Softears VolumeS Dual-Mode IEMs Review
A hybrid in-ear monitor with a mode switch for Classical or Pop tuning, listed at $309. The page gives 9.8Ω@1kHz and 124dB/Vrms in low-impedance mode and 31.2Ω@1kHz and 114dB/Vrms in high-impedance mode; it suits buyers who want 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs.
Our verdict
Worth a look for buyers who want one IEM with two switchable modes and 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs listed. Look elsewhere if you want a single impedance figure or a stated mapping from the Classical and Pop names to the impedance modes, which the page text does not give. Mode and tuning descriptions are the page's words, and every number is the store's own.
- Best for
- Buyers who want a switchable two-mode IEM with listed figures for both impedance settings.
- Skip if
- You want a single impedance figure or a stated mapping from the Classical and Pop names to the impedance modes.
Why 3.6/5: A list of specification figures in the page text lifts it, while the store's inconsistent terms and the fact that no independent test was checked for this review keep it down.
A Japanese Copal switch on the face covers puts the Softears VolumeS in one of two modes, Classical or Pop, according to the page. The page lists one dynamic driver, one passive dynamic driver and two balanced armature drivers, at $309. It gives 9.8Ω@1kHz and 124dB/Vrms in low-impedance mode and 31.2Ω@1kHz and 114dB/Vrms in high-impedance mode.
Specifications
| Spec | Page says |
|---|---|
| Driver architecture | 1 DD + 1 passive DD + 2 BA |
| Dynamic driver | 10mm driver, silicone diaphragm (active) |
| Passive driver | 6mm driver, wool paper diaphragm |
| Balanced armature | Self-developed composite dual-BA (ED and WBFK) |
| Crossover | Three-way RC tuning network, 8 components |
| Impedance | 9.8Ω@1kHz (Low Impedance Mode), 31.2Ω@1kHz (High Impedance Mode) |
| Sensitivity | 124dB/Vrms (Low Impedance Mode), 114dB/Vrms (High Impedance Mode) |
| Frequency response range | 8Hz~40kHz |
| Effective frequency response | 20Hz~20kHz |
| THD+N | Under 1%@1kHz |
| Connector type | 2-Pin 0.78mm |
| Termination plugs | 3.5mm+4.4mm |
| Mode switch | Japanese Copal dual-mode switch; a tool for the switch comes with it |
| Face panels | Aluminum alloy with carbon fiber inlay |
Options and pricing
One option, VolumeS, is listed at $309, with a crossed-out price of $319 on the page, and it was orderable when read. The cable is a braided paracord type with interchangeable termination plugs, and the page lists 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs and a 2-pin 0.78mm connector. The page says a tool for turning the mode switch comes with it, and the page text gives no other box contents.
How it compares
At $304.99 the Binary EP321 MEMS 2DD + 3BA + 1 MEMS Driver IEMs list 2DD + 3BA + 1 MEMS drivers, and at $324.99 the JUZEAR UNVEIL Series Harrier list 1DD+6BA+2 micro planar drivers, against 1 DD+1 Passive DD+2 BA at $309 here. The SIVGA Nightingale Pro costs $296 and uses a 14.5mm planar driver. The VolumeS suits buyers who want a two-mode switch; the EP321 and Harrier suit those who want a MEMS or micro planar driver in the mix, and the Nightingale Pro those who want a planar driver alone.
Shipping, returns and warranty
HiFiGO sells from hifigo.com and says every order leaves its warehouse in China, usually 1-3 business days after it is placed, and says its delivery times are estimates, not promises. Its shipping policy gives the United States 1-2 weeks (about 10 days on average) by Priority and 6-10 days by Premium, both with duties and taxes prepaid by the store; Canada 2-3 weeks; the United Kingdom 1-2 weeks; and Australia 10-15 days. Express couriers (DHL, UPS, FedEx) take 3-7 days, but then the buyer pays any duties and taxes. No shipping page names New Zealand, PO boxes are not accepted, and the free-shipping thresholds differ between the store's own pages, so check the cart. One of its two shipping pages adds that a lost parcel on an order above $50 gets only a 50% refund. A US buyer reported a $40 tariff charge in August 2025, after which HiFiGO said it had added a customs notice at checkout.
Read the return terms before you order. The homepage advertises 7-day returns. Both of HiFiGO's policy pages offer a 7-day dead-on-arrival cover (a replacement or a full refund, with the return postage refunded) and also describe 30-day returns, but a request made 7 to 30 days after delivery loses 30% of the MSRP as a restocking fee (10% more if the packaging is incomplete), plus shipping both ways and duties, and the FAQ on the same pages says there is no refund or exchange once 7 days have passed. One version recommends reselling an opened product locally. Custom IEMs and custom cables cannot be returned, no return address is published, and buyers describe sending items back to China.
HiFiGO's warranty runs one year from the order date for parts and labor; its policy names desktop DACs and amps, IEMs and dongles at one year and gives cables and adapters three months. HiFiGO decides between repair and replacement, the buyer pays the shipping, and faulty items go back for service, not for a refund. Claims go to [email protected], the only contact the store lists: its pages name no company, street address or phone, and its terms are governed by the laws of China.
On Trustpilot, HiFiGO had 4.6 out of 5 from 378 reviews when we checked on 2026-10-28 (91% five-star, 5% one-star), and it had replied to about 75% of negative reviews; Trustpilot notes the store has not invited customers to review recently. The one-star reviews mostly concern the short return window and the deductions on returns, items listed in stock that turned out back-ordered, slow email support and a tariff charge on a US delivery in 2025. HiFiGO says its products are genuine and come in the brands' retail packaging; it does not claim to be an authorized dealer.
What we liked
- Two switchable modes (Classical and Pop) with impedance and sensitivity listed for the low- and high-impedance settings
- Both impedance figures come with a test frequency: 9.8Ω@1kHz and 31.2Ω@1kHz
- 3.5mm and 4.4mm termination plugs listed, on a 2-pin 0.78mm connector
- A tool for the mode switch comes with it, per the page
Worth noting
- The page text does not say which of the Classical and Pop modes is the low-impedance one and which the high-impedance one
- The page gives two frequency ranges, 8Hz~40kHz and an effective 20Hz~20kHz, and the page text gives no method for either
- The page text gives no weight for the 3D-printed shells
- THD+N is given as a ceiling (under 1%@1kHz) rather than a specific figure
Questions before you buy
What impedance and sensitivity does the VolumeS list?
The page lists 9.8Ω@1kHz and 124dB/Vrms in Low Impedance Mode, and 31.2Ω@1kHz and 114dB/Vrms in High Impedance Mode.
What do the two modes do?
The page names them Classical and Pop and says a Japanese Copal switch on the face covers changes between them. It says the Pop mode follows a standard HRTF curve; the page text gives no measurement.
Which drivers and plugs does it use?
One 10mm silicone-diaphragm dynamic driver, one 6mm wool-paper passive dynamic driver and two balanced armature drivers, per the page, with 3.5mm and 4.4mm termination plugs and a 2-pin 0.78mm connector.
Where does HiFiGO ship from, and how long does it take?
From its warehouse in China, usually 1-3 business days after the order. The shipping policy gives 1-2 weeks to the US by Priority (6-10 days by Premium), both with duties and taxes prepaid, 2-3 weeks to Canada, 1-2 weeks to the UK and 10-15 days to Australia. Express couriers take 3-7 days, but the buyer pays any duties.
Can I send it back if I change my mind?
HiFiGO gives 7 days to report an item that arrives dead, damaged or wrong. Its policy also describes 30-day returns, but requests 7 to 30 days after delivery lose 30% of the MSRP plus shipping both ways and duties, and the FAQ on the same page says no refund or exchange after 7 days. Ask [email protected] before you open the box.
What warranty does HiFiGO give?
One year from the order date for parts and labor, for faults in build or materials (the policy names desktop DACs and amps, IEMs and dongles; cables and adapters get three months). HiFiGO chooses repair or replacement, the buyer pays the shipping, and a faulty item is serviced rather than refunded. Claims go to [email protected].
Sources & verification
What this review is based on and the day we last read it. Specs and claims from the maker are the maker’s own; the verdict and the rating are ours.
From the store
- Softears VolumeS 2DD +2BA Hybrid Drivers IEMs product page: specs, options and price (the buy buttons go there)Specs, options and the listed priceRead October 28, 2026
- HiFiGO shipping policyShips from China in 1-3 business days; US 1-2 weeks by Priority or 6-10 days by Premium, duties prepaid; Express buyers pay dutiesRead October 28, 2026
- HiFiGO shipping and order tracking pageA second shipping text: Premium also for Canada and Australia, Canada free shipping from $99.99, lost-parcel rulesRead October 28, 2026
- HiFiGO refund policy7-day dead-on-arrival cover; 30-day returns minus a 30% restocking fee; its FAQ says no refund after 7 daysRead October 28, 2026
- HiFiGO warranty and refund policyWarranty by product class (1 year; cables and adapters 3 months); 30% fee for resealing an opened productRead October 28, 2026
- HiFiGO terms of serviceOperator named only as HiFiGo; governed by the laws of China; contact [email protected]Read October 28, 2026
Independent
- HiFiGO reviews on Trustpilot4.6 of 5 from 378 reviews (91% five-star, 5% one-star); the store has not invited reviews recentlyRead October 28, 2026
What we couldn’t verify
- The page text gives no mapping from the Classical and Pop modes to the Low and High Impedance Modes, and it gives two ranges: 8Hz~40kHz and an effective 20Hz~20kHz.
- Mode descriptions (Pop follows a standard HRTF curve, the other mode suits Classical music) and the RC tuning network 'based on RS10' are the page's own claims, and the page text gives no measurement for either.
- The title counts 2DD where the page lists one active and one passive dynamic driver, and its curve note cites a third party that the page text does not name.
- HiFiGO's policy pages contradict each other: 30-day returns with a 30% restocking fee in one place, no refund or exchange after 7 days in the FAQ.
- HiFiGO's pages name no company, street address or phone number; the only contact given is [email protected].
Spotted an error or something out of date? Tell us and we’ll fix it and update the date.
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