Unique Melody Mest Fortune
Configuration: 1DD+4BA+2EST+3BCD, Quad-brid design.
Continuing the line of successful MEST IEMs, Unique Melody is back with the next iteration, the wonderfully coloured Mest Fortune (available also in red). The shells are virtually the same of the Mest 3, the same pattern, except a more appealing colour this time. Also, the rim is now matte and not shiny like it was on the Mest 3.
In terms of sound, the same lively presentation, with the treble as energetic but more detailed than Mest 3, maybe a bit closer to Mest Jet Black (MJB) than Mest 3.
The bass has learned some tricks from the older brother, Pentara, being also mid bass focused, fast and precise, with a rather dry tone, very good for metal. Mids are only slightly recessed, giving it a slight W profile. Lower mids stay slightly elevated compared to Mest 3 and even Maven 2, and have full bodied textures, possessing a very pleasant grit. Very slow rising pinna gain, shifting a lot of emphasis on the treble area, this being one of the most fun trebled UM. Where MJB had a relatively short fast attack of cymbals, followed by a short decay, Mest Fortune has a slightly slower attack, raising higher and decaying a bit slower. This adds some sizzle and splash to the cymbals, as opposed to the highly technical, perfectly controlled MJB. The results are mixed, with the ride having a natural sound, but during the congested passages, the splashes tend to turn into a continuous sound. This is, to me, the mark of Mest 3.
Stage is large, tall and reasonably deep. Layering is more pronounced than Maven’s, with less defined edges than MJB.
I think Mest Fortune stands between the utterly musical Maven 2 and the sober, technical MJB, combining technicalities with musicality, at a reasonable price.
Maven 2 still has the best price/value ratio, followed by Mest Fortune and MJB (which is cheaper than Mest Fortune, but it has a bit less wow factor, due to its more reference tuning). Pressed hard to choose one, I’d go for Fortune, as it’s got a bit of everything.
A weekend at the races!