HiSenior Mega5 EST Review

Jul 20, 2024

In 2024, HiSenior is rolling the audiophile market with some crazy good value-for-money products such as the Okavango and then the Highly-acclaimed product in the market the Mega5 EST. Priced at $549 in the international market, the pair was released recently in India via Concept Kart store for an attractive price tag of Rs 49,990. I purchased the set with my own money from Concept Kart, they were kind enough to offer me a discount in return for my impressions to be posted on their website. I am in no way being asked to write positive or negative about the set, I am just stating my own experience with the pair. First, let’s understand some basics of the pair.

Hisenior Mega5 EST:-

The Mega5 EST need no introduction today because the pair is so hyped up by all the reviewers worldwide. The pair features a five-driver tribrid setup housing a 10mm bio-cellulose diaphragm dynamic driver unit, 2 Balanced Armature drivers, and 2 Electrostatic drivers. Hisenior has adjusted these drivers together in a four-way passive frequency crossover with the DD unit handling the lower end, the BA unit producing the Mid-high range, and the EST drivers handling the higher frequencies. As per the brand and information on the Concept Kart website, the Mega5 EST is tuned following the Harman target response curve. Well, that’s all the technical banter about the pair, let’s begin with the design and fit for the pair.

Design, Build, Fit:-

HiSenior Mega5 EST here is the 7th Anniversary limited edition model with Blueish-grey colored ear shells. It’s fascinating to see that the pair despite housing a five-driver configuration has really compact and comfortable ear shells. Made entirely of Resin material, they are quite light in weight and fit perfectly for me. Isolation is also super solid here for me. I don’t find any issues in terms of comfort or isolation with the set. Design-wise, they look quite cool with a glittery pattern on the face covers. It takes standard 2-pin connectors and comes with a solid cable in the pack. This is Hisenior White Whale cable with 4.4mm termination. Sad to see that there’s no interchangeable cable system here as most new IEMs come with such cables. Also, another thing to mention here would be the amazing case that this IEM comes with. Mega5 EST comes with a Pelican-style case that is robust in its build structure.

Power Requirements:-

HiSenior Mega5 EST is not demanding at all, it is very easy to drive and can be paired easily with different sources. I am using it with my HiBy R6 Gen III and Audiocular D07 dongle DAC as well. I find the set to sound quite nice with both the sources, although the better DAC and AMP section of R6 Gen III definitely makes it sound cleaner and crispier.

Sound Impressions:-

I was super excited to try out the HiSenior Mega5 EST with all the hype that is created all around the globe. Yes, the pair sounds very good, Yes it sounds very clean, highly resolving, and has a very pleasing sound profile as well. I find the Mega5 EST to effortlessly produce a wide frequency band. It packs a fast lower end with good extensions into the sub-bass region. I personally find the Sub-bass to be a bit more present than the mid-bass. The Midrange is on the recessed side, yet it retains good clarity and texture for instruments and vocals. The treble is open and smooth, I would say a little overly smooth for my taste but the extension and clarity is top-notch here.

Lower-end/Bass:-

HiSenior Mega5 EST produces a clear, refined lower-end response. The bass region is tight and well-controlled within its region and adds no muddiness to the output. The Bass region is fast and has a snappy presentation. I listen to EDM and hip-hop a lot like Hardwell, NF, Eminem, Daft Punk, etc., Mega5 EST complements those artists and genres with its fast and snappy response in the lower end. Although the main focus here is on the Sub-bass response, I would personally love more punch in the mid-bass region.

Midrange:-

Mega5 EST handles midrange effortlessly, the pair sound sublime here. It’s like a precious speaker setup in the midrange, the resolution, the clarity is top-notch here. For vocals, the pair has a very clean and well-textured presentation. I love the natural tone and timbre for both male and female vocals. Vocals convey emotions quite nicely IMO. Instruments in the mid-range section sound clear and detailed.

Treble:-

Just like the mid-range, the Treble response of the Mega5 EST is also very effortless and smooth. It has no signs of sibiliance or harshness even at louder volumes. I like this relaxed and smooth presentation of the set. It produces a good level of detail and sounds smooth at the same time. However I must add that trebleheads may not like this silky smooth presentation and miss some excitement here.

Technical Performance:-

Mega5 EST produces a wide and tall soundstage presentation. It has a good captivating feel with its presentation. Imaging and Separation are decent I must say, because my other pair the I/O Volare is around the same price point but has clearer imaging and layering capabilities.

Let’s summarise the review here in some Pro’s and Con’s:-

Pros:-

Smooth, Musical presentation.
The resolution and clarity are very good.
Sounds completely effortless in its presentation.
Vocals have good texture.
Treble is smooth and relaxed, comfortable sound I must say.
Easy to Drive.
Fit and Isolation is very good.

Cons:-

Not for Trebleheads.
Average Technical Performance.
Design is simple and minimalistic.

Final Words:-

I am satisfied with this purchase of Mega5 EST. The effortless and relaxing sound presentation of this set is phenomenal for the price bracket. On top of it, we also have a good, comfortable fit as well. So, it’s a winner in my books already.