FlipEars Aegis - Ready to Rumble

 4⭐️

+ Bass-first V-shaped tuning that brings the rumble

+ Thick and meaty low-end aided by some BCD magic

+ Smooth and emotive vocals

+ Treble is inoffensive yet present enough to cut through the bass

+ Fantastic build quality and intricately designed faceplates

+ Soundstage depth and imaging

+ Great accessories 

- Bass may be overbearing for some; not for those seeking a balanced or analytical tuning

- Recessed lower midrange and vocals could use a bit more energy

- Treble becomes a little incisive at high volumes

- Detail retrieval and separation need improvement 

- Heavy shells may be uncomfortable for some

- The case is not pocketable, and more tip options would be nice

thaslaya's star rating system:

☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!

☆☆☆☆ - Recommended

☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me

☆☆ - Can't see the appeal

☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer: 

This product was provided to me for a tour period through the Audio Rush Discord channel. I receive no compensation, and all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to EnigmaFotos and MakeItWain for coordinating the tour, and FlipEars for supplying the unit.

Non-affiliated link for those interested:

https://flipears.com/universal/aegis/

Gear used: 

●Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

●HiBy R3 II

●Various DAC/amps

Source:

●Listening was done using Amazon Music HD/Ultra HD and local FLAC files. 

Introduction: 

FlipEars is a Filipino IEM manufacturer founded by Aries Sales, who is also the tuner behind all the company's releases. The name FlipEars is an homage to the Filipino heart and passion for music. The company has enjoyed some past success and notoriety with other models, including the Aurora and Artha Argentum. FlipEars Arsenal collection includes both the Aegis and Legion IEMs, as well as a new, soon-to-be-released model, the Arion. This review will focus on the Aegis, which has a hybrid driver configuration consisting of a single dynamic and one proprietary EarQuake bone-conducting driver. It comes with a price tag of $480 and is available through various retailers, including MusicTeck, Bloom Audio, and others. Let's dive into this mid-fi release from FlipEars and see how it shakes out.

Build, fit, ergonomics:

The Aegis has a pretty great unboxing experience. It comes in a medium-sized box, and everything is neatly arranged inside the included carrying case. There's also a letter containing warranty information and care instructions, which isn't unusual, but it's sealed with wax, which helps to elevate the entire experience even further. The shells are made of a combination of a black, semi-translucent resin body and a brass faceplate. Under the right light, you can even just barely visualize the two drivers inside the shell. You can also feel the BCD vibration in your hand with music playing, which is very cool. According to FlipEars, "each faceplate is finished with hand-painted enamel by master jewelers of Bulacan, making every unit a one-of-a-kind masterpiece." These truly are a sight to behold. The faceplates are very intricately detailed and honestly do look like jewelry for your ears. The design is one of my favorites that I've come across since entering the hobby a few years ago. In the center is a sword with wings coming from the blade, and there are laurel wreaths around the edges. It's quite ornate, and the design really feels like something you might find in history books under ancient Roman culture. The size of the shells is a little on the chunky side, and they have a solid construction and a fair heft and weight. They feel pretty substantial in the hand and in the ear. The nozzle is also made of metal, and it measures 5.9mm at its widest point. The fit is very comfortable for me, in no small part due to the upward angle of the nozzle that helps me maintain a good seal, but I can see how the size and weight may cause fit issues for some. The Aegis features a very recessed 2-pin connection, and there are two small vent holes located behind this connection to relieve pressure buildup. Those familiar with BCDs will tell you that some IEMs have a springy noise when you tap the shell. The Aegis also exhibits this phenomenon, but it isn't detrimental to the sound at all. As far as I could tell, the stock cable is only available with a 4.4mm termination. I couldn't find any information about what materials go into its construction, but it's dark bronze in color, a little on the chunky side, has a great weave, and feels great in hand. It's a fine cable, but for my testing, I chose to swap it out for the Lavricables Master Line silver cable. There's nothing inherently wrong with the stock cable's sound; in fact, I prefer its feel and ergonomics, and it makes a fantastic aesthetic pairing. However, I really feel that the Lavricables purity of silver adds just a little bit of cleanliness that the Aegis benefits from. There are six pairs of silicone tips in the box (my tour unit only had 5, though), including the Eletech Baroque, which are some of my favorites. I chose to use my Final Type E tips instead, as they provided the best fit and seal. The case is a black, leather, branded, zipper-style case. It feels very premium, provides great protection, and includes fabric-lined foam cutouts for the shells. Despite the quality, it's much too big for a pants pocket (unless you're still rocking JNCO jeans). It could hold a small collection of IEMs, extra cables, or a small DAP if you remove the IEM holder, but for my preference, it's just not super practical due to its size. There are a few other accessories of note, including a plastic Aegis placard, a FlipEars sticker, and a simple Velcro cable tie. Altogether, the Aegis features fantastic build quality and great accessories, though the case is a bit too large for me, and a modular cable might be nice.

Sound impressions:

First and foremost, the Aegis is a bassy IEM. I'd describe the tuning as V-shaped with a large bass shelf, an emphasized upper midrange, and rolled-off treble with various peaks and valleys along the way. This is not a particularly hard-to-drive IEM and should work just fine from a dongle, though the stock termination being 4.4mm may require a simple DAC/amp. The note weight hits almost squarely in my sweet spot of thick and syrupy without feeling sluggish. Definitely no thinness here, which is how I prefer it. The soundstage is quite well done. There's a fantastic sense of depth that must be helped in part by the BCD, though the width could be further improved. It's a bit more intimate than I would like, but every inch of space is accounted for, which makes for a full and lush soundscape. The timbre and detail retrieval are two areas where I think the Aegis has the most room for improvement. Regarding the timbre, it's not so much that it sounds unnatural, but there's a notable lack of crispness and almost like a film over the entire sound that acts as a veil of sorts, obscuring the timbre slightly and causing some of the more nuanced details to get lost in the shuffle. The imaging, though, is quite strong, especially with lateral detection and spatial cues. The depth of the soundstage no doubt helps the imaging perform to its full potential. The dynamics are solid, and the Aegis' tuning is plenty lively and fun. The separation struggles a bit with complex tracks, which could be due in part to the large, almost intrusive bass shelf, but the layering is decent, which adds to the Aegis' musicality. Overall, I think the technical performance underperforms a bit compared to others in the same price bracket, but I doubt the Aegis was ever vying to claim that crown. What it does have is fantastic soundstage depth, great imaging, and a level of musicality that would make other more analytical IEMs blush.

When it comes to source pairings, I found that the Aegis is fairly sensitive. The iFi GO link Max is what I consider to be a V-shaped, energetic sound signature, which does help the Aegis' bass a bit but also makes the entire tuning sound drier and less organic. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Muse HiFi M5 Ultra's tube mode adds a nice analog smoothness to the Aegis, but it does somewhat reduce the bass impact and overall dynamism. This pairing works well if you're wanting a more relaxed session, but the best synergy I found was the Questyle Sigma. In my opinion, the Aegis really benefits from a cleaner and well-manicured presentation, which the Sigma excels at. The technicalities get a nice little boost without coloring the Aegis' tuning or altering its fun nature.

●Lows - Let me just start by stating the obvious again: the Aegis is a bassy boy. The bass shelf is large, including a substantial mid-bass presence, though the actual graph can be a bit deceptive since the BCD is doing a lot of work that doesn't show up in the measurements. I think the balance between sub- and mid-bass is well done as both are allowed to flourish, but I wouldn't mind just a little more sub-bass presence. While the BCD helps elevate the level of rumble and reverberation, a deeper-reaching sub-bass response would be most welcome. The impact is substantial but not overdone. Notes hit with a fairly quick attack, and the natural decay ensures they don't overstay their welcome. The texture is a little on the wet side, which isn't necessarily a bad thing if you prefer that style of bass like I do, but those looking for drier bass with a cleaner texture might be disappointed. The resolution, too, is a little lacking, especially compared to better technical performers in the same price bracket, like the DUNU Brain Dance. I'd say the speed is just a bit on the sluggish side, but not by much. There is a little bass bleed into the midrange, but that's somewhat expected, and I don't feel that it interferes too much with the lower midrange. Overall, I think the bass of the Aegis is its biggest selling point. It's rich and powerful, with great impact, superb rumble, and an enveloping nature. Unfortunately, it's not the most refined, but there's no argument that it makes for a fun and enjoyable listening experience.

●Mids - The midrange is a little hit-or-miss for me. Vocals are a little more on the intimate side, and they are positioned a bit closer to the head instead of having a wider feel. This in and of itself isn't inherently bad, and I often tend to favor more intimate vocals, but I think in this case, it does a disservice to the overall tuning. The bass is so full and enveloping, and I feel like the midrange being pushed back a little bit is counterintuitive. I'd prefer it to feel more open and encompassing, like the bass response, but it's a small complaint because vocals have many other enduring qualities. They are smooth, warm, have good weight, and are quite engaging, which really helps me connect with the music, but there's a slight lack of energy in their delivery that leaves me wanting more. Perhaps more accurately, they aren't always successful in cutting through the large bass response aided by the bone-conducting driver. In fairness, female artists have an easier time than their male counterparts, but I'd still welcome a bit more energy from them as well. When it comes to instruments, violins sound good, if not just a little relaxed, but guitar strums in particular lack a little bite and clarity. The lower midrange recession also doesn't allow things like cello and certain brass instruments enough presence for my taste. Overall, the midrange is not quite what I'd like it to be due to the recessed lower portion and a general lack of nuance, energy, and detail. But it does have a smooth delivery, a degree of warmth, and an engaging nature that is mostly enjoyable, if not a little overshadowed by the bass response.

●Highs - Like the midrange, the treble is a bit of a mixed bag. There are parts I like, but as a whole, it needs some improvement or tweaking to match the rest of the frequency response. I will say that the rolled-off nature is right in my wheelhouse, but there are some peaks and valleys across the spectrum that lead in part to some of my issues. For instance, cymbals have a sort of muted splashiness to them that is hard to describe. They generally sound a little splashier than I'm used to hearing, but are also safe and inoffensive, which is a very unique and somewhat confusing combination. Other things like snares and certain vocal notes don't have that muted feeling but can actually be a touch too incisive. I feel like smoothing out the treble along the intended curve would do a lot to help with those consistency issues. The treble also suffers from a general lack of air and extension. For my preferences, it's actually mostly sufficient, but it does sound a little incomplete, and those who tend to favor a brighter and airier treble will need to look elsewhere. Another unfortunate consequence of the treble is when you increase the volume to get more of that delicious bass response, you're also met with more treble energy and incisiveness, which creates a sort of Catch-22 for bass enthusiasts who are also treble-sensitive. Now, it never quite approaches wince-inducing territory, but it can be a little off-putting and is worth noting. Thankfully, there's no real sibilance to speak of, which is always a plus. Overall, I think the treble is the weakest part of the Aegis' tuning. I do enjoy its rolled-off nature and that it mostly stays out of the way of the bass and midrange, but the inconsistencies in its presentation and general lack of air and extension are hard to overlook.

Comparisons: Credit to Audio Amigo and Jaytiss for the graphs.

● FlipEars Legion ($850) - Here we see the most fitting battle in the comparison section. The big brother Legion features the same 1DD and 1BCD as the Aegis, with the addition of a single electret tweeter. I can't really compare accessories since I didn't receive all of the Legion's stock inclusions, but I can safely assume they come with similar tips, cables, and cases. The shells have nearly identical build qualities, but they differ in size and faceplate design. Both are made of a combination of black resin and intricately designed brass faceplates, but where the Aegis has a sword and wings, the Legion features a Corinthian helmet. If the Aegis is on the chunky side, the Legion is downright huge. I'd say they are about 40% larger, though interestingly the Legion isn't much heavier. Both offer a comfortable enough fit for me, though the Aegis is likely to fit more users without issue. When it comes to the sound signature, both have similar tuning targets, but the Legion is a bit more V-shaped thanks to increased treble emphasis. Starting with the bass, the Legion comes across as fuller and with a more satisfying rumble and reverberation. FlipEars' EarQuake driver does a lot of work to beef up the bass response of both sets, but even more so for the Legion. But not only is the quantity noticeable, the quality is improved as well. There's more impact and physicality, and it just has an overall cleaner sound. The Aegis' bass being slightly more reserved, though, means other frequencies come through a bit better. The midrange is where the Aegis shines a little brighter in my book. Vocals are more forward, and they come across a little smoother and more emotive, which I quite enjoy. The Legion has somewhat of a disconnect between the midrange and the rest of the frequency response. Vocals are just a little too recessed for my taste, males in particular, though the Legion's midrange does have a better sense of depth and space. The Aegis' more mid-centric style won't be for everyone, and some may even say it's overemphasized for what they're looking for, leaving the Legion looking better in comparison. The treble is where these two deviate the most. The Legion is definitely brighter and crisper, with an added sparkle that will appeal to treble enthusiasts, but cymbals and snares are a bit thin and fatiguing for me. Also, certain vocal notes can be a little harsh. It's not the worst or most piercing treble by any means, but the Aegis has a more rolled-off and measured treble response that resonates with me. It still has plenty of energy for my preferences and is much easier to listen to for longer periods. As far as technical performance goes, the Legion has better detail retrieval, imaging, dynamics, separation, and a deeper soundstage, while the Aegis offers better note weight, layering, and a more natural timbre. For me, this one really comes down to the midrange and treble. I can see why some prefer the Legion's more upbeat and energetic presentation compared to the Aegis' somewhat relaxed vibe, but the Legion is simply a little too bright for me to enjoy for longer sessions. While the Legion sacrifices a bit of the midrange and lower treble presence for more bass and mid and upper treble energy, the Aegis has a better balance across the frequency response for my preferences. I will admit that the extra bass emphasis of the Legion is quite enjoyable, but the Aegis' more mid-centric focus and toned-down treble simply hit the mark for me. I would still recommend the Legion for those looking to experience what a well-implemented BCD is really capable of, but the Aegis has what I consider to be the safer and more enjoyable tuning of the two.

My pick: Aegis

● Artpical Lucifer ($500) - This matchup pits the single DD of the Lucifer against the Aegis' DD and BCD hybrid configuration. Both of these sets have a great unboxing experience and nice accessories, but the Lucifer has more tip variety, and its case is smaller and more easily pocketable. These two are quite different in shell size, build quality, and overall design. The Lucifer is smaller, and its resin shell is much lighter. It also has a bean-like shape compared to the more traditionally shaped Aegis. Both offer a comfortable fit for me, though the Aegis's deeper insertion is preferable. When it comes to the sound signature, both have a generally V-shaped tuning that follows a very similar curve, but the Lucifer has less bass overall and more energetic treble. The bass is what makes the Aegis special, and in this matchup, the addition of the BCD is doing a lot of good things. It adds immersiveness to the low end, as well as a heartier rumble and longer reverberation. There's just more depth to the bass response to enjoy, but the Lucifer is no slouch either. Its single dynamic driver may not have the same intensity, but it does have a cleaner sound, including better texture, separation, and resolution. The Aegis, though, has a more emphasized impact for those who want it. The midrange is quite interesting. The Aegis' mid-centric focus pushes vocals to the forefront a bit more, whereas the Lucifer sounds better balanced, even for how V-shaped it is. The Lucifer is also much more spacious and articulate, even if it could benefit from some of the Aegis' note weight and emotive spirit. One of the most noticeable differences is in the instrumentation. The Lucifer has a big advantage here, as well as note delineation and timbre. In the treble, the Lucifer presents a bit of a conundrum. It's simultaneously brighter and more sparkly sounding, yet somehow slightly more relaxed and less harsh. Like in the other frequencies, the Aegis has a tendency to be more forceful in its presentation, and in this case, that translates to a little too much emphasis on "s" and "sh" notes. The Lucifer also sounds airier and better extended, which I appreciate, but it's also more incisive and a bit thinner. The treble of these two is likely to be pretty divisive, and while there are characteristics of both that I prefer, neither really has exactly what I'm drawn to. As far as technical performance goes, the Lucifer takes this one pretty handily. It's better across most categories, save for the dynamics and note weight. For me, this one comes down to a few factors, but the most important may be the style of presentation. Both sets have a very similar V-shaped tuning target, but it goes to show that measurements can only tell you so much. The Lucifer has a more pleasant and less forceful way of conveying its sound that resonates with me much better. I wouldn't necessarily call it relaxed, but when compared to the Aegis, the Lucifer has a much mellower sound signature. In turn, the Aegis has an intensity and almost a certain urgency in the way it pushes the sound at you. It's not offensive or egregious, but when I'm in the mood for a V-shaped tuning, I don't necessarily want it done in a particularly forceful manner. I've already gone on record that I think the Aegis' bass response is fantastic, but when comparing the overall tuning balance, the Lucifer makes for a better all-rounder, not to mention the difference in technicalities. In fact, the Lucifer's technical performance is a level or two above the Aegis, which definitely plays a role in my decision. Essentially, the Aegis is more fun, and for a select few genres, it dominates nearly any competitor, but the Lucifer is more versatile thanks not only to its tuning balance but also to its less aggressive character.

My pick: Lucifer

● Intuaura Splendor II ($260) - Here we have another single DD going up against the DD + BCD hybrid of the Aegis. When it comes to accessories, both sets have decent inclusions. The Splendor's cable is softer and more pliable, which I prefer, but the Aegis has a nicer, albeit larger, case. Both have a similar number of tips, but the Splendor also comes with a USB-C DAC with its own built-in DSP tuning that adds some versatility. When it comes to build and design, these two are quite similar in size, shape, and fit, but the Aegis is heavier thanks to the brass faceplate. The Splendor's all-resin build makes it lighter but also feel a little cheaper. It has a more commonly seen sparkly faceplate, whereas the Aegis has a very intricate and ornate faceplate that I prefer. These two actually have very similar V-shaped graphs and a close tuning target, but the Aegis has a bit more bass, earlier pinna gain, and more rolled-off treble. In the bass, the Splendor can't match the Aegis' level of rumble and excitement, but it does have a slightly abbreviated and cleaner presentation, which can be a breath of fresh air coming from the Aegis. It's still bassy when it needs to be, but the quantity just isn't quite there, partly due to the lack of BCD, I'm sure. The Aegis's low end is meatier, more voluptuous, and more fun, but the Splendor's is better balanced with the mids and highs. Speaking of the midrange, neither set has a particularly forward midrange due to the large bass shelf, but the Aegis sounds just a hair veiled compared to the Splendor, which is a little cleaner, smoother, and more open and spacious. The Aegis does have a certain immersive and holographic effect in the midrange, but it can sound a little congested at times. It's also lagging behind the Splendor in instrument detail and lower midrange representation. In the treble, the Splendor is the brighter-sounding of the two, but more importantly, it's airier and better extended too. There's a degree of sparkle and tightness missing from the Aegis; however, it also has a tendency to sound a little thin and harsh at times. The Aegis' rolled-off treble is closer to my usual preferences. Cymbals and snares are crisp and energetic, but never wince-inducing. I will admit that the Splendor's treble makes for a more complete-sounding tuning profile, but those who are treble-sensitive will likely prefer the Aegis. As for technical performance, the Aegis has better dynamics, note weight, and a deeper soundstage, while the Splendor has better soundstage width, detail retrieval, imaging, and separation. For me, this one comes down to the bass and the X-factor contribution of the BCD. For bassy genres, the Aegis is more satisfying, thanks in part to the extra rumble and deeper immersion of the bass, but for general listening enjoyment, the Splendor II resonates more with the majority of the genres I listen to. The Aegis is an exciting and energetic choice, great for bass enthusiasts and EDM, dance, and club music. The Splendor II is the safer pick and the better all-rounder of the two. It still has some of that bass-first DNA, but the overall balance across the frequency response is better suited for multiple genres, and there's a cleanliness and maturity to it that I really like. The choice here is difficult for me since I really enjoy what each one brings to the table, but I'll go with my gut and choose the one that I can enjoy more with my library.

My pick: Splendor II

In conclusion

The Aegis is one of those rare IEMs that you simply have to experience for yourself. The tuning might resonate with you, or it might not, but when that EarQuake bone-conducting driver kicks in, I challenge anyone not to crack a smile. When you have a craving for deep, rich, and meaty bass, the Aegis is sure to please any basshead. For bass-heavy genres like dance, EDM, some female-led pop, and lo-fi, the Aegis does exactly what it's meant to do: it provides a thoroughly enjoyable bass response while adding an extra layer of rumble that only well-implemented BCDs can provide. When paired with the right tracks, the Aegis delivers a full, fun, and voluptuous bass response, thanks in part to a well-implemented BCD. In fact, my favorite bass-heavy tracks never sounded so good. Unfortunately, I wouldn't characterize the tuning as a great all-rounder, and it just so happens that the genres that pair best with the Aegis aren't heavily featured in my library. If only the rest of the frequency response could live up to the high enjoyment standard set by the bass, this would be a rare find indeed. The midrange isn't bad by any means, but it does sound a little closed off, and male vocals are a little too recessed for me. The treble could also be airier and better refined, though the lack of sibilance is always a positive takeaway. Despite my feelings about the sound, what absolutely cannot be denied is the sheer quality and care that have gone into the design, accessories, and build quality. The aesthetic may be a bit divisive, but I personally love them, and the craftsmanship is top-tier. Overall, I think FlipEars was successful in bringing to market something unique and different. While ultimately flawed, I find the Aegis to be thoroughly enjoyable, and I can easily recommend it for true bass heads and those who mainly listen to bass-heavy genres. If FlipEars wasn't on your radar before, it should be now, and I look forward to hearing whatever Aries cooks up next in that mad scientist kitchen.