Hisenior Mega5EST

Neither is exaggerated, with a slight lean towards sub-bass. The Hisenior Mega5EST has natural levels of both rumble and punch, and the bass sits cleanly underneath the music without colouring it. One thing I found is that it needs a proper seal before the bass shows up, so take the time to find the right tips.

Natural. Voices on the Hisenior Mega5EST sit where the mix puts them, neither pushed forward nor set back, with a touch of warmth that keeps them from sounding thin. That even-handedness is why it works across genres.

Smooth but airy. The Hisenior Mega5EST uses two electrostatic tweeters, which are the tiny fast drivers that give the top end its air, so you get extension and detail without the sharp edge that often comes with them. It's the treble I'd recommend to someone who gets tired of bright sets but doesn't want a dark one either.

No. The Hisenior Mega5EST is the safe answer in this lineup, complete, even-handed and hard to get tired of. It holds up to critical listening at the desk and to long, easy evenings equally well, and the ergonomic resin shell is comfortable for full days. If you want one high-end set and then want to stop thinking about it, start here.

Wide. The Hisenior Mega5EST spreads instruments out generously with clear separation between them, helped by the airy electrostatic treble.

The Hisenior Mega5EST has an ergonomic resin shell that's comfortable for full days, but with five drivers inside it's a medium shell and not a small one. What matters more here is the seal, because without one the bass goes missing. With small ears, expect to try a few tips, or do it in Utrecht before you buy.