Compared to SoftEars Enigma (Review Coming Soon!)
Both IEMs share the same essence where they both have a w-shaped, balanced sound that evenly highlights the sound throughout the spectrum. Yet, Enigma has a more buttery sound in texture. While having the same level or grade of high-resolution sound, Enigma’s vocals are creamier and smoother whereas the M16’s vocals are more resolving for the texture details, hence while the texture grains are both very refined, the grains on the M16 sound clearer and sharper in focus. The thickness of the vocals is just about the same while
Surprisingly, despite Enigma using 2DD drivers, the M16’s bass performance doesn’t fall back to Enigma one bit. In fact, the resolution of the bass grooves and the bass dives are clearer and more prominent on the M16 than Enigma. But then again, when it comes to the thickness and the realistic vibrations of the ultra-lows are just mildly better on Enigma. It’s surprising how the H16 doesn’t fall behind if not better in bass performance when compared with Enigma.
Another difference is that Enigma’s vocals are warmer and a tad darker, with the upper-mid shine gently toned down as it approaches the common sibilance range. On the other hand, the M16’s vocals are shiner and airier, and while sounding fatigue-free, the upper-mids gain a gentle lift in airiness for the extra refreshing sensation. But as said, the M16 does this meticulously and gently, hence the M16’s upper ends sound almost as comfortable as Enigma.
If you’re more inclined to enjoy an emo-centric, musical sound signature, Enigma will be a better choice. On the other hand, if you want an earphone that can provide a comfortable listening experience while providing top-notch and resolving details, the M16 will serve you better.
Compared to AME Raven (Review link)
Let’s now compare with one of AME’s twin-flagship IEMs, the Raven. AME Raven is an 8BA+4EST IEM also famous for its superb performance including the bass despite not using any DD or BC drivers. Both IEMs share the same full-BA concept (well yeah, Raven uses EST, though I’ll also count into the BA family…at least it doesn’t use BC or dynamic drivers). The bass rumbles are just slightly cleaner on Raven, yet H16 hits back with better ultra-low thickness and fuller-bodied sub-bass.
Mids are thicker and full-bodied on the M16, offering a more mid-centric sound, making the vocals take more presence of the overall soundstage. Meanwhile, Raven keeps the vocals relatively more leveled and thinner, or leaner, having the vocals take a more even presence among the other frequency ranges. Both IEMs have excellent and basically flawless vocal flow throughout the range, seamlessly keeping the tonal balance and vocal flow steady throughout the mid-range.
The vocals of H16 are closer to the ears, offering better clarity than Raven. Raven’s upper-mids have a glimpse of dryness while the H16 has relatively (yet marginally) smoother upper-mids. For this case, it’s not a matter of which is better, as this leads Raven to be a bit more resolving and detailed for the upper mids, whereas the H16 decided to slightly polish out the upper mids texture for a creamier, smoother vocal flow.
Another difference is that the H16 does a better job highlighting the vocals, while Raven relatively handles a bit better on complicated tracks involving lots of instruments and trebles. The separation is a tad better on Raven whereas the pure timbre and cleaner treble texture are stronger points for the H16. The soundstage for both IEMs is in the same tier, yet the H16 allows vocals to take more of your ears’ attention, giving that full, thick, and rich headroom.
Relatively, Raven focuses more on the vastness for a calmer, more open-ended headroom. Highs are also in the same tier (surprisingly), yet Raven’s trebles have more airiness and smoothness while H16’s trebles feel more agile and have a cleaner aftertaste. However, the treble differences are not significant.
Verdicts: Balanced Armatures Will Never be a “Past Technology”
Hercules Audio M16 is the perfect candidate/solution for those who’ve been enjoying the unique traits that full-BAs have but moved on to hybrid or non-BAs due to their common drawbacks.
The M16 has an extremely coherent and consistent presentation in all aspects while delivering great dynamics and fun. It not only overcame all of these commonly known drawbacks but also goes shoulder to shoulder with flagship IEMs equipped with all sorts of flashy new-tech drivers.
On a personal note, this was another reminder that full BA setup is not a “technology of the past” but just as charming as the newest trending drivers, apart from the fun that full-BAs offer. Just like the bird – or the Oriolus Traillii (although not exactly the same in driver composition or sound).
Want to see what an endgame sound could be achieved through a full BA setup, or do you enjoy tweaking the sound through custom cables to craft your own sound? If so, the Hercules M16’s mastery shall be able to satisfy your needs.
