Apx ME, because of the stronger presence of the upper-register spatial cue.
However it’s vastly deeper and extra holographic-sounding than the SE version. Not as intimate within the mids, however extra spacious sounding, with vocals and devices simply commanding their very own house with out a trace of smear.
It’s an enormous sound, however not the kind of huge for nimble, ethereal orchestral works; extra an arena-big vibe suited to muscular rock and pop gigs, if that is smart.
Click on on web page 2 beneath for my advisable pairings and chosen comparisons.
