Strauss & Wagner Review: SoundNest Spiral Silicone Eartips

Looking for new eartips? Normally, big names like Azla and Spinfit steal the spotlight for good third-party tips, but a new player has entered the ring. Strauss & Wagner has released a line of eartips made of different materials and compatible with all your favorite IEMs. We'll be going through the different variations, but today we're going to focus on the SoundNest. This silicone spiral eartip is ideally made for the IEMs with larger nozzles, and it is durable enough to last a while. Does the SoundNest change the sound of your music? Or will it just be an upgrade in comfort? 

The SoundNest eartips are made of silicone and have a spiral structure. They come in only one color, which makes it easy to find them if you happen to misplace them. The red is pretty subtle, and while the color may not match every IEM, it is a nice change-up from clear or black eartips. What makes the SoundNest unique is not its color, but the spiral structure of the eartip itself. The spiral in the eartip makes the fit in your ear more stable and requires less adjustment during use. It helps the eartip stay lightweight and less pressurized in your ear, so you can listen for longer with optimal comfort.

Three different sizes come in the SoundNest's included case: small, medium, and large. You have options to find ideal comfort for your ear, but Strauss & Wagner also provides exact measurements if you want to be more precise. All the internal nozzles are 4.5mm, but the total diameter (D) and height (H) change with each size:

• Small: 9.8mm (D) 7.7mm (H)
• Medium: 11.7mm (D) 8.2mm (H)
• Large: 13.7mm (D) 8.7mm (H)

The SoundNest eartips are compatible with a lot of different IEM models, ranging from nearly every Campfire Audio model, Noble Audio IEM, and select true wireless models. It is important to note that these IEMs are not compatible with IEMs that have thinner nozzles. The diameter of the inner nozzle is slightly larger than your average eartip, so it is made specifically for IEMs that have that larger nozzle. You can still use these on most in-ear monitors, but the SoundNest works best on larger nozzles. 

You'll find the SoundNest is compatible with any of the IEMs listed below. If you don't see your IEM listed, feel free to come to Audio46 and test it out yourself, or give us a call to ask any other followup questions. 

I tested the SoundNest eartips on a lot of different IEMs. Mostly, that testing was to ensure they were a good fit, but some listening is required to ensure IEMs still have their classic sound signature. I paired the SoundNest with IEMs like the Noble Kronos, the Meze Alba, the Campfire Iris, and many others. Not only were these IEMs perfectly compatible with the SoundNest, but the sound itself stayed true to what you would expect out of those IEMs. 

After some close analysis, there was some influence on the sound that was thanks to the SoundNest eartips. Because the seal on these eartips is less pressure than others, the sound signature becomes lighter and more airy. It isn't a boost of treble, but instead everything gets a lift up to be less heavy. It is great for IEMs that are a little more bass heavy and you want to lighten them so they are less fatiguing. You'll be able to listen for longer with the SoundNest because they are designed to give you lightweight sound that doesn't skip out on detail. 

I'm sure you're probably asking a very important question: How do the SoundNest eartips compare to other eartips? It's hard to give a fair comparison since this style of eartip isn't very common. Looking at Azla or Spinfit, you won't find a spiral silicone eartip in their lineup. Azla is great for getting silicone eartips that are more sticky and will be more secure in your ear for sports. You might find the material of the SoundNest to slide a little more during more active wear. Spinfit has a lot of the same silicone material, though they don't have the same stability that comes from the spiral design. 

Sonically, the SoundNest lightens up the sound signature in the same way a Spinfit eartip would. The Azla eartips make everything a little deeper and warmer, but the SoundNest instead brightens the signature as a whole. Still, this sonic difference isn't anything too jarring to make you think you're listening to a completely different IEM. 

If you're looking for a new set of eartips, I would highly recommend checking out the Strauss & Wagner SoundNest. Not only does the red color stand out, but the unique spiral structure provides a stable fit that is light and breathable. You'll be able to wear these with a host of different wired and true wireless IEMs. With three different sizes to choose from and a handy carrying case, you'll be able to find the most comfortable fit for your listening sessions. The SoundNest is a great upgrade and addition to your listening setup, retailing for only $14.99. 

You can find the Strauss & Wagner SoundNest at Audio46. 

Check out other eartips by Strauss & Wagner here.