Multi Driver IEM versus Single Driver Full Size Headphones?

Question

Accepted Answer

Briefly:

Multi driver IEMs:

PRO

– Easier to tune to a perfect frequency response as the designer intended. – Multi driver usually means more complete frequency presentation, especially at the bass end. – BA drivers means good articulation across the frequencies, no instruments getting mixed up. – Easier to drive, doesn’t demand a high current amp.

CONS

– Multi driver usually is less coherent than single driver IEM or headphone. – Multi driver IEM doesn’t have the refinement of the big flagship headphone drivers.

Big Full Size Flagships:

PRO

– Overall fidelity, sound quality most of the time better.

– Single driver gives a very coherent sound.

– Scales up better to more sophisticated amp/DACs.

CONS

– Harder to pull off a perfect tonal balance, which often also results in a more polarizing presentation. ie Awesome with this music, not so with that music. – Can’t deliver an equally “complete” frequency response as a multi driver BA IEM.