{"id":1246,"date":"2026-03-17T17:15:54","date_gmt":"2026-03-17T17:15:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deepdiveaudioreviews.com\/?p=1246"},"modified":"2026-03-17T19:43:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T19:43:18","slug":"softears-rsv-mkii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/deepdiveaudioreviews.com\/?p=1246","title":{"rendered":"Softears RSV-MKII"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
Pros<\/span>:<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
> Cohesive, musical all-BA presentation with excellent engagement
\n> Impressive low-end weight and texture for a BA design
\n> Wide, spacious staging with strong imaging and layering
\n> Premium build, cable, and accessory package
\n> Venting system eliminates pressure build<\/span><\/div>\n
Cons<\/span>:<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
> Treble could use a touch more sparkle\/air for those seeking extra energy
\n> Shell size leans larger… may be less ideal for smaller ears
\n> Polite\/safe tuning means not aimed at detail chasers or treble enthusiasts<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
Softears RSV MKII<\/span><\/b>
\nRRP: $699
\n6x BA<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
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Introduction<\/b><\/p>\n

Two caveats to kick right off with: the first is that I am without question a Softears fanboy \u2013 this began with Twilight, moved swiftly to the Turii Ti which fast became not only my favourite single DD, but took the prize as my top IEM for a couple of years and a set I still hold very much in high esteem. More recently I\u2019ve loved Enigma, and while I\u2019ve not listened for a while now and must dig them out, the excellent Volume S. I noted \u2018two caveats\u2019, so logical to note the second which sort of blends into the first \u2013 when Softears asked if I might be interested in reviewing the RSV MKII, that was met with an enthusiastic \u2018yes please!\u2019 Worth noting also that I have a huge soft spot for all BA sets too, notably the legendary Sony IER-M9 and the more recent FIIO FA19.<\/p>\n

As always, all thoughts and photos are my own and with no input from the brand.<\/p>\n

About Me<\/b><\/p>\n

I worked in the consumer electronics industry for a large part of my career and have been passionate about music and technology for as long as I can remember. Even as a small child, I would ask my mum to put records on the turntable (Abba, Supertramp, and Planxty if anyone is curious).<\/p>\n

My music preferences are very varied\u2014anything from classical to techno, indie rock to jazz, and everything in between. In my early teens, I was a big fan of bands like The Cure and The Smiths (still am all these years later). I was bitten by the dance music bug in the early 90s, becoming passionate about genres like techno, house, trance, and IDM. I amassed a huge collection of records and CDs, DJing at various parties and occasional pirate radio station slots. Although it remained a hobby, I still own thousands of records, and my trusty Technics 1210 turntables are still going strong 30 years later\u2014a testament to Japanese engineering!<\/p>\n

I am not a professional reviewer, just an enthusiast who loves music and the devices we use to listen to it. Over the last few years, I have become obsessed with IEMs and related gear. I’ve bought and sold many, and kept a select few\u2014ranging from the $20 Moondrop Chu to kilobuck sets like the Aroma Jewel, Oriolus’ infamous ‘Traillii,’ UM Mentor, and various beloved single DDs. Through this exploration, I like to share my thoughts with the Head-Fi community, hoping they might be useful to others. However, remember that this is a highly subjective hobby, and your mileage may vary.<\/p>\n

While I’ve been fortunate to own and try a variety of the TOTL sets on the market, I honestly enjoy lower-priced sets as much – especially as the gap continues to close, many much cheaper sets now offering significant value and further driving diminishing returns.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll admit I do suffer from happy ears\u2026 rarely do I find an IEM that I genuinely dislike. At this stage, there are very few truly \u201cbad\u201d IEMs; it almost always comes down to individual preference. Since I listen to such a wide variety of genres, I nearly always find synergy with some part of my library. Where my scores reflect deductions is in areas like value for money, poor accessories, or an uncomfortable fit – things that genuinely detract from the overall experience, rather than subjective tuning differences.<\/p>\n

About Softears<\/b><\/p>\n

A Chinese brand focused on technology, R&D, and innovation Is a young but experienced company. The founder started working in audio in 2014, the studio was founded in 2017 in Shenzhen, China\u2019s Silicon Valley, and in 2019 set up an independent lab for R&D and our own factory in Chengdu, a Humanistic City. Softears wants to bring you a soft and comfortable, balanced and durable listening experience. We are committed to research and development of loudspeakers and tuning equipment, with excellent manufacturing process and excellent quality control, pride in excellence is our brand way. We pour all these efforts to make ourselves capable of producing a true hi-end product meticulously, we swear by it.<\/i><\/p>\n

Specifications:<\/b><\/p>\n

Sensitivity: 122 dB\/Vrms @ 1 kHz
\nImpedance: 7 \u03a9 @ 1 kHz (\u00b115%)
\nTHD: < 1% @ 1 kHz
\nConnector Type: 2-pin (0.78 mm)
\nDriver Configuration: 5 Balanced Armature Drivers
\nEffective Frequency Response: 20 Hz \u2013 20 kHz (IEC60318-4)
\nFrequency Response Range: 15 Hz \u2013 40 kHz (1\/4-inch free-field microphone, -3 dB)
\nShell: Medical-Grade Resin + CNC Aluminum Alloy + Forged Carbon Fiber
\nStock Cable: 6N Oxygen-Free Copper, 4.4 mm Balanced Plug + 2-pin (0.78 mm) Connectors, 4.4 mm to 3.5 mm Adapter Cable<\/p>\n

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Unboxing <\/b><\/p>\n

\"IMG_1889.jpg\"<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Softears unboxing is always a pleasure \u2013 high quality packaging and with a level of branding that matches their premium price tag.<\/p>\n

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Accessories <\/b><\/p>\n

Softears are always very generous with the included accessories and again the quality befits the price tag. In the box you get:<\/p>\n

\"IMG_1900.jpg\"<\/div>\n
    \n
  • 4.4mm to 3.5mm adaptor<\/li>\n
  • Cleaning cloth<\/li>\n
  • IEM protective pouches<\/li>\n
  • Cleaning brush<\/li>\n
  • UC tips in S\/M\/L<\/li>\n
  • Type-B tips in S\/M\/L<\/li>\n
  • Puck style carry case<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Case<\/b><\/p>\n

    \"IMG_1927.jpg\"<\/div>\n

    The bundled case has a nice premium faux-leather finish with a sturdy zipper. It (thankfully!) has a net pouch in the lid for storing spare tips, cleaning cloth etc \u2013 something that I often note of importance to me!<\/p>\n

    \"IMG_1929.jpg\"<\/div>\n
    \"IMG_1928.jpg\"<\/div>\n

    Cable<\/b><\/p>\n

    The stock cable has a lovely rubberish texture and again of very high quality \u2013 leaning a bit on the heavier side of my personal preferences, especially for out walking but by no means a deal-breaker. Useful perhaps to include the Softears description of the cable below:<\/p>\n

    \"IMG_1931.jpg\"<\/div>\n

    The included pure copper cable is made of 6N high-purity stranded oxygen-free copper, using a 19-strand reverse-twist structure to reduce resistance, minimize signal loss, and ensure uniform current distribution. Multiple cryogenic treatments refine the conductor\u2019s crystal structure, lower the noise floor, and enhance micro-detail reproduction, resulting in clearer highs, fuller mids and lows, and a more expansive soundstage. The universal 0.78mm 2-pin connector supports cable replacement, while the nickel-free gold-plated 4.4mm balanced plug, paired with a 4.4-to-3.5mm adapter, guarantees excellent conductivity, corrosion resistance, and compatibility with mainstream devices.<\/i><\/p>\n

    \"IMG_1933.jpg\"<\/div>\n

    Interesting to see a design choice here where the cable is not modular, instead coming with 4.4mm as standard with the addition of an adaptor for those seeking to use 3.5mm. Probably fair to say the vast majority use 4.4mm now anyway, so this allows for a tidier cable finish.<\/p>\n

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    Design and Fit<\/b><\/p>\n

    \"IMG_1907.jpg\"<\/div>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Something to touch upon here first is the dreaded pressure build often associated with all BA sets, and an issue that led me to part with the first set of the Sony IER-M9 that I owned originally in around 2021 \u2013 I was mostly using silicone tips at the time, and had a selection of favourites that I used with all IEMs. Unfortunately in the case of the M9, this led to serious pressure build which became too uncomfortable to listen for sessions of even up to 30 minutes, that being less than most albums\u2026 anyway, I parted company with them but purchased again just early this year having been through other sets with the same issue which I\u2019ve resolved with a variety of tips, and delighted to own the M9 again.<\/p>\n

    \"IMG_1921.jpg\"<\/div>\n

    The original RSV had a sealed design which means that pressure build was certainly an issue there \u2013 and while it can be solved by way of foam tips and some others on the market, I would still rather this was not a concern \u2013 and indeed thankfully Softears has addressed this in the MKII. I\u2019ve had this set for about a month now and listened extensively with mostly silicone tips (the stock \u2018Type-B\u2019) and with zero issues. For those interested in how they resolved this, see the description below from Softears:<\/p>\n

    \"IMG_1925.jpg\"<\/div>\n

    To ensure long-term wearability, the RSV-MKII integrates Softears\u2019 patented passive air-damping system (Patent No: CN202122764459.7) inherited from the flagship RS10, which improves frequency response, enhances bass texture, and relieves pressure during listening. For the first time in Softears\u2019 full-BA models, it also introduces an airflow pressure relief system optimized through acoustic simulation to balance ear canal pressure dynamically, further reducing fatigue. Combined with the precision 3D-printed cavity and anti-slip lip nozzle design, the earphones maintain stable fit, improved sealing, and comfort during long listening sessions.<\/i><\/p>\n

    So yes, no pressure build thankfully!<\/p>\n

    \"IMG_1916.jpg\"<\/div>\n

    The shells are I would say a medium to large-ish design but certainly not the monstrosity some hybrid sets can be. They sit very comfortably in my ears and I have no trouble with extended listening sessions, of which I have had many \u2013 notably a few hours of a recent long-haul from Dublin to Seattle and back\u2026 coupled with the ZX707 which made for a wonderful travel combo.<\/p>\n

    Part of my Softears fanboyism is due to their design choices \u2013 I much prefer more understated designs that at the same time are high quality finish, and that is indeed the case with the RSV MKII \u2013 the black and carbon fibre finish along with the incredibly tasteful integration of the \u2018RS\u2019 and \u2018V\u2019 to my eyes just looks fantastic \u2013 subtle and again very premium finish, and with robust materials. They simply look and feel great.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

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    Listening Impressions<\/p>\n

    I mentioned already that I\u2019ve had countless hours with the RSV MKII over the last few weeks, and some of this was due to a work trip where I would reach for them in the hotel every evening after a busy day \u2013 the choice of music often inspired by the type of day I had, and certainly a broad selection of genres have been tested\u2026 the RSV MKII without question gets a clear \u2018all-rounder\u2019 box tick, a set that is very comfortable with anything from intricate ambient to hectic techno, and all in between.<\/p>\n

    The tuning choice leans towards \u2018safe\u2019 whereby as noted they work comfortably with any genre \u2013There is an impressive level of low-end, and an equally impressive execution of bass representation \u2018for a BA\u2019 set \u2013 as always, you don\u2019t get that same level of visceral slam that a competent dynamic driver can achieve, but the density, speed, and quantity are superb\u2026 a nice deep rumble when called for. Also, the all BA configuration leads to a highly cohesive presentation, and I think this is often a reason why I really appreciate all BA sets \u2013 the similarity (if I can call it that!) to a single DD in terms of a cohesive presentation. The versatile nature of the tuning also allows for fatigue-free sessions, and definitely leans more into that musical versus technical realm \u2013 not that they do not perform on the latter, they are indeed technically competent but not a focus in the tuning per-se. There is a wide and deep stage which allows for excellent imaging and layering, with zero congestion in busier or more complex tracks.<\/p>\n

    Male vocals have a lifelike presentation, sitting in-line with instruments rather than pushed forward or back. There is good note weight where they sound and feel accurate\u2026 listening to \u2018Now That You Are Gone\u2019 from Nation of Language as I type to solidify this existing prior conclusion, and very much struck by the sense of space for instrument presentation along with the positioning of the vocals \u2013 again I find myself drawn to the overall musical experience which is highly engaging.<\/p>\n

    Female vocals are again to my ears very well represented, perhaps I could take a little bit more upper mids to extend a touch further but not a deal-breaker. Listening to \u2018Ring of Past\u2019 by Men I Trust and again find vocals sitting in-line with instruments \u2013 some die-hard vocal fans might prefer a bit more of push forward here rather than level. Yet again, the overall experience in terms of vocals sitting in the mix of an overall cohesive and detailed presentation is delightfully rewarding in terms of simply enjoying the track\u2026 no analysis or splitting hairs, just appreciate the song in the emotive and engaging way that RSV MKII delivers.<\/p>\n

    Going back to the \u2018safe\u2019 description from earlier, this is evident not only in upper mids but also in the treble \u2013 those looking for extended sparkle will be left a touch wanting, and will have to make do instead with a subtle but captivating shimmer. They do lack \u2018bite\u2019 up top, and while they have a degree of airiness, it is not an area I can call out as a prominent feature for those that might seek \u2013 the trade off here is the aforementioned all-rounder status that they can enjoy as a result\u2026 and of course the fatigue-free tuning for extended sessions. There is a wonderful \u2018smoothness\u2019 to the tuning that still allows for admirable levels of detail to the more micro levels, yet my attention is mostly drawn to the cohesion and highly engaging signature.<\/p>\n

    Reverting to my completely unscientific method of allocating a place on the technical and musical dial, I am going with:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Technical: 6.5<\/li>\n
    • Musical: 8<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Tracks <\/b><\/p>\n

      Men I Trust \u2013 Where I Sit<\/p>\n