• (1) Dynamic Driver (DD) 11.4mm Titanium diaphragm

• The shell is made of metal.
• Semi-custom design (pre-molded).
• Aesthetically very appealing (luxurious look).
• Has two vents per side.
• Excellent build quality.
• Superior quality than the SPA High-End.
• Great unboxing experience. Premium presentation.
• Good number of accessories.
• Great case. Rigid. Zipper closure.
• The case’s color is random (different in each product).

Eartips:

• There are two types: Normal and Wide Bore.
• Sizes S/M/L.
• They’re standard size: if you use M, then it’s M.
• These are good eartips, but basic.
• For the price, there could be 3 or 4 options (variety).
• I don’t see the need to buy more eartips (subjective).
• I don’t usually use wide bore eartips.
• I tested with the “normal” ones (size L).

Cable:

• Silver-plated cable, aesthetically very nice.
• Excellent modular system: easy to remove and insert the plugs.
• The cable is thicker and heavier than I’d like, but it’s not a problem.
• Good/medium malleability.
• Doesn’t get tangled.
• Doesn’t get “memory” (creases).
• No microphonics.
• The earhooks have the coating I prefer, without ripples.
• Chin Slider can slip on the cable.
• 2-pin 0.78mm connectors.

Fit and comfort:

• Good fit – stable in the ears (subjective).
• Comfortable. Excellent ergonomics.
• Good for medium to large ears.
• Semi-custom design is either an 8 or 80 (good for some, bad for others).
• Medium insertion.
• Great isolation.
• At 8g, isn’t the lightest or heaviest (but it didn’t cause discomfort).
• Same form as the SPA High-End.
• I find the SPA High-End more comfortable because it’s lightweight.

Earphone kit (accessories):

• VSA MAX earphones.
• 6 pairs of eartips (S/M/L).
• Modular cable.
• 3.5mm & 4.4mm plugs.
• Carrying case.
• Manual.

SOUND ASPECTS:

Sound:

• Harman-like tning (a variation).
• Present bass, forward upper-mids, and discreet treble.
• Lively and energetic sound.
• Good for those who enjoy prominent vocals.
• Not recommended for those sensitive to upper-mids (pinna gain).
• Strong competitors in the $149 range (see the SPA HE review).

Bass:

– Quantitative:

• Moderate to high.
• Not for bassheads (although they won’t be disappointed).
• Sub-bass and mid-bass are well-presented.
• There’s no overlap between one region and another.

– Qualitative:

• These are fun bass, with lots of texture and physicality. Great extension.
• They have a “slack”, more expansive character.
• The definition is good.
• Sometimes the bass sounds slightly massy (it depends on the recording).
• The impact is strong and full.
• They don’t invade the midrange.
• These bass notes bring fun and warmth.
• They pair well with more modern recordings (EDM, Hip-Hop, etc.).
• Good for electric instruments or electronic beats.

Mids:

– Quantitative and qualitative:

• Recessed mids and forward upper-mids.
• Pinna gain with good projection.
• The upper-mids bring plenty of clarity, transparency, and airy.
• Using the normal eartip size G, the upper-mids were on the edge.
• Wide-bore eartips bring the region to the aggressive side.
• The definition is very good.
• In rare situations, I felt the sound bordering on sibilance.
• For those who experience sensitivity in this region (upper-mids), it may fatigue over time.
• Wind instruments become very “palpable.”

Voices:

• Excellent performance for female/high-pitched voices.
• Male/low-pitched voices also sounded good, with good texture.
• Female/high-pitched voices have clarity and excellent projection.
• Highlights mezzo-soprano and soprano voices.
• Great IEM for those who enjoy closer, more intimate voices.

Treble:

– Quantitative:

• Moderate to low treble.
• Not for trebleheads (those seeking more treble).
• Recommended for those sensitive to treble.
• No ear fatigue due to treble.

– Qualitative:

• Smooth, controlled, with good definition.
• I felt a slight decay in the higher treble.
• Natural brightness. Coherent.
• Good detail.
• Could use more airy (in the higher treble).
• They’re not shrill, sharp, or harsh.
• I noticed a slight sibilance in a very few recordings.
• Depending on the eartips, the sound may be somewhat sibilant.
• I considered the VSA MAX to be energetic, due to the upper-mids.
• Hi-hats can be quite forward in some songs.

Soundstage:

• I found the soundstage to be average.
• Forward upper-mids reduces the sense of depth.
• The soundstage is average in height, width, and depth.

Imaging:

• Good instrument separation. Positive point.
• The VSA MAX have good separation between the bass and treble instruments.
• In my opinion, hybrid IEMs can offer better separation than single DDs (not a rule).

Driver Flex Test:

• I didn’t heard any driver flex when inserting the IEMs into my ears.

Amplification:

• Easy to push.
• No need powerful amplifier.
• A simple dongle is enough.
• I used the VSA MAX with the FiiO KA11.
• Dongle connected to the computer.
• It will play well directly from smartphones or iPads.
• Volume below 20 (of the 100 available on the W10).

COMPARATIVE: VSA MAX vs SPA HIGH-END

• I found the VSA MAX to be more attractive, both in terms of shell and faceplate (subjective).
• The price is basically the same for both, $149 USD.
• Both have similar physical features and accessories.
• In terms of weight, the SPA High-End comes out on top (it’s lighter).
• On the ear, the VSA MAX feels more pleasant due to the metal shell.
• The VSA MAX has a modular cable, and the system is excellent.
• The VSA MAX’s random color case isn’t good (IMO).
• In terms of sound, the VSA MAX comes closer to what I prefer (subjective).
• The bass on the VSA MAX is stronger and more vibrant, while the SPA HE’s is cleaner and more “acoustic.”
• The midrange on both is practically identical (I didn’t notice any significant differences).
• The upper-mids on the VSA MAX is more “forward” and airy.
• Female/high-pitched vocals on the VSA MAX have more prominence and detail.
• Both have recessed treble, but the VSA MAX brings out more prominence due to the upper-mids.
• The VSA MAX offers greater detail and airy.
• The SPA HE’s soundstage is slightly larger because it has less emphasis on pinna gain.
• The VSA MAX’s instrumental separation is slightly better. More details helps in this regard.
• If you’re looking for more listening comfort, the SPA High-End is the best choice.
• If you’re looking for more energy for vocals and upper-mids region, the VSA MAX is the best choice.

EarAcoustic Audio Products at KEEPHIFI

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