Short answer: the Audio-Technica ATH-IEX1, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #1106 of 1291 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 2.4/5, at $1,200; the Nightjar Singularity ranks #1146, rated 2.1/5, and costs $1,675, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 1291 in-ear headphones; for better sound, the ThieAudio Monarch MKIII ranks #1 at $999.
The case for the Audio-Technica ATH-IEX1: A hybrid design pairing two dynamic drivers with two balanced armatures, and its 102 dB/mW sensitivity makes it easy to drive from a phone. The catch: A preference score of 54 in crinacle’s measurement places its tuning far from what most listeners prefer, a weak result for a flagship in ear.
The case for the Nightjar Singularity: About 5 dB more bass than the Harman target below 150 Hz, for listeners who want a fuller low end. Watch for: Treble about 3 dB below target from 3 to 10 kHz, which can sound dull or veiled next to brighter headphones.
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-IEX1. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Nightjar Singularity and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
A hybrid design pairing two dynamic drivers with two balanced armatures, and its 102 dB/mW sensitivity makes it easy to drive from a phone.
B&H Photo Video $1,200.00 eBay
About 5 dB more bass than the Harman target below 150 Hz, for listeners who want a fuller low end.
Nightjar Acoustics $1,675 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audio-Technica ATH-IEX1 | Nightjar Singularity | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,200.00 | $1,675 |
| Ranked | #1106 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #1146 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 54 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) | 51 (median of 10 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 3.30 dB standard deviation | 3.31 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.55 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -1.72 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired (3.5mm / 4.4mm) |
| Driver Type | Hybrid (2 dynamic + 2 balanced armature) | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 9.8mm dynamic + 1 x 8.8mm dynamic + 2 x balanced armature | 1 Dynamic (10mm bespoke) |
| Impedance | 5 ohms | - |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB/mW | - |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Sub-bass Extension | - | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+5.6 dB at 30 Hz) |
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