Virtus Audio Apex - Comin' Out Swingin'

4.5 ⭐️

+ L-shaped tuning done well and great for long listening sessions

+ Bass enthusiasts will be smitten with the low-end's presence 

+ Mids are positioned a bit behind the bass, but still present and natural

+ Tame, rolled-off treble fits me just fine 

+ Fantastic timbre, note weight, imaging, and soundstage depth

+ Shell build quality and faceplate customization options 

+ Adjustable ear hooks for optimal fit

+ Two cases included

- Unboxing experience is disappointing for the price and the accessories are a little bit Spartan-esque, especially the cable

- Bass might be a little overbearing for some

- Slight thinness in the upper-mids/lower treble 

- Detail retrieval isn't especially strong for the $1k+ tier

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 by Virtus Audio in exchange for my impartial and honest review. I receive no compensation, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Non-affiliate link for those interested:

https://virtusaudio.com/apex/

Gear used: 

●Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

●Various DAC/amps

Source:

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

Introduction: 

Virtus Audio is a new company based in Istanbul, Turkey, looking to break into the IEM market. As of now, they have just two products to offer: their $500 entry-level Vortex and the subject of this review, their flagship, appropriately named Apex. This utilizes a two-way coaxial driver array consisting of a 12mm crystal-graphene DD and a 7mm beryllium dome tweeter. It comes with a $1,299 price tag for the standard black version, though many more vibrant colorways are available for an additional fee. The company also offers custom-molded shell options for those who want them. Let's take a deep dive into one of the newest players on the scene and see what the Apex has to offer.

Build, fit, ergonomics:

A representative from Virtus reached out to me to see if I was interested in reviewing the Apex, and initially, I was a little gun-shy. Some of you may have already noticed, but I have dialed back my reviews lately due to time constraints and other life commitments. However, when an unknown company asks you to check out their flagship IEM, it's an intriguing prospect and hard to pass up. The package arrived in a simple branded black cardboard box that was a little worse for wear from its journey halfway around the Northern Hemisphere. Luckily, all the contents were safe and secure thanks to the sturdy, Pelican-style plastic carrying case inside. The Apex's default shell design is a simple black resin, but Virtus was kind enough to offer me the chance to get a custom faceplate. I was given the choice of picking from their existing designs, but I was more interested to see what their team could come up with. For inspiration, I sent them a few pictures of past sets I've reviewed that managed to catch my eye, and I must say the design team did not disappoint. This particular Apex features a deep, subtle teal faceplate with flecks of gold and is quite fetching. Initially, I wasn't sure about the final design, but the more I look at it, the more I enjoy it. It has a certain depth and flair without being overly flashy. But if my particular set doesn't do it for you, Virtus offers a ton of customization options, and I added a collage above with samples featured on their website. The resin shells are well-made and lightweight. They're a little bulbous in shape and I would say about average in size, but the fit for me is quite comfortable. The metal nozzle measures 5.9mm at the widest point and a small vent hole located just in front of the flat 2-pin connection alleviates pressure buildup. Virtus also offers custom-molded shells, which are likely marketed towards musicians and stage performers. The stock black cable is another good indicator of this. The Apex includes a thin UP-OCC cable with a 3.5mm termination and adjustable ear hooks for a secure fit. In my opinion, it's a shame that the cable feels somewhat cheap when the build quality of the shells screams high-end craftsmanship. For the standard audiophile spending $1,300, this cable just won't do, so I opted to switch it out for the Effect Audio Eros S Noir cable instead. At least the tips are high quality, as Virtus packs in a full set of Divinus Velvets, but I found my own JVC Spiral Dots worked best for me. As I said earlier, the kit arrived in a nice hard-shelled, Pelican-style case, but inside is also a smaller leather case. This is quite soft and supple and feels very premium, though the size is just a touch smaller than I would like and it doesn't provide great crush protection. The only other inclusions of note are a 3.5mm to 6.5mm adapter and a cleaning tool. Overall, the Apex has nice build quality and a decent accessory package, including two really great cases and some premium tips, but the stock cable just doesn't do it for me, and a flagship IEM really deserves better.

Sound impressions:

I want to give a big thanks and shout-out to my boy Omar (@AudioAmigo) for graphing this set for me at CanJam. He's one of the best reviewers in the game and a truly kind and generous fellow, so be sure to check out his YouTube channel if you haven't already. Getting back to the matter at hand, I think the Apex's tuning is a bit deceptive. To my ear, the bass has more presence and authority than the graph would indicate, which is why I would characterize it as more L-shaped than V-shaped or W-shaped. It's not a particularly hard set to drive, and it performs beautifully without a ton of power. The note weight is one thing that helps make this a special set. It hits the sweet spot of being grounded and realistic without sounding too heavy, and it gets just a bit thinner in the upper midrange, which helps give vocals the edge they need to stand out from the bass. The detail retrieval is quite nice and more than adequate for me, but the Apex is not the one to turn to for those seeking top-notch transparency and clarity. The soundstage has very good height and depth, but the width doesn't perform quite as well. I wouldn't describe it as closed off or narrow, but there's definitely some room for improvement. The timbre, while mostly natural and enjoyable, does have just a hint of artificiality to it; however, it's fairly easy for me to overlook considering the other things the Apex does so well. The imaging is one of them. Instruments are placed around the stage with great accuracy and precision, making good use of the space available. The dynamics and separation are two other aspects in which the Apex excels. The presentation is engaging and lively without being overbearing or fatiguing, and the separation ensures each portion of the frequency response has a chance to shine. The layering isn't as effortless as some well-executed single DDs I've heard, but there's still a nice sense of cohesiveness here. Overall, I think the Apex's L-shaped tuning is poised to impress bass enthusiasts and those who prefer a bit more meat on the bone compared to one that's clinically detailed and meticulously separated. The technical performance probably won't impress audiophiles who routinely dabble in the $2,000+ tier, but it's more than satisfactory for everything I need, especially for the price of admission.

When it comes to source pairing, the Apex is one of the least picky sets that I've had the pleasure of reviewing recently. It actually works well with just about everything I tested, but there does seem to be a special synergy with iFi gear in particular. From the budget GO link Max and compact GO blu, to the older Micro iDSD Signature and new GR2, the Apex simply works. The Questyle Sigma almost won me over due to the increase in sub-bass extension and better separation and detail retrieval, but ultimately I prefered the GR2 with the Bit Perfect filter. The added depth and impact of the bass really help bring it to life, and the touch of warmth in the midrange makes my favorite vocal tracks that much sweeter.

●Lows - This is definitely where the Apex makes its mark, and what a mark it is! The bass adds a really nice weight and presence and is kind of the star of the tuning, but it's not flashy or in your face like other big bass sets I've heard. It's ever-present yet never overwhelming and is sure to appeal to a broad market of bass enthusiasts. The balance skews a little more towards the mid-bass to my ear, but the sub-bass is no slouch. The extension could dig a little deeper, but that's a small nitpick in the grand scheme. What it lacks in extension, it more than makes up for in dimensionality. By that, I mean just how big it sounds and how the bass draws you in and envelops your senses. The soundstage depth definitely has something to do with that, and there's a subwoofer-like rumble and reverberation that add to the enjoyment too. One unique thing about the Apex is that there's not a ton of initial punch or kick to bass notes, but it's still there when the track calls for it, which I think helps it better serve as an all-rounder. The impact and slam are also not as hard-hitting as you might expect, but it is succinct, quick, and agile, which matters just as much if not more. The decay is slightly on the slower side, which I actually prefer as it sounds more natural to my ear. I could also see some describing it as a bit "slow," especially to those used to a BA or planar bass response, though I don't personally see it that way. The texture is not quite wet or muddy, but I would say it tends to lean in that direction more than being dry or lean. The bass is also well separated from the midrange but still entirely cohesive. Overall, the Apex's bass is likely the first thing that'll grab your attention upon first listen, and that's definitely a good thing. Is it the biggest, boldest, deepest, or hardest hitting out there? No. But if someone were to ask me what a natural and effortlessly bass-boosted set should sound like without taking the sails out of the other parts of the frequency response, I would point to the Apex as a prime example.

●Mids - I would definitely consider the bass to be the leader of this particular tuning, but the midrange works great in a supportive role—like how the band and backup singers complement a headlining artist. I typically prefer a more forward midrange where vocals and instrumentation take center stage, and though the Apex does not quite deliver that exact kind of presentation, it still does a lot of things well. First of all, the timbre is quite impressive. The naturalness displayed in the bass carries over here and permeates the entire midrange. Vocals have a nice, warm tonality without sounding overly colored, lackluster, or subdued. They also do well to avoid being dry, cold, or listless, instead opting for a healthy dose of emotional weight and an appropriate level of energy and engagement to garner attention. In bass-heavy tracks, they do tend to lean a little recessed, but only subtly. Besides the aforementioned warmth and timbre, the real key to the Apex's midrange magic for me comes from the imaging, depth, and staging. Instruments and vocals are placed in a very immersive and effortless manner, even if the soundstage width could be improved. I've always felt that the midrange is where a tuning gets its soul, and the Apex showcases that pretty well. I would say it's both emotionally stirring and technically proficient, but my one complaint is the occasional slight thinness in the upper mids. I'd like to see this area toned down just a hair, but then the vocals might not be as prominently featured through the big bass shelf, so I can understand why Virtus chose to tune it this way. Also the lower midrange could use just a little more representation for me, but that's a very minor gripe. 

●Highs - If the bass is the star of the show and the midrange is the supporting cast, the treble might be best described as the stage crew. I don't mean that in a derogatory way; it's actually a huge compliment from this treble-sensitive listener. I don't want or need the type of treble response that takes all the attention. I'm much happier when it serves a supportive role and sets up the other aspects to take the lead, and in this, the Apex absolutely excels. It's not the most extensive, airy, or sparkly treble, but it does add just enough to the top end to help the tuning feel complete. There's a nice crispness too that gives notes good definition, and the energy level is a bit reserved, which is exactly how I prefer my treble. I'd also say that I don't think the treble is completely overpowered by the bass. Instead, it embraces its reserved role in the tuning balance while still performing admirably. Cymbals and snares have just enough impact and splash to sound natural and engaging while never veering close to sibilant territory. There are some rare occurrences of thinness and an ever-so-slight harshness in the lower treble on certain tracks, but it's not enough for me to really complain about. The texture is also just a hair on the brittle side, but again, it's not much of a distraction. Of the three areas discussed in this review, I think the treble is the one that could use the most improvement. I would not mind a bit more note weight, a touch more extension, and a slightly softer texture, but overall, the Apex's treble does pretty much exactly what I need it to do. It adds just enough crispness, energy, and detail to the overall tuning without detracting from the stellar bass and midrange.

Comparisons: Credit to Audio Amigo for the graphs. 

● Letshuoer Sonata ($2300) - Here we have the 2DD, 4BA, 4EST tribrid configuration of the Sonata versus the dual DD of the Apex. From the price and driver configuration to the build quality and design, these two don't share a lot of similarities, but they are both pretty bassy boys when it comes to the tuning. The Sonata has a much better unboxing experience and higher-quality accessories, though the Apex does offer a more protective case option. The Sonata has a robust, durable metal shell and a very detailed faceplate, while the Apex's resin shell is simpler, smaller, and lighter. For what it's worth, Virtus does offer a multitude of faceplate designs for a small upcharge. Fit-wise, both sets are quite comfortable for me, but I think the Apex is slightly better. Moving on to the sound, as I said, both sets have a fairly prominent bass emphasis, but the Sonata is more U-shaped while the Apex is nearly L-shaped. Starting with the bass, there are some similarities, but the Apex is definitely the bolder of the two. Not only is the quantity greater, but the extension reaches lower, the rumble and reverberation are more prominent, and there's a better balance of sub- and mid-bass for my preferences. The Sonata is a little more sub-bass focused and has a cleaner, more detailed response. Both sets showcase nice speed and a slightly faster-than-average decay, but the Apex's impact and body give it an edge in my book. To put it plainly, the Apex has bass you feel, while the Sonata has bass you listen to. By this, I mean that the Apex is better for simply enjoying the music, while the Sonata's superior detail, texture, and separation are better for breaking down bass lines. The mids are where things really start to deviate. The Sonata has a more prominent upper midrange that pushes vocals and instruments to the forefront. The flagship-level separation and detail are again on full display here, and the smaller bass shelf means the entire midrange breaks through the bass more easily. However, the Apex brings a warmer tonality, more emotional expression, and a better sense of depth to the midrange that really pulls you into the music. I would say the Sonata has better accuracy and precision when it comes to instruments, but vocals on the Apex sound more fluid and natural, if not just a touch recessed. The treble responses are actually quite similar, but the Sonata's EST drivers do make an audible difference. The Apex comes across as slightly more energetic and sparkly, and the texture is a little bit edgy and rough. The Sonata, however, is buttery smooth with improved detail, air, extension, and overall balance, though the note weight is a little thinner. As for technical performance, the Sonata impresses with better detail retrieval, soundstage width, separation, timbre, and imaging, while the Apex has more note weight and improved layering, soundstage depth, and dynamics. Ultimately, I think this matchup really comes down to personal preference and what each listener values most. It's true that the Sonata outperforms the Apex from pure balance and technical standpoints, and the build quality and accessories are superior across the board. But for me, the Apex does so much right that it's really hard for me to put it down. Don't get me wrong, the Sonata sounds absolutely wonderful too, and its superb balance is key to its identity, but the Apex has exactly what I look for when I listen to my music library—a deep, bold, and visceral bass response, a warm and emotive midrange, and a smoother treble with just enough sparkle and clarity to keep things interesting.

My pick: Apex

● Moondrop Variations + 30 Ohm impedance ($600) - The Variations are an older set, debuting way back in 2021, but as someone who just discovered them recently, I have found they show real staying power even among today's competition. Like the Sonata, the Variations are another tribrid and utilize 1DD, 2BA, and 2ESTs against the Apex's 2DDs. Starting with the accessories, neither set has what I consider to be a great cable, but at least the Variations' is modular. The Apex includes two very nice and distinctly different case options, while the Variations comes with both silicone and foam tips. Build quality-wise, the Variations has a slight advantage since it has a more durable metal faceplate, but the quality of the Apex's resin actually feels nicer to me. Both sets fit quite comfortably, though the Apex is lighter in weight. From a design standpoint, the Apex is much more eye-catching, but the Variations have a simple and classic appeal of their own. Moving on to the sound, for this matchup I chose to add an impedance adapter to the Variations to bring the level of bass more in line with that of the Apex. With this configuration, both sets have a healthy emphasis on the bass, but the Apex is more L-shaped while the Variations is closer to V-shaped with a more prominent lower-midrange dip. In the bass, the Variations have more sub-bass emphasis, greater impact and punch, and a shorter decay and reverberation, but the mid-bass fullness is missing and the speed is slightly sluggish. The Apex is quicker, thicker, better balanced across the sub- and mid-bass, and the texture, reverberation, and depth are a huge improvement. The Variations come across as a little hollow in both the mid-bass and lower midrange. Speaking of mids, this is another area in which the Apex absolutely excels. Vocals are more forward, energetic, and emotive with a greater sense of space and realism. The Variations' vocals are recessed and a touch dry, though instruments come through more clearly and the detail and separation are excellent. In the treble, the Apex has an extra layer of energy, sparkle, and detail, even though the Variations utilize ESTs. There's also a crisper texture and a better sense of clarity, but the Variations come across as slightly airier, better extended, and entirely fatigue-free. Where it struggles, though, is the texture, which can have a bit of unnatural grain and edge at times. Regarding the technical performance, it's no surprise that the Apex is better in most categories, save for the separation. For me, this one ultimately comes down to the tuning balance and execution. After comparing them directly, it was pretty obvious that one was developed from the ground up to be very bassy and the other only sounds that way due to altering the default tuning with added impedance. The Variations are definitely a solid mid-fi set, even five years later, but they were never conceived to be a bass-first set like the Apex. With the 30-ohm impedance adapter, they do make a decent bassy all-rounder when you just want to relax and let the low-end take center stage, but there's no comparison to how well the Apex handles the entire frequency response and elevates everything to the next level. It's like comparing IKEA furniture to something made of real hardwood; one is obviously better crafted and executed.

My pick: Apex

● Softears Edge ($500) - This matchup features the simplest comparison so far, at least in terms of driver configuration. The Apex sports dual DDs, while the Edge relies on just a single dynamic driver. As for accessories, the Edge has a much better cable, but the Apex has two very nice cases. The Edge has superior build quality thanks to the metal shells, but its unique shape and design may cause fit issues for some. The Apex's time-tested shape and resin build are great and quite comfortable. Aesthetically, I also prefer the Apex, but the smaller Edge has an eye-catching look of its own. Moving on to the sound, both sets have what I would consider to be a bass-first style of tuning, but there are some fundamental variances across the frequency response that make them different. The thing that sticks out to me first is the Edge's mid-bass quantity and texture. The Apex has a more linear bass response and a great balance between mid- and sub-bass. While the Edge has plenty of sub-bass, the mid-bass does take some of the spotlight, and the shift in balance works better on some tracks more than others. The Apex's quality is also superior: the extension reaches lower, the texture is cleaner, the decay is a little faster, and there's better separation between the bass and mids. I will say, though, that the Edge's body and fullness are a massive draw for me, even if the texture is a little less refined. In the midrange, the Apex surely has a certain warmth and smoothness, but the Edge takes these even further. But the Edge also has a sense of artificiality in the way it presents the stage and space. It's hard to put into words, but it's sort of like everything is spread out, though not quite in a totally organic and cohesive way. Specifically, I hear vocals positioned more to the sides than in the center. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, and it does give the Edge a unique character, but the Apex's midrange comes across as more accurate and natural, with sharper and more precise instrument and vocal positioning. The treble is where these two are most kindred, though they are not without their differences. While neither has any particularly sharp or harsh notes, the Edge has a tendency to push right up against the boundary on certain "s" and "sh" sounds without actually crossing the line. The Apex is slightly less incisive with these notes, while being more accurate and true to life with cymbals and snares. It's also a little airier, sparklier, and better extended, though the Edge has a slightly smoother and more grounded treble response due to the steeper roll-off. As for technicalities, the Apex outperforms the Edge, most notably in detail retrieval, soundstage, and imaging, but the Edge manages to hold its own in separation and timbre. For me, this matchup comes down to broad appeal and overall performance. Both sets do a lot of things right for me, but if I were forced to choose just one, it's hard to argue against the Apex. It really is one of the absolute best bassy all-rounders I've heard, but don't sleep on the Edge; it holds a certain unique charm of its own. The combination of bass-heavy tuning, hefty note weight, great separation, and warm vocals has me choosing the Edge over many other kilobuck sets, but in this instance, the Apex is up to the challenge.

My pick: Apex

● Hisenior Cano Cristales ($400) - Here we have the 2DD, 8BA hybrid configuration of the Cristales against the dual DD of the Apex. Starting with the accessories, both sets have pretty nice offerings. The Apex comes with both a small leather zipper case and a larger, more secure plastic case, while the Cristales has a nice, round, leather-clad option. The Cristales, though, comes with more tip options, a leather cable tie, and a much nicer modular cable compared to the somewhat thin and cheaper-feeling 3.5mm terminated Apex cable. In terms of build quality, these two are pretty similar, with a combination of resin shells and metal nozzles. They are also close in overall size and insertion depth, but the Cristales has a more semi-custom contoured shape while the Apex has a slightly larger nozzle. As far as fit goes, both are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods without fatigue, but the Apex fits a little better. The designs are quite different, and I much prefer the Apex. There's just something about the hue of the Cristales' purple shell that I don't really care for, but I might be in the minority. When it comes to sound signature, both have a bass-forward tuning, with a few variations throughout the frequency response. But the sheer performance of the bass response is probably the biggest difference. The Cristales comes across a little slower, slightly bloated, and with a sloppier texture. The Apex is much quicker, has a slightly faster decay, and the impact and resolution are leagues better to my ears. It also has better separation and sub-bass extension. In the midrange, what first struck me about the Cristales is how the mids feel like an afterthought. Vocals are a bit neglected compared to the heavy bass, and they also lack the depth and nuance of the Apex. The instrumentation does come through a little better, but it still falls short in this head-to-head battle. In contrast, the Apex showcases a more forward and present vocal response, better timbre, and a level of warmth that's quite compelling. Moving on to the treble, the Cristales will likely appeal more to those seeking an airier and more present top end. The Apex has an unapologetically smooth and pleasant treble response, which adds to its appeal for me. However, it still has a distinct crispness that treble lovers will appreciate. The Cristales does come across as slightly brighter and more sparkly, but the Apex still has far superior texture and detail. On the technical performance side, the Apex unsurprisingly comes out on top in nearly every category, particularly in imaging, separation, timbre, and detail retrieval, though the Cristales' dynamics and soundstage hold up well. For me, this one comes down to tuning execution and technical performance and this comparison really showcases the difference between a good IEM and a great one. The Cristales is in no way a bad set, and I feel like it does a bass-boosted tuning pretty well, but the Apex executes at a much higher level. Now, the argument could be made that the Cristales has a more dynamic and "fun" tuning, but that doesn't particularly appeal to me as a lover of a rich midrange and warm tonality. When it comes down to it, the Apex's bass performs markedly better, the midrange has a sense of depth and engagement that makes it easy to love, and the smooth, detailed treble is the icing on the cake.

My pick: Apex

● DUNU DaVinci ($300) - This contest pits the 2DD, 4BA hybrid configuration of the DaVinci against the 2DD of the Apex. DUNU always brings its A-game when it comes to accessories, and the DaVinci is a great example. It includes a nice modular cable, a great case, and plenty of tips. The Apex may not have the best cable, but it does have two nice case options of its own, and I'll never turn my nose up at getting more Divinus tips. These two are quite similar in build quality and shape, but the DaVinci is the larger of the two, especially regarding the nozzle. Still, each one offers a comfortable fit for me. From a design standpoint, the Apex definitely catches the eye more thanks to the gold flakes in the faceplate, but the DaVinci's wood faceplate is also nice. While these two certainly share some tuning DNA, the DaVinci is a little more U-shaped with some meta flavor sprinkled in, whereas the Apex is closer to L-shaped. In the bass, the Apex has a deeper extension, better separation, and a much cleaner texture. The DaVinci can sound a little flabby and bloated at times, while the Apex is more resolving and handles any bass line with accuracy and ease. I do prefer the DaVinci's slightly slower decay and mid-bass fullness, though the Apex has increased impact and a more satisfying rumble. The mids are interesting because the DaVinci has less of a lower-midrange dip, which helps to better represent certain instruments and male vocals that fall below 1 kHz. There's also a warmer tonality and more emotional weight, but the Apex has better timbral accuracy, more width and depth, and better placement of vocals and instruments on the stage. It has a nice sense of warmth too, but not quite at the DaVinci's level. The treble is also intriguing, as these two have pretty similar graphs, but it's slightly shifted along the x-axis, so many of the dips and peaks don't quite line up. This gives each set its own distinct treble flavor. The Apex comes across as brighter and more incisive, though definitely not sibilant. The texture is much cleaner and the detail is on another level, but it's also a touch thinner in note weight. The DaVinci is noticeably smoother but also less crisp and airy, which is why the Apex makes for a more capable all-rounder. When it comes to technicalities, the DaVinci is simply outclassed, which is no surprise considering the price difference, but it does hold its own in layering and note weight. For me, this matchup comes down to execution and technical performance. Sure, the Apex is cleaner and more resolving while presenting a fantastic bass-forward, all-rounder style of tuning, but there are still some things the DaVinci does better for me, including a slightly warmer and more forward vocal presentation and a little less treble energy and bite. The DaVinci still holds a special place in my collection (and my heart) and remains my go-to when I'm in the mood for a relaxing and emotionally charged listening session, but the Apex is simply the better product, and the sound quality shows it.

My pick: Apex

In conclusion:

When Virtus Audio contacted me regarding their current flagship IEM, I didn't really know what to expect. The company has very little online presence, which isn't surprising, given that they are basically brand new. They do have an Instagram page on which they showcase some of their beautifully crafted shells, but I couldn't find any reviews or impressions anywhere, so I went in completely in the dark. In my review of the Volk Audio Etoile, I likened that set to an onion; by peeling back the layers of the tuning, it reveals more nuance and detail in the music. Well, my analogy for the Apex won't be as complex, but I'll at least stick to the food theme. I think this set is more akin to an apple in that it's very well-rounded, with a thin layer of crispness and color, but the real treat is the sweet and full-bodied bass found within. Also, like an apple, the Apex can be paired with other things to create an entirely unique experience. Everyone knows apples and peanut butter go well together, but there's also caramel, yogurt, Nutella, and cinnamon and brown sugar, to name a few. In this analogy, your source of choice is considered to be the added ingredient, and the Apex goes great with every one I tested. Each combination manages to bring out a unique audio flavor to enjoy. The Apex's bass-first tuning style sets a wonderful foundation for the warm, soulful midrange to showcase vocals and instruments alike. The treble also has just enough presence and bite to help the tuning feel complete without any harshness or fatigue. While the Apex may not be as complex and layered as an onion, sometimes the simple things in life are the most enjoyable, and the Apex definitely brings a smile to my face every time I listen. Up to this point, Virtus has been virtually unknown in the audiophile world, but I'm sure that's about to change. The company knows how to create a splendidly tuned and high-performing product that can trade blows with some of the best I've heard, and I can't wait to see more people get an opportunity to bite into this bassy delight.