When a brand introduces itself as “The Silver Angel,” you know they’re aiming high. That’s exactly how EarAcoustic — formerly known as TFZ — presents their new lineup. And let’s be honest: the name “Hi End” is used so liberally these days that it almost feels like a default setting. Everything is “high-end” now.
But EarAcoustic’s catalog can be a bit confusing at first glance. Models like Ultra, MAX, Limited Edition, and SPA-Pro all carry the “Hi End” label, and if you don’t read the fine print on their website, you might not even know which one you’re holding. So let’s clear the air.
According to EarAcoustic, the Ultra and MAX versions focus on greater power, denser sound, and higher technical potential. The Limited Edition emphasizes superior detail density, warmth, and long-term durability. Then there’s the SPA-Pro series, which targets a more professional sound: pure, faithful, with high fidelity, moderate soundstage, and emotional neutrality — perfect for precision and critical listening. These models also feature low impedance and high sensitivity.
But today, we’re focusing on one: the SPA-Hi End Ultra.
I actually prefer it over the MAX model, which uses painted resin. I’ve always been skeptical about painted finishes; they tend to chip or fade over time. The Ultra, on the other hand, feels durable, premium, and built to last.
Now, it’s not a lightweight IEM — there’s real heft to it. But thanks to its ergonomic design, it disappears in your ear. Once seated, you barely notice it, even during long listening sessions. That said, here’s a pro tip: warm them up in your hands before inserting, especially in colder weather. Cold metal against your ear canal? Not the most pleasant welcome.
The included cable is another highlight: silver-plated copper, 3.5mm termination, soft, tangle-resistant, and undeniably premium. It’s easy to drive, so you don’t need a 4.4mm balanced setup — but if you have one, the Ultra will definitely appreciate the extra juice.
That said, I wouldn’t recommend it for classical purists. While the bass is powerful and well-defined, it does show its limits when it comes to absolute clarity and neutrality in lower frequencies.
It’s not a flaw — it’s a tonal choice. If you’re after a vocal-forward sound, this isn’t the IEM for you. But if you want a fun, energetic signature with a strong low end, it works perfectly.
Perfect for long sessions or genres with intricate high-frequency detail. You won’t be reaching for the volume knob to turn it down.
I tested it with FPS shooters, and I was impressed. Footsteps, gunfire, and directional cues were easy to locate. It’s not a studio monitor, but as an entertainment-focused IEM, it delivers a thrilling, engaging experience.
The fit is comfortable, the cable is excellent, and the included case adds value. Sonically, it’s a clear V-shaped tuning: powerful bass, slightly recessed mids, and sparkling highs. The soundstage is wide, imaging is solid, and it excels in rock, pop, electronic, and gaming.
Who is it for?
But EarAcoustic’s catalog can be a bit confusing at first glance. Models like Ultra, MAX, Limited Edition, and SPA-Pro all carry the “Hi End” label, and if you don’t read the fine print on their website, you might not even know which one you’re holding. So let’s clear the air.
According to EarAcoustic, the Ultra and MAX versions focus on greater power, denser sound, and higher technical potential. The Limited Edition emphasizes superior detail density, warmth, and long-term durability. Then there’s the SPA-Pro series, which targets a more professional sound: pure, faithful, with high fidelity, moderate soundstage, and emotional neutrality — perfect for precision and critical listening. These models also feature low impedance and high sensitivity.
But today, we’re focusing on one: the SPA-Hi End Ultra.
Design & Build: Solid, Stylish… and a Bit Cold
The Hi End Ultra houses a single dynamic driver, and while that might sound simple on paper, the execution is anything but basic. The shell is made from zinc alloy, and it shows. After extended use, I haven’t noticed any significant scratches — a big win in my book.I actually prefer it over the MAX model, which uses painted resin. I’ve always been skeptical about painted finishes; they tend to chip or fade over time. The Ultra, on the other hand, feels durable, premium, and built to last.
Now, it’s not a lightweight IEM — there’s real heft to it. But thanks to its ergonomic design, it disappears in your ear. Once seated, you barely notice it, even during long listening sessions. That said, here’s a pro tip: warm them up in your hands before inserting, especially in colder weather. Cold metal against your ear canal? Not the most pleasant welcome.
The included cable is another highlight: silver-plated copper, 3.5mm termination, soft, tangle-resistant, and undeniably premium. It’s easy to drive, so you don’t need a 4.4mm balanced setup — but if you have one, the Ultra will definitely appreciate the extra juice.
Sound: Fun, Dynamic… and Full of Personality
The Hi End Ultra delivers a fun, engaging sound — slightly warm, with strong bass presence and surprisingly clear highs. Mids are a bit recessed, but for a single dynamic driver, the technical performance is impressive.Bass: Deep, Punchy, and Controlled
The bass is where this IEM truly shines. Sub-bass is deep and visceral, with excellent extension and a tight, controlled decay. It doesn’t bleed into the mids, so there’s no muddiness. The texture and body here make it a great match for rock, hip-hop, and electronic music.That said, I wouldn’t recommend it for classical purists. While the bass is powerful and well-defined, it does show its limits when it comes to absolute clarity and neutrality in lower frequencies.
Mids: Natural, But Slightly Set Back
Vocals are clear and natural — male voices have a solid timbre, and female vocals are smooth and non-fatiguing. However, the mids are slightly recessed, so in genres where vocals and instruments dominate the midrange (like jazz or acoustic sets), they can feel a bit distant.It’s not a flaw — it’s a tonal choice. If you’re after a vocal-forward sound, this isn’t the IEM for you. But if you want a fun, energetic signature with a strong low end, it works perfectly.
Treble: Detailed, Airy, and Fatigue-Free
This is where the Ultra surprised me. The treble is detailed, extended, and free of roll-off, with a natural decay. No sibilance, no harshness — just clarity and sparkle. It adds air and openness to the overall sound, making the listening experience feel expansive and clean.Perfect for long sessions or genres with intricate high-frequency detail. You won’t be reaching for the volume knob to turn it down.
Soundstage & Imaging: Wide, Immersive, and Game-Ready
The soundstage is wide, slightly more horizontal than tall, but still very immersive. It’s not holographic like some high-end flagships, but instrument separation and spatial cues are well-defined.I tested it with FPS shooters, and I was impressed. Footsteps, gunfire, and directional cues were easy to locate. It’s not a studio monitor, but as an entertainment-focused IEM, it delivers a thrilling, engaging experience.
Comparisons: How Does It Stack Up?
Let’s see how it holds against some familiar names.vs. Sennheiser IE 200 / IE 300
The Ultra feels like a sweet spot between the two. It has the detail retrieval of the IE 200 and the dynamic punch and bass of the IE 300. If you want something different from Sennheiser’s more reserved tuning — and you appreciate bold design — the Ultra is a compelling alternative.vs. Pula Unicrom ($90)
This one’s interesting. The Unicrom is around $90, while the Ultra sits at $189. And yet, the Unicrom is very close in performance, with a similar tuning and technical ability that punches well above its price. The Ultra is better built and more refined, but the Unicrom proves you don’t need to spend double to get great sound.vs. Moondrop Harmon
As a Moondrop fan, I wanted to like the Harmon. But honestly? It didn’t win me over. The bass is emphasized, but the mids feel hollow, and the treble lacks detail. Compared to the Ultra, the EarAcoustic wins hands down in clarity, balance, and overall engagement.Final Verdict: Is the EarAcoustic Hi End Ultra Worth It?
The EarAcoustic SPA-Hi End Ultra is a well-crafted, sonically engaging IEM that blends luxurious design with a dynamic, fun sound signature. The zinc alloy shell with its mirror-like silver finish — especially the diamond-pattern faceplate — gives it a premium, eye-catching look, though it is a fingerprint magnet.The fit is comfortable, the cable is excellent, and the included case adds value. Sonically, it’s a clear V-shaped tuning: powerful bass, slightly recessed mids, and sparkling highs. The soundstage is wide, imaging is solid, and it excels in rock, pop, electronic, and gaming.
Who is it for?
- Fans of energetic, bass-forward sound
- Gamers looking for good spatial awareness
- Listeners who value bold design and build quality
- Those tired of neutral, “safe” tunings
- Purists seeking absolute neutrality
- Vocal or jazz lovers who want mids upfront
- Anyone sensitive to cold metal shells