Compared to AME Raven (Review Link)
The biggest difference between Raven and Macbeth is how they ‘deliver’ the sound. Raven is focused more on agility and penetration, highlighting tightness and extravagant resolution/analyticity. Meanwhile, while not falling behind in overall resolution, Macbeth is more analog, creamy, and atmospheric. Macbeth’s sound is also more low-centric while Raven’s sound is mid and high-centric.
Vocals on both IEMs are on the same tier but different in characteristics. First, Macbeth’s vocals are relatively more neutral-warm, fuller-bodied, and creamier. Also, while keeping good agility, Macbeth takes its time to brush the vocal flows with velvety fineness as the vocals strike and decay, taking its time for elegance to settle for the vocal timbre and atmosphere. On the other hand, Raven is more linear in body and faster in response. It’s also more vivid in color (though not exaggerated either) and does a better job actively revealing the vocal texture, which also introduces an open-ended field and cool airiness throughout the mid-range.
When it comes to the bass performance, Macbeth takes a slight upper hand over Raven, doing a better job bringing out the ultra-low decay, extension, and color. Raven, meanwhile, gently outperforms Macbeth in ultra-high technicality, treble resolution, and airiness. These differences would once again come down more to personal preference, hence I would conclude the overall sonic performance is almost on the exact same level with Macbeth standing only an inch taller than Raven, the personal taste should be the key point when considering between these two.
Compared to Canpur CP622B (Review Link)
The first difference I sensed between these two was the vocals. The CP622B’s vocal style is a fusion of Macbeth and AME Raven (the previously mentioned IEM for comparison). The CP622B proactively reveals the texture grains of the vocals but is not as penetrative and linear tacky as Raven. But then again, the CP622B’s lets more musicality, the blissfulness of the texture, and atmospheric aura fill the mid-range – as Macbeth did – however, not much as Macbeth, which brings out more fine strands of silky textures than the CP622B.
Alongside, CP622B’s vocals are noticeably placed forward or closer to the ears while Macbeth highly prioritizes the continuous flow of the sound from the lows to highs. However, it’s interesting as Macbeth’s vocals don’t feel any recessed but still keep the sound distancing almost even across the entire sonic range. CP622B’s vocals have a neutral thickness while Macbeth has a neutral-thick body, giving a bit extra fullness to the vocals while CP622B chose neutral thickness for a cleaner atmosphere for the mid-range.
Both IEMs are neck-to-neck when it comes to the bass. The CP622B’s bass is tighter and more rock-solid while Macbeth’s is more meaty and soothing. The clarity and cleanliness of the low-vibration are better on CP622B whereas the meaty, tenderness, and sub-bass quantity/fullness are superior on Macbeth.
Final Verdicts: This is just their beginning yet already mesmerizing
After extensive listening and comparison with its rivaling competitors (even those that are higher in price), I wouldn’t consider this statement as an exaggeration: Forté Ears Macbeth is one of the best flagship IEMs I’ve listened to so far. Macbeth exactly knows how to make a “lush sound” by definition, especially for the vocals. In the overall sense, Macbeth shows almost no shortcomings in any aspect, which is why I’m impressed with Forte Ears’ output.
The textures are prominent yet silky smooth at the same time, with meaty, elastic bass that is packed with incredible density, almost to a gooey extent. Yet the bass doesn’t feel lazy or laid back in response but is tightly controlled and agile. The trebles are where Macbeth’s brilliance and blissful sensation hit its max. The treble’s layering and texture are extremely well-articulated, and extremely silky and smooth flow that extends all the way to the ultra-highs. To satisfy their higher price tags, high-end IEMs would require higher attention and standards, even to the smallest aspects, and Macbeth feels like it paid attention to every aspect, or set its goal for reaching perfection.
I’d consider Macbeth as one of those rare cases that I’d doubt anyone would be disappointed with, as the charms and “sonic aura” Macbeth gives off would easily give an unforgettable, blissful impression. I’m deeply impressed by Macbeth as it’s perhaps the most luxurious sound I’ve heard so far. It must have been a challenge (if not a gamble) for Forté Ears to start with a flagship-tier IEM for their debut product. However, they’ve shown and proved. I believe Forté Ears nailed it, and they would also know it themselves.
