So, what do you do when Unique Melody releases a new IEM?! You make sure you get one, that’s what you do.
The changes between the two successive Maven generations and the Pentara show that, de facto, Maven 3 has more in common with the latter.
| Maven III | Pentara | Maven II |
| 2DD | 2DD (10 and 7mm) | 2DD |
| 4BA (mid highs, highs) | 4BA (mids, highs) | 4BA (mid highs, highs) |
| 4EST | 4EST | 4EST |
| 2BABCD | 2BABCD | |
| 1Freqshift BCD | ||
| 6 way crossover | 7 way acoustic crossover | 5 way crossover |
Soundwise, the resemblance with Pentara continues, with more sub bass extension than Maven II, more mid treble and a lot more air. Unlike Pentara, though, the bass is less tight, while not being as loose as Maven II’s. It is less warm than Maven II, but it maintains some of its DNA, rather than the dry, Work, don’t play* Pentara. The mids remain as good as Maven II’s, with maybe a little more details. It may be that Maven II has more growling in the lower mids, this will be decided after more listening time.
Classical Unique Melody build quality, wonderful, shiny shells, and, much to my delight, a large enough carrying case. Thank you!
The easiest way to highlight the differences is to set Maven 2 as the reference line.
*Metabo, a power-tools company had this logo some years back