Softears Twilight VS Fiio FA19

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Softears Twilight presents as a compact, metal, cube-like single-DD with a surprisingly comfortable fit, small nozzle, and recessed 2-pin sockets; build feels solid and understated. The stock cable is tasteful and practical, featuring a 4.4 termination with a matching 4.4-to-3.5 adapter that fits the aesthetic. Overall execution gives premium vibes without flash, and the in-ear ergonomics are notably good despite the chunky silhouette.

Tonally, Twilight carries modest bass presence with a gentle rise through the lower mids, then blossoms into crispy upper-mids and airy treble. The result is world-class imaging and stage, vivid separation, and some of the most engaging vocals in its bracket; however, cymbals can skew a touch sharp and strings may sound glassy if a track leans hot. Listeners craving slam or extra bite may notice a lack of “snap,” but a light EQ shelf can wake up the low end nicely.

Against peers, RSV offers a bit more bass weight and a smoother mid transition, Noir is the more balanced all-rounder, and Monarch trades blows on technicalities while feeling more polite. Twilight’s charm is its engagement: punchy, airy, and uniquely “fantastical,” with sweeter upper registers and less shout than sets like Aurora. Priced around $930, it’s best viewed as a must-demo for vocal lovers and those tolerant of leaner bass—an A-class experience for the right tuning preference, and a tempting buy if found closer to mid-fi pricing.

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Fiio FA19 brings a premium feel: a sturdy, slightly translucent shell with visible BA packs, comfy fit, and a plush eight-wire cable that terminates in 4.4mm. The MMCX sockets aren’t ideal, but the shell is vented, holds tips well, and the magnetic case feels upmarket. Sonically, this 10-BA set leans warm-neutral with a rich, cohesive presentation—male vocals sound full, some female vocals come off a bit husky, and bass has quantity more than tightness. There’s a touch of 5–6 kHz energy and slight hiss; treble is clean and pleasant rather than showy. The bass switch mostly bumps mid-bass; the lower setting keeps things tidier. Overall it’s Fiio’s most well-rounded tuning to date, just shy of “exceptional” because of that soft mid-bass and a mildly flabby midrange.

Versus peers, FD15 sounds more neutrally tuned (if less special), while all-BA options like Supernova feel more natural and controlled down low. In the wider field, sets like Letshuoer Mystic 8 (a bit of a sleeper), ThieAudio Monarch MK4 (cleaner upper-mids, dual bass settings), ZiiGaat Luna (tighter, crisper for far less money), or even budget-friendlier picks such as YU9 can offer a stronger value proposition. At around $1,000, FA19 earns a solid recommendation for those who enjoy a warmer, airy BA take—graded roughly A4 / S-—but it’s a demo-first purchase and shines much brighter if found used around $300–$400. Not a new benchmark, yet a very good Fiio with treble finesse and a smooth, easygoing signature that many will simply enjoy.