Softears Enigma - An Ambitious Approach to Personal Audio
Enigma approaches complex music with an equally elaborate acoustic system. Developed over four years, these flagship wired in-ear monitors combine dynamic, balanced armature and electrostatic technologies within precision-machined aluminium housings. Their tuning aims to preserve the scale and layering of a performance while maintaining a relaxed, cohesive presentation. From the weight of an orchestral crescendo to the quiet decay of a single instrument, Enigma is designed to reveal detail within the musical whole.
Composite Bass System with Passive Resonance Control
Its bass section combines electrically driven transducers with a separate passive diaphragm. A 10 mm dynamic driver with a wool-fibre biological diaphragm and an N52 magnet works alongside two balanced armature drivers. This arrangement brings together the depth and physical presence of a dynamic driver with the responsiveness of balanced armatures.
A second 10 mm diaphragm, finished with a beryllium coating, operates passively to help control unwanted internal vibrations and standing waves. Although included in the manufacturer’s 2DD + 6BA + 4EST configuration, this element is not a second electrically driven woofer. Its role is to refine the behaviour of the bass system, supporting texture and definition as low notes develop and fade.
Dedicated Midrange and Quadruple Electrostatic Treble
Four customised balanced armature drivers handle the midrange, providing a dedicated platform for vocals, strings and the body of acoustic instruments. Their integration with the composite bass system is intended to preserve tonal continuity, allowing voices to retain substance without becoming obscured by low-frequency energy.
The upper frequencies are reproduced by four third-generation Sonion electrostatic microdrivers. These units support fine harmonic detail and the subtle reverberation that helps convey a recording’s acoustic space. Enigma’s overall approach balances this resolving capability with controlled treble energy, aiming for a detailed presentation that remains composed during extended listening.
Five-Way Electronic and Four-Way Acoustic Crossover
Coordinating this multi-driver system requires more than assigning separate frequency bands. Enigma combines a five-way electronic crossover with a four-way physical acoustic crossover, managing both the electrical signal and its acoustic delivery. Softears’ RC crossover design addresses impedance matching, conversion efficiency and phase integration to help the different transducer technologies work together.
The system is also designed to flatten the impedance response, reducing tonal changes associated with differences between audio sources. Nominal impedance is 10 ohms at 1 kHz, with sensitivity rated at 121.5 dB for a 1 Vrms input at the same frequency. A suitable headphone output with good low-impedance load handling provides an appropriate foundation for the earphones.
Machined Aluminium and Sapphire Glass
The housings are formed using five-axis machining and finished with anodising, combining a rigid aluminium structure with carefully shaped contact surfaces. Their ergonomic contours draw on Softears’ experience with the RS10, while the approximately 9.1 g weight per earpiece keeps the construction manageable for a metal-bodied flagship.
Synthetic sapphire glass adds a distinctive optical element to the exterior. Its clarity complements the sculpted metalwork, giving Enigma a technical, architectural appearance. The over-ear fit and selection of interchangeable tips allow the listener to adjust the seal, which is essential for consistent bass response and comfortable wear.
Effect Audio Cable and Flexible Connectivity
The supplied Effect Audio cable combines gold-plated silver, silver and copper conductors in a four-wire construction. Its EA UltraFlexi insulation is designed to balance flexibility, tensile strength and low weight, helping the cable sit comfortably around the ears. Effect Audio’s ConX connector system is fitted with 0.78 mm two-pin connections for Enigma, while a 4.4 mm Pentaconn plug provides balanced connectivity.
A separate Softears cable with a 3.5 mm stereo plug is also included, allowing connection to conventional headphone outputs. The supplied 6.35 mm adapter extends compatibility to suitable desktop and studio equipment. Having both cables available makes it straightforward to move between listening systems without relying on a single output format.
Wide Frequency Coverage and Premium Storage
Enigma has a specified frequency range of 8 Hz–42 kHz, measured with a quarter-inch free-field microphone at −3 dB. Its effective frequency response is 20 Hz–20 kHz under IEC 60318-4 measurement conditions, and total harmonic distortion is specified at no more than 1% at 1 kHz.
The accessories reflect the same attention to detail as the earphones. A spacious vegetable-tanned cowhide case provides storage for the monitors and cables, while nine pairs of ear tips offer options for finding a suitable fit. A cleaning brush supports routine care, and the included aluminium shell sample kit offers a closer look at the model’s construction.
In the box:
- Softears Enigma in-ear monitors,
- effect Audio cable with ConX 0.78 mm two-pin connectors and a 4.4 mm balanced plug,
- softears cable with a 3.5 mm stereo plug,
- cowhide storage case,
- 6.35 mm adapter,
- ear tips - 9 pairs,
- cleaning brush,
- aluminium shell sample kit,
- user manual.
