Compared to Campfire Audio Trifecta (Review link)
The first to compare Motivate Ears MSX+ is Trifecta- Campfire Audio’s most unusual yet, in my opinion, most interesting flagship IEM, known for its iconic structural design using 3 dynamic drivers. Trifecta desires a supercharged sound with all three frequencies emphasized, drawing a big W-shaped sound signature. It has stronger dynamics, with tighter bass strikes while getting any lesser in quantity, and upper frequencies that are forward and unveiled for an extra mile. While Trifecta brings additional analyticity and texture details than the MSX+, such differences shed light on the benefits that MSX+ has over Trifecta.
MSX+ sounds smoother and fatigue-free, whereas Trifecta occasionally shows hints of shrillness for the mid-highs and highs for treble-emphasized tracks. Alongside, while Trifecta does better for revealing texture grains and micro details, and while MSX+ doesn’t get aggressive in texture digging as MSX+, the textures are much more refined and silkier. Another point is that MSX+’s timbre is noticeably more organic and cohesive, offering a neutral tuning that better portrays the music source as intended to sound. Overall, MSX+ has a darker, warmer, and smoother sound signature, with the sound balance tilted more towards a pitch-black background, calmness, and low-mids silkiness.
Compared to FiR Audio Radon 6 (Review link)
Next up for the comparison is FiR Audio Radon 6 (Rn6), one of the most popular TOTL IEMs among the communities. Using a 1DD+4BA+1EST setup, Radon 6 features FiR’s Kinetic Bass and ATOM technology – each being proprietary bass transmission and pressure relief systems. When comparing the sound with the MSX+, the Radon 6 is overall more V-shaped and bassier in sound. Ultra lows are fuller in body with relatively clearer resolution, offering livelier punch and bass dynamics.
The MSX+ is more balanced and neutral in tuning, showing more consistent and coherent thickness and timbre than the Radon 6. While the ultra-low quantity and detail retrieval are better on Radon 6, the MSX+ shows cleaner reverb control and sub-bass clarity. Radon 6’s mids are fuller (primarily lower mids), achieving vocal thickness on the lower mids and gradually getting tighter and airier as the sound progresses towards the upper mids. It’s a good way to achieve fun and dynamic sound, though it does compromise coherency and consistency across the mid-range. The MSX+ overall does a better job than Radon 6 for the mids by keeping the timbre, thickness, and texture coherent across the mid-range. The upper-end textures are also more refined and smoother – the upper-end resolution is slightly better while sounding significantly smoother and less fatiguing than the Radon 6. In short, Radon 6 takes the classic V-shape tuning to the TOTL level while the MSX+ approaches towards a studio-reference tuning that focuses on accuracy and balance.
A sound designed to last beyond the trends
MSX+ feels like a flagship built with a very steady hand. It doesn’t try to impress you through extremes or sharp highlights—instead, it wins you over through precise control, tonal balance, and long-term appreciation. What stood out to me most was how easy it was to settle into its sound. It’s enjoyable and has that flagship lushness like many mainstream TOTL IEMs do, though I could listen to MSX+ for hours without needing a break, which is something not many top-end IEMs manage these days, as they easily cause fatigue.
Tonally, MSX+ sits on the calmer, more grounded side of neutral. That positioning alone will make it a great match for listeners who want a high-end sound that still feels relaxed and welcoming. It offers the technical performance you’d expect at this price, but in a way that never feels forced or overly analytical. If you prefer IEMs that push vibrancy to the front, that will mesmerize your ears from the get-go, MSX+ may come across as too polite. However, if you value a coherent, natural presentation, a type of sound that could be appreciated long-term, its strengths become immediately obvious.
Outside of sound, I also appreciate the brand’s approach. The option to choose CIEMs and custom designs without any extra cost, and even the full-metal CIEM shells, makes Motivate Ears feel like a company that actually understands how hobbyists use and buy IEMs. It’s refreshing to see a more customized, user-focused experience at this level. The MSX+ is a powerful all-in-one choice that would satisfy those seeking a customized design/fit, musical enjoyment, and technical accuracy for monitoring purposes. The MSX+ won’t bore you over time as it’s a type of sound that is designed to last and stay with you. Make sure to take a look at MSX+ and Motivate Ears if you’re looking for high-end in-ear monitors and CIEMs; it’ll be well worth it!