You’re right about the bone driver; it plays from about 250hz up. I don’t recall the exact starting point but if you’re interested look it up on any site selling them; there’s a graph on the panel where they get into what it does and differences between the BC drivers on MKI and MKII. This review is pretty much spot on with my experience with the MEST MKII, which I’ve had for almost a year. I especially appreciate putting its bass into context, it’s amazing how many reviewers gushed about how the BC driver made it’s bass so incredible and proper home audio subwoofer like despite the fact that the BC driver is only for midrange. I personally prefer the 64a Nio with Mx module in every regard (including imaging) but it’s splitting hairs. Just sounds over all more natural/real to me (again, only by fractions here and there). But the fit with the MEST is much better for my ears which is the only reason I’m keeping it (otherwise it’d be too close to the Nio to warrant keeping both and I just prefer the Nio over all, even if it’s only by a fraction here and there).
Yeah I saw a lot of discussion around the contribution to the bass from the bc unit which I didn't necessarily felt it was the case but I could've been wrong so glad to hear my assessment wasn't too far off glad to hear our experiences on the Mest Mk2 are similar. Thanks for sharing your experience on the Nio! I'm curious to listen to that one day. I personally have the U12T and while the U12T has it's own unique presentation that is very different from the Mest MkII, I still found myself reaching out to the Mest MkII as the presentation from it is quite addictive, at least for me. The audio journey continues~
It's my IEM endgame and I can't stress enough how happy I am with the signature sound of the MKII. It's fairly easy to drive as well. As you described, separation and overall frequency response is sublime. I have yet to get me an open headphone with this kind of quality - I guess I'll have to shell out at least double the MESTs price for such a HP.
Just got mine. Second hand. I believe it’s my end game too. Just lying n soaking in music experience of songs I’ve heard countless times as if it’s played live.
1 year mest-ii owner. it happen to be the most comfortable IEM i have in my collection(oh10, xenns up, s12), size is perfect for me, the nozzle reach is just right. I use spinfit (comply foam is just not gonna work in aussie summer), and the s12 4.4 balance cable. pairing it with xduo link bal dongle. love it.
I've had these for over a year and agree with your sentiments. I paid $1500 for my pair and plan on using these as a daily driver for the next several years especially on travel trips. The holographic sound is incredible for EDM, hip hop, and video games. I have mines connected to a Luxury and Precision W2 and the sound is fantastic, comparing well to even full sized headphones connected to a dedicated desktop dac+amp (in my case the Focal Clears connected to the Focal Arche). When eq'd the Mest MKiis are no slouch in the bass department. Awesome video; I'm looking to get the Fatfreq Maestros in the future and will check your video out on that. Just burned somw money to pick up some Hifiman HE1000SEs so I'm good with upgrades for a while 😉
Thanks for sharing your experience! Wow that's a nice discount you got there. Yeah it's really awesome to listen to this set and still amazes me every time I put it on after going on rotation. The MSE will floor you with bass so if that's something you're interested in then yeah might wanna check it out in the future. The 1000SE?! Nice~ I've got the He1000v2 and they've been amazing but I heard the SE is a step above though it's sharper as well. Does the 1000SE sound piercing or too analytical to you?
My End game IEM. Not sure when I will be able to buy, but will be hoping to buy it one day. Thanks for the clear and relaxing review. I loved your video presentation. Cheers 🍻
@@yarbles66 I’ve owned them and meet them nearly every week cause many people I meet own them along others. “It’s mest mk2 and just mest mk2”. And yes it is midfi, mid price bracket of the whole market, or lower mid considering UM lineup
Thanks very much! I do but not in the near future as that's a very expensive purchase and I've used up the funds to purchase something else which I'll reveal soon :) However based on memory, the GM has a lot more sub bass, and presentation is much more forward than the Mest MkII, treble presentation, due to the distance in the sound, is much thinner on the Mest MkII however imaging on both are great. If and when I get a chance to have the GM in the studio, I'll be sure to share my in depth comparison.
Yo bro, I have the MEST MK1 or OG, and Had compared with the MEST MK2 too, some interesting sonic difference tho. You tried the MEST OG before? 2nd question is why get MK2 instead of the new MK3? As the MK3 is also USD1.8k, same price that you bought the MK2.
Hi there, haven't had the chance to try the mest OG so couldn't share my much comments on that. As for why I got the MK2, I got it way before mk3 was released or announced but only had the opportunity to truly talk about it recently. So hopefully I'll be able to have a chance to talk about the mk3 in the future
I used to have both and ended up selling the U12T as it sounded very cold and analytical for me personally but it does a lot of things well. It's like a student with top marks across his subjects but has a very dry personality. Mk2 stood out to me more with its presentation but it doesn't have the same technical prowess as the U12T, it's close, but U12T is still the top student. U12T has a snappier bass presentation but there's more rumble and texture to the bass on the Mest Mk2 and the recessed presentation gives it that spacious sound but may not be for everyone wanting a more forward presentation.
@@quackgarage9551 I'm about to go to the MusicTeck store just outside NYC in the first week of December to demo the Mest mk.2 and mk.3 because I'm convinced I want to buy the mk.2 but maybe... just maybe... I'll get the mk.3
Ooooh interesting question, I've only heard a handful of this price range but I feel the Monarch series does really well on midrange and giving it that full bodied notes and for the Monarch Mk3, it gives female vocals a little bit of that richness but allowing it to be open and strong. If you're all about vocal openess and clarity, then something like the Mest Mk2 or Z1R would give it that but it may be a bit too piercing for some people.
Hello good sir! I've run across 3 opportunities and coincidentally you've reviewed them all.. $1k for Mest MkII, $1.6k for Maestro SE or $450 for Maestro Mini. What say you?
Just got mine for $700 2nd hand from a very reputable dealer. The biggest steal of a purchase I've ever had. Your review was solid but I think you're underselling the bass a quite a lot - to the point I'm actually wondering if there's something up with yours. The sub bass is very heavy. Nothing like the Maestro Mini (which I went with over the SE - I wanted one absolute bass monster & the bass on the minis is absolutely ridiculous to the point you feel them more than you hear them... absolute bass hedonism) - but very significant bass, especially in those lower echelons. These are definitely for me. They are all rounders, but definitely on the very high energy sound. I won't use 'fatiguing' as that sounds like a negative. It isn't... but these are not for first thing in the morning, last thing at night or for when you want to read or work. They demand - and deserve - attention.
Veiled in the vocals, boosted in the trebles, lack dynamics, BC doesnt work for most of the time, messy imaging. Bought them for 900 bucks new and got rid of them in one week.
@@shamelessplace11 tips really need to fit ear canals with those, if it doesnt fit trebles are too sibilant and they sound bad, great IEM's just not for everybody
You’re right about the bone driver; it plays from about 250hz up. I don’t recall the exact starting point but if you’re interested look it up on any site selling them; there’s a graph on the panel where they get into what it does and differences between the BC drivers on MKI and MKII.
This review is pretty much spot on with my experience with the MEST MKII, which I’ve had for almost a year. I especially appreciate putting its bass into context, it’s amazing how many reviewers gushed about how the BC driver made it’s bass so incredible and proper home audio subwoofer like despite the fact that the BC driver is only for midrange.
I personally prefer the 64a Nio with Mx module in every regard (including imaging) but it’s splitting hairs. Just sounds over all more natural/real to me (again, only by fractions here and there). But the fit with the MEST is much better for my ears which is the only reason I’m keeping it (otherwise it’d be too close to the Nio to warrant keeping both and I just prefer the Nio over all, even if it’s only by a fraction here and there).
Yeah I saw a lot of discussion around the contribution to the bass from the bc unit which I didn't necessarily felt it was the case but I could've been wrong so glad to hear my assessment wasn't too far off glad to hear our experiences on the Mest Mk2 are similar.
Thanks for sharing your experience on the Nio! I'm curious to listen to that one day. I personally have the U12T and while the U12T has it's own unique presentation that is very different from the Mest MkII, I still found myself reaching out to the Mest MkII as the presentation from it is quite addictive, at least for me. The audio journey continues~
This was actually an extremely accurate review. Good job.
Thank you! Glad to hear my experience is similar to people
It's my IEM endgame and I can't stress enough how happy I am with the signature sound of the MKII. It's fairly easy to drive as well.
As you described, separation and overall frequency response is sublime. I have yet to get me an open headphone with this kind of quality - I guess I'll have to shell out at least double the MESTs price for such a HP.
Just got mine. Second hand. I believe it’s my end game too. Just lying n soaking in music experience of songs I’ve heard countless times as if it’s played live.
1 year mest-ii owner. it happen to be the most comfortable IEM i have in my collection(oh10, xenns up, s12), size is perfect for me, the nozzle reach is just right. I use spinfit (comply foam is just not gonna work in aussie summer), and the s12 4.4 balance cable. pairing it with xduo link bal dongle. love it.
I just bought the Japanese mest mk1 version it sounds quite similar but the bass texture is a bit better
I've had these for over a year and agree with your sentiments. I paid $1500 for my pair and plan on using these as a daily driver for the next several years especially on travel trips. The holographic sound is incredible for EDM, hip hop, and video games. I have mines connected to a Luxury and Precision W2 and the sound is fantastic, comparing well to even full sized headphones connected to a dedicated desktop dac+amp (in my case the Focal Clears connected to the Focal Arche). When eq'd the Mest MKiis are no slouch in the bass department. Awesome video; I'm looking to get the Fatfreq Maestros in the future and will check your video out on that. Just burned somw money to pick up some Hifiman HE1000SEs so I'm good with upgrades for a while 😉
Thanks for sharing your experience! Wow that's a nice discount you got there. Yeah it's really awesome to listen to this set and still amazes me every time I put it on after going on rotation. The MSE will floor you with bass so if that's something you're interested in then yeah might wanna check it out in the future. The 1000SE?! Nice~ I've got the He1000v2 and they've been amazing but I heard the SE is a step above though it's sharper as well. Does the 1000SE sound piercing or too analytical to you?
My End game IEM. Not sure when I will be able to buy, but will be hoping to buy it one day. Thanks for the clear and relaxing review. I loved your video presentation. Cheers 🍻
A penny a day mate, you'll get there someday. Glad to hear you enjoyed the video and thanks for watching!
Imo quite outdated midfi IEM, but you can safely buy a second hand pair for ~700/800$. They were selling for 1100$ new
@@kajetan9550it honestly sounds like you haven't listened to these. Midfi? Pfffft.
@@yarbles66 I’ve owned them and meet them nearly every week cause many people I meet own them along others. “It’s mest mk2 and just mest mk2”. And yes it is midfi, mid price bracket of the whole market, or lower mid considering UM lineup
@@kajetan9550 you sound really fun mate.
Very nice and accurate review. Love mine and it's a forever set for me👍👍👍
Thank you I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the video. Yeah it's a really great set for me
Which option UIEM or CIEM ?
Be interested in an update to compare to Mk3. Excellent to the point review. Existential. And excellent. Thank you.
Thank you, I do have a video of the mk3 if you'd like to check it out. Otherwise thanks for watching!
Worth buy maestro SE to go bass upgrade ? Or mest 2 is sidegrade from maestro se ?
Great review! Any plans on ever reviewing the fatfreq gran maestro? Would love to hear your opinions on that one especially compared to the mest2
Thanks very much! I do but not in the near future as that's a very expensive purchase and I've used up the funds to purchase something else which I'll reveal soon :) However based on memory, the GM has a lot more sub bass, and presentation is much more forward than the Mest MkII, treble presentation, due to the distance in the sound, is much thinner on the Mest MkII however imaging on both are great. If and when I get a chance to have the GM in the studio, I'll be sure to share my in depth comparison.
i have fiio BTR7, the source is enouth to drive good the mest 2 ? ( 4.4 is 320mw) but.... i dont know if a solid state dac/amp is noticiable better...
Yo bro, I have the MEST MK1 or OG, and Had compared with the MEST MK2 too, some interesting sonic difference tho. You tried the MEST OG before? 2nd question is why get MK2 instead of the new MK3? As the MK3 is also USD1.8k, same price that you bought the MK2.
Hi there, haven't had the chance to try the mest OG so couldn't share my much comments on that. As for why I got the MK2, I got it way before mk3 was released or announced but only had the opportunity to truly talk about it recently. So hopefully I'll be able to have a chance to talk about the mk3 in the future
Hi, have you tried the u12t?
If so, between the mest mk2 and u12t which one you prefer and why?
I used to have both and ended up selling the U12T as it sounded very cold and analytical for me personally but it does a lot of things well. It's like a student with top marks across his subjects but has a very dry personality. Mk2 stood out to me more with its presentation but it doesn't have the same technical prowess as the U12T, it's close, but U12T is still the top student. U12T has a snappier bass presentation but there's more rumble and texture to the bass on the Mest Mk2 and the recessed presentation gives it that spacious sound but may not be for everyone wanting a more forward presentation.
Thank you for the reply, I ended buying the mest mk2 since it's on sale at 999$.
@@markus301 Same here, couldn't be happier. TOTL in literally every aspect.
@@quackgarage9551 I'm about to go to the MusicTeck store just outside NYC in the first week of December to demo the Mest mk.2 and mk.3 because I'm convinced I want to buy the mk.2 but maybe... just maybe... I'll get the mk.3
Which IEM would you recommend for stronger female vocal prensence at this price range🤔?
Ooooh interesting question, I've only heard a handful of this price range but I feel the Monarch series does really well on midrange and giving it that full bodied notes and for the Monarch Mk3, it gives female vocals a little bit of that richness but allowing it to be open and strong. If you're all about vocal openess and clarity, then something like the Mest Mk2 or Z1R would give it that but it may be a bit too piercing for some people.
campfire audio andromeda 2020
Hello good sir! I've run across 3 opportunities and coincidentally you've reviewed them all.. $1k for Mest MkII, $1.6k for Maestro SE or $450 for Maestro Mini. What say you?
Fate ~
Just got mine for $700 2nd hand from a very reputable dealer. The biggest steal of a purchase I've ever had.
Your review was solid but I think you're underselling the bass a quite a lot - to the point I'm actually wondering if there's something up with yours. The sub bass is very heavy. Nothing like the Maestro Mini (which I went with over the SE - I wanted one absolute bass monster & the bass on the minis is absolutely ridiculous to the point you feel them more than you hear them... absolute bass hedonism) - but very significant bass, especially in those lower echelons.
These are definitely for me. They are all rounders, but definitely on the very high energy sound. I won't use 'fatiguing' as that sounds like a negative. It isn't... but these are not for first thing in the morning, last thing at night or for when you want to read or work. They demand - and deserve - attention.
Man I had them last night n was difficult to sleep. Felt like I was just home from live concert.
How you compare bass and sub bass fomrom mest mk2 and Maestro mini or SE ?
Is the cable 3.5mm or 4.4 mm?
I purchased the 4.4 but you can purchase the 3.5 I believe
Veiled in the vocals, boosted in the trebles, lack dynamics, BC doesnt work for most of the time, messy imaging. Bought them for 900 bucks new and got rid of them in one week.
What did you end up using as your daily driver?
@@maninironmask7925 Bought the u12t but sold after a couple months. Currently having 2 pairs- Monarch 2 and Softears Twilight.
Could be your ears not iem
@@shamelessplace11 tips really need to fit ear canals with those, if it doesnt fit trebles are too sibilant and they sound bad, great IEM's just not for everybody