Compared to Subtonic Storm
I think this would be the obvious competitor or the most wanted match-up that people wanted me to compare Apx with – the renowned Subtonic Storm. Perhaps explanations for either Subtonic or Storm IEM would be irrelevant by now.
Firstly, Apx has a higher hand in having thicker density and color. The sound Apx also achieves an even deeper bass that better reveals the color and texture of the ultra-lows. Apx also has a complete pitch-black background which is superior to Storm. What I mean by “black background” is the abyss-like quietness and absence of matter, like the void of space. Storm also has a very dark background – but not as completely dark as Apx. I’d say it’s 90% of what Apx has. Trebles are also thicker in color and tighter. Trebles on Apx are also slightly clearer in the sense that it’s more in focus.
Meanwhile, Storm claims dominance in vastness. Though what’s impressive is that Apx’s headroom is nearly as large as Storm considering how small Apx’s earpieces are. Nevertheless, Storm achieves a slightly larger soundstage, especially in the upper headroom. The mids and highs also retain more air and transparency, aiding in giving an open-ended feel to the soundstage. The texture feels a bit drier on Storm but only to the point of better revealing the texture grains than Apx. Vocals and trebles also feel a bit more leveled and roomy. In terms of nuance, Storm is slightly closer to being more reference and neutral while Apx is more analogue and musical.
Compared to Rhapsodio Supreme V3 (Review link)
Let’s compare it with another similarly priced one that I also consider one of the greatest flagship IEMs that currently exist. Before talking further, I must say, that these two IEMs differ greatly in probably every single way. First, the earpieces. The Supreme V3 has a massive and heavy, full-brass chamber that uses a single proprietary MST driver with its unique technologies, whereas Apx used 11 drivers and also their proprietary technologies to tune the sound. Putting aside the earpiece material, it’s interesting that Supreme V3 is massive despite using a single driver (yet also a massive driver..) yet Apx is incredibly small in size while housing 11 drivers with multiple internal technologies.
Anyhow, let’s talk about the sound. The Supreme V3 has a more vibrant, W-shaped sound that takes a bold approach to achieving high resolution and dynamics. The sound is more agile, lively, and brighter, Both IEMs are spectacular in pronouncing micro harmonics from the music, yet the styles are different. Supreme V3 does it with more crispiness and clarity, while Apx does the same but darker, smoother, and more polished. The timbre and texture of Supreme V3 are stiffer and solid, while Apx desires smooth, soft, and fluffy tone and texture (but never muffled, of course).
Alongside, Supreme V3 has a brighter mid-highs with less sub-bass quantity and Apx has a darker, warmer, and less quantity for the mid-highs, making the sound more bass-orientated. Lastly, the soundstage. Supreme V3 expands three-dimensionally expands evenly in every direction, yet is more open-ended towards the upper headroom, whereas Apx tends to dig in towards the lower headroom, or the “abyss-like stage for the bass”.
Surrendered by the Sound
As I’ve always mentioned, Apx is not an IEM that is meant for anyone. In terms of sound, I’m sure most people would be mesmerized by the charms and immense sound focus that Apx intorts you with, yet the pricing is also quite evil to most modern audiophiles (especially for potable audio users).
PMG Apx is for those who want the best of the best, especially when it comes to having the ability to have a grand auditorium in your ears, that you could enjoy anywhere you go, without the discomfort of wearing anything, as both the earpieces and cables are exponentially light and smaller than any other ultra flagship IEMs available in the market. Alongside, the mature and deep-nuance lows and mids are unheard of, which makes Apx a matchless flagship IEM that could actually justify the price for high-end IEM users.
These are the IEMs that you need to be careful of – because even though once you thought you you’d never be interested in buying, once you hear it, the charms of these may surprisingly convince you to think twice if you should instead open your wallets or not. If you have the chance to listen to these, you’ll be playing with some dangerous magic. An expensive magic, yet justifiable, enjoyable magic…
Thank you for reading. Sharing and dropping a comment will encourage me greatly.
