Short answer: the Softears Edge, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #1020 of 1291 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 2.9/5, at $499; the FiiO FA9 ranks #1033, rated 2.8/5, and costs $499.99, 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 Truthear Nova ranks #2 at $169.99.
Why pick the Softears Edge: Bass is lifted about 4.5 dB with extension to 20 Hz, giving kick drums and bass lines extra weight. The tradeoff: The 4.5 dB bass lift can sound boomy and mask midrange detail.
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.
Buy the Softears Edge. It is rated higher for sound quality than the FiiO FA9 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
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Bass is lifted about 4.5 dB with extension to 20 Hz, giving kick drums and bass lines extra weight.
Amazon $499.00 eBay
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 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
| Softears Edge | FiiO FA9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.00 | $499.99 |
| Ranked | #1020 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #1033 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Balanced armature |
| Drivers | 1 x 11mm dynamic | 6 x balanced armature |
| Impedance | 16 ohms | 16 ohms (switchable to 32 ohms) |
| Sensitivity | 128 dB/Vrms | 110/113 dB/mW |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 15Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 60 (median of 14 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 59 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.69 dB standard deviation | 3.22 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -1.23 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.61 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+3.5 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-4.8 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Weight | - | 0 lbs (6.2 g) per earpiece |
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