Short answer: the FiiO FA9, though neither ranks well in its class. Both are rated 2.8/5 for sound quality (#1033 and #1055 of 1291 in-ear headphones), and the FiiO FA9 costs $499.99 against $589 for the Hisenior Mega5EST Bass Plus, and with sound quality even, the cheaper one is the better buy. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 1291 in-ear headphones; for better sound, the Truthear Nova ranks #2 at $169.99.
Why pick the FiiO FA9: Six balanced armatures per side and sensitivity of 110 to 113 dB/mW make it easy to drive from a phone, with an impedance switch between 16 and 32 ohms to tune the match with a source. Watch for: oratory1990’s measurement shows presence averaging 6.8 dB below target with a 9.6 dB dip near 3.4 kHz, so vocals and lead instruments sound pushed back and lack clarity.
Why pick the Hisenior Mega5EST Bass Plus: A limited-edition bass-boosted tribrid with about 3.9 dB of extra bass for listeners who want a heavy low end. The catch: A Harman score of 59 and a warm tilt (-1.34), with treble about 2.2 dB below target, mean bass dominates and detail is softened.
Buy the FiiO FA9. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $89.01 less than the Hisenior Mega5EST Bass Plus.
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Six balanced armatures per side and sensitivity of 110 to 113 dB/mW make it easy to drive from a phone, with an impedance switch between 16 and 32 ohms to tune the match with a source.
Amazon $499.99 eBay
A limited-edition bass-boosted tribrid with about 3.9 dB of extra bass for listeners who want a heavy low end.
HiFiGo $589.00 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
| FiiO FA9 | Hisenior Mega5EST Bass Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 | $589.00 |
| Ranked | #1033 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #1055 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 59 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 59 (median of 12 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 3.22 dB standard deviation | 2.71 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.61 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -1.34 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-4.8 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+2.7 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Balanced armature | Tribrid |
| Drivers | 6 x balanced armature | 1 x 10mm dynamic + 2 x balanced armature + 2 x electrostatic |
| Sensitivity | 110/113 dB/mW | 101 dB/mW |
| Weight | 0 lbs (6.2 g) per earpiece | - |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 10Hz - 50kHz |
| Impedance | 16 ohms (switchable to 32 ohms) | 24 ohms |
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