Impressions and Comparisons: Triton, MEXT, MEST, Dunu, Odin, and more!

A few days ago I reviewed the newest in-ear from Singaporean maker Symphonium called the Triton. This short article will go over the price-ranged competition I have on hand along with the Symphonium Triton and how it stacks up.

Let's get started.

Triton vs Hidition Viento-B Custom

The Viento-B Custom sells for around $900-1000. The Triton is $899

While the basic tuning of these two are similar in both bass and mid-range, they do differ quite a bit in the upper-mids, where the Viento is more elevated, with a clearer and more forward tuning for vocals and strings. Despite the similarities, however, there are differences in how its presented. I found the Triton, overall quite a bit warmer, with a more lush sound when compared to the Viento, which exhibits more edgy transients and a leaner personality. The Viento's resolution is about on par with the Triton, and its soundstage is perhaps a tad larger. Overall, for me, I like the Viento more, but it is my personal favorite tuning of all IEMs I have tried. The Triton's fit is the toughest part for me, and comparing a CIEM to a universal isn't fair.

Triton vs Unique Melody MEST Custom

The Unique Melody MEST is no longer for sale, however the MKII is $1199-1799 depending on Universal or Custom and sale pricing. The Triton is $899.

The Triton and MEST both feature a reduced upper-midrange area with downsloping bass and both give an overall warmer signature with some differences here and there. On a pure tonality standpoint, I find the Triton to have a more accentuated mid-bass and low-mids, while the MEST has more sub-bass pop. The MEST also sounds just slightly darker overall, but has a bit more energy in the upper harmonics, giving cymbals and hi-hats an extra splash compared to the Triton. Could be good or could be more ringing, depending on your sensitivity levels. 

The MEST has quite a bit more texture feel to it with some improved resolution and better imaging. I like the Triton for its overall warm and feel-good presentation, but the MEST has some extra levels of quality in the technical department that really sets it apart, and may make it worth the extra dollars it commanded.

Triton vs Unique Melody MEXT

The Unique Melody MEXT is $999-1499 depending on Universal or Custom and sale pricing. The Triton is $899.

The MEXT is an interesting L-shaped IEM and is clearly darker sounding than the Triton. I have not spent a lot of time with the MEXT but I personally strongly prefer the Triton in terms of tonality and just overall pleasure. The MEXT's darker signature masks quite a bit of its technical abilities, but it is still resolving and has decent imaging. It's also a lot more comfortable to wear than the Triton is for me, but overall, the Triton is a much better tuned IEM for most of the music I enjoy and the way I want to enjoy them. 

Triton vs Dunu Zen

The Dunu Zen retails for $699, while the Triton is $899.

The Zen is one of my favorite single-dynamic driver in-ears and comes in at a lower retail price than the Triton. In terms of just overall visceral impact and dynamics, the Zen wins hands-down. The Triton still has good impact and dynamics, but I think the Zen is really good in this aspect. While I do like the Zen's tuning quite a lot, I do find it's upper mid-range to be a tad bright at times, creating a very forward splash of certain prominent instruments like pianos and guitars in songs I listen to. This isn't a deal breaker, but comparing it to the very smooth and robust Triton in this area is going to make it sound faltered. The Zen is a more exciting IEM with a more dynamic sound, while the Triton is a careful, pleasuring, and relaxing listen that works for better long-term enjoyment.

Triton vs Dunu SA6

The Dunu SA6 sells for $549, and the Triton sells for $899.

The cheapest of this round-up is the Dunu SA6. It's one of my favorite $500-ish IEMs because of its stunning wood-look, super comfortable fit and design, and just a really great tuning. Despite being an all-BA setup it can have very good bass response, with good harmonics and depth. The Triton is a little bit better here in terms of just more natural bass presentation with better decay and a warmer and more realistic sound. The SA6 sounds leaner, despite their tonal balance being very similar (look at how how close their FR is). The little extra peak at 4-5KHz makes a difference here, and the SA6 does have that extra push there that makes it sound less dark and lush as the Triton, but for some, it could have an occasional jarring attack. I don't find it too bad, but randomly a piano note that hits hard around this frequency could come up to bite a little, but I'm not overly sensitive here. I found the Zen above to be more jarring, but still manageable.

Overall, I like the Triton for its natural and well-balanced tuning, if not a tad dark. It's great for long-term usage, and if you have the ears to make it fit and stay in (unlike mine), I think a lot of people will be satisfied to find that this is a good all-arounder with it's only main issues being the fit, and perhaps the average to above average technical performance at its price range. It's tonality is one of the best in this price point however, and that's a good thing for most listeners.