Softears RSV VS Thieaudio Oracle MKIII

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Softears RSV brings a 5BA recipe with a shell that’s handsome but larger than average, featuring a recessed 2-pin that can fuss with some cables. Comfort is generally fine, yet the size and wide body may test smaller ears. Sonically it’s a neutral-leaning tuning with clean mids and polite highs, but the presentation trades off texture, sub-bass weight, and upper-air sparkle. Stage feels spacious, extension is more average, and while the technicalities are solid, the current crop of mid-fi monitors has pushed beyond what this 2021 design delivers.

Stacked against today’s options, RSV gets pressure from several directions: Elysian Pilgrim hits harder down low with greater perceived clarity; Supernova offers a more natural tonality and better sub-bass; HiSenior Mega5 EST graphs similarly but adds a touch more air; even value picks like a “super mix”/EM10-style V-tune bring fun, slam, and engagement. RSV remains easy to pair and its upper-mids are tastefully set, yet vocals can feel a bit soft—more “fun and cozy” than pristine. At typical new pricing around the mid-$500s it’s tough to champion; catch it closer to $350–$400 (or a good used deal) and it becomes a very enjoyable pick for those who prize smooth mids over maximum bass grip and airy bite.

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Build & accessories impress: a chunky yet comfortable shell with a secure 2-pin connection and a nozzle lip that holds tips firmly. The faceplate design looks premium, and the stock cable feels good in hand with a chin slider and swappable 4.4 / 2.5 mm terminations (though the modular plug can loosen under tug). The familiar Thieaudio case and standard tip set round out a solid unboxing.

On the graph and in practice, the Oracle MKIII takes a more neutral approach than MKII—less bass, tamer upper-mids. It shares territory with sets like Hype 4 (trading blows: better upper air here vs. stronger upper-mid presence there) and recalls the Pilgrim with added EST sparkle. There’s extra 4–6 kHz bite and energy in the 10–15 kHz region that can become fatiguing over longer, mixed-content sessions. In context, similarly priced options—Supernova, Noir, and Hisenior Mega5 EST—offer comparable performance with different tonal priorities, while budget picks like Hidizs MP145/MP43 or curve-match contenders such as Juzear 61T and the upcoming Binary Dino Quattro complicate the value equation where many ~$300–$400 IEMs trade blows.

Verdict: gorgeous build, good extension and upper air from the ESTs, and a generally chill-neutral tonality—yet the emphasized presence/treble bands make it a fatiguing neutral for sensitive ears. Rated a solid A for quality, but not a universal pick or a clear recommendation over peers; those who loved the Pilgrim are the most likely match, while others may prefer alternatives with either fuller bass or smoother upper-mid/treble energy.