INTRODUCTION
Hello, friends! Today, in this review, we will take a look at the new dynamic headphones from EarAcoustic Audio, priced at - $149.
They come in a fairly large box with a pleasant design, with the letters VSA on the front, which stands for "Vocal Sweetness Amplified", as well as the manufacturing address, a QR code to verify the authenticity of the product, and the name of this model, VSA-MAX.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
DRIVERS: 1x 11.4mm dynamic driver with titanium diaphragm
SENSITIVITY: 110dB
IMPEDANCE: 32Ω
FREQUENCY RANGE: 10Hz-20kHz
CONNECTOR: 2Pin 0.78mm
PACKAGE CONTENTS
1.Excellent cable with 2-pin connectors and a modular plug system, allowing you to use either a balanced 4.4 mm jack plug or a standard 3.5 mm jack plug.
DRIVERS: 1x 11.4mm dynamic driver with titanium diaphragm
SENSITIVITY: 110dB
IMPEDANCE: 32Ω
FREQUENCY RANGE: 10Hz-20kHz
CONNECTOR: 2Pin 0.78mm
PACKAGE CONTENTS
1.Excellent cable with 2-pin connectors and a modular plug system, allowing you to use either a balanced 4.4 mm jack plug or a standard 3.5 mm jack plug.
2.Branded leather case for storing headphones.
3.User manual.
4.Two sets of silicone ear tips.
5.Leather cable tie.
6.IEM.
The headphones are quite large, made entirely of metal, and, in my opinion, have a very attractive and elegant design on the front panels with the use of metal flakes. Also, note that there is a small inscription on the left earpiece that says “Voidsilver Stalker” and on the right one “K.J.E.9”. Honestly, I really like their appearance and I think they clearly look more expensive than they are, although opinions may differ on this point, as it is all a matter of taste.
The headphones are quite large, made entirely of metal, and, in my opinion, have a very attractive and elegant design on the front panels with the use of metal flakes. Also, note that there is a small inscription on the left earpiece that says “Voidsilver Stalker” and on the right one “K.J.E.9”. Honestly, I really like their appearance and I think they clearly look more expensive than they are, although opinions may differ on this point, as it is all a matter of taste.
Here, they have a standard 2-pin connector for connecting the cable, and you can see a small inscription “Vocal Sweetness Amplified” on the left earpiece with channel marking, while the right earpiece has a larger inscription “VSA” and also has channel marking.
Here you can see a fairly large acoustic opening protected by a metal mesh with an unusual pattern.
And here you can see a small compensation hole, and their sound tube was made of metal, has a diameter of 6 mm, has a raised rim for better fixation of the ear tips, and was protected by a metal mesh with exactly the same pattern.
And here you can see a small compensation hole, and their sound tube was made of metal, has a diameter of 6 mm, has a raised rim for better fixation of the ear tips, and was protected by a metal mesh with exactly the same pattern.
Are these headphones comfortable? Yes!
The VSA MAX headphones fit very comfortably in your ears, providing an excellent fit that does not cause discomfort even during prolonged use. The ear tips included in the set are high quality, perfectly suited for these headphones, and provide good sound insulation. The high-quality modular cable is also flawless; it is convenient, and you can easily choose the right plug, which adds greater practicality for use with different sources.
The VSA MAX headphones fit very comfortably in your ears, providing an excellent fit that does not cause discomfort even during prolonged use. The ear tips included in the set are high quality, perfectly suited for these headphones, and provide good sound insulation. The high-quality modular cable is also flawless; it is convenient, and you can easily choose the right plug, which adds greater practicality for use with different sources.
TUNING AND CONCEPTION
This is what the frequency response graph for EarAcoustic Audio VSA-MAX dynamic headphones looks like. These headphones have a 10dB boost in the low frequencies with a very smooth transition to the lower midrange, which is ideal for my purposes, followed by a slight dip in the 600 Hz range, and then we see the main emphasis in the upper midrange, which perfectly suits my purpose and falls exactly at 3 kHz, which definitely has a positive effect on the timbre in this range. And as you can see, the high frequencies here have been slightly boosted, maybe a little more than I would like, but nevertheless, for dynamic headphones, they are quite long and only gradually attenuate after 13 kHz, which is a good result. Now let's discuss the sound of these headphones in more detail.
This is what the frequency response graph for EarAcoustic Audio VSA-MAX dynamic headphones looks like. These headphones have a 10dB boost in the low frequencies with a very smooth transition to the lower midrange, which is ideal for my purposes, followed by a slight dip in the 600 Hz range, and then we see the main emphasis in the upper midrange, which perfectly suits my purpose and falls exactly at 3 kHz, which definitely has a positive effect on the timbre in this range. And as you can see, the high frequencies here have been slightly boosted, maybe a little more than I would like, but nevertheless, for dynamic headphones, they are quite long and only gradually attenuate after 13 kHz, which is a good result. Now let's discuss the sound of these headphones in more detail.
And if you're interested in a detailed comparison of these headphones, be sure to check this out!
EarAcoustic Audio VSA MAX vs SOUND RHYME SR5 - two approaches, but one goal!
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-discovery-thread.586909/post-18786132
EarAcoustic Audio VSA MAX vs SOUND RHYME SR5 - two approaches, but one goal!
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-discovery-thread.586909/post-18786132
EarAcoustic Audio VSA MAX vs Leteciel SHARK clash of personalities - technicality versus musicality!
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-discovery-thread.586909/post-18782634
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-discovery-thread.586909/post-18782634
EarAcoustic Audio VSA MAX - An explosion of emotion and clarity of detail in dynamic headphones!
LOW FREQUENCIES
Overall impression: Bass that envelops and breathes.
From the first seconds of listening to the VSA MAX headphones, you are transported into a sound space where bass is not just part of the sound, but its supporting framework, its breath and pulse. It doesn't try to be the main character, but it's impossible not to feel how it controls everything around it: the scene, the rhythm, the mood, everything is built around this warm, physical pressure. It's not just sound, it's like a wave coming towards you, and you don't just hear it, you feel it physically, especially on the sub-bass. And at the same time, everything remains within the bounds of musicality, without excessive weight or intrusiveness. VSA MAX knows how to give drive, but doesn't forget about accuracy.
Subbass: Deep, physical, and yet intelligent.
The sub-bass in the VSA MAX is like a soft but very dense wave that rolls in and envelops you. It is slightly softened, but this only enhances the feeling of the living body of sound. It doesn't just add depth, it creates a feeling of space under your feet, as if you were standing on a dance floor and feeling the vibration of the speakers. It is a powerful yet clean bass that does not overload, does not turn into a dirty rumble, but remains clear and expressive, with good width. It does not fade abruptly, but fades smoothly, leaving a pleasant and warm aftertaste.
Midbass: Elasticity, responsiveness, and clarity.
The midbass is the heart of the drive in the VSA MAX. It is lively, punchy, but not rough, as if it were honed, and each beat has a characteristic click. There is no cotton wool or “sluggishness” effect here; everything bounces back with the right energy. It is especially pleasant that the structure is preserved in this part of the frequency range: you can hear where the beat begins, where the peak is, and where the decline is. For example, bass guitars sound full-bodied, and drums sound meaty, but without any hum, even on rich tracks. This part of the range is especially good for rhythmic music: electronic, funk, hip-hop all sound energetic, but not overloaded.
Texture and nuances: Each layer is rendered with microscopic precision.
This is where the VSA MAX truly impresses with its subtle details. The bass here is not just a homogeneous mass; it is layered, textured, and has microdynamics. It is especially pleasant to listen to jazz double basses and acoustic instruments, with every resonance and every pluck of the string heard very clearly. The sub-bass has mass but does not lose transparency, and the mid-bass can play complex passages without muddying them up. This is exactly the case when you can follow the bass parts and analyze the musician's playing, because everything is presented separately, without overload, while maintaining naturalness in the presentation.
Attack and decay: Lightning strike and smooth trail.
The bass attack in the VSA MAX is a powerful but controlled burst of energy. The beats sound sharp and clear, giving the music drive and momentum. But immediately after that, the bass fades smoothly and naturally, leaving no sharp breaks behind. This decay creates a feeling of complete immersion, as if the sound dissolves into space rather than breaking off mid-word. This makes listening comfortable, without strain or fatigue, even in the most dynamic tracks.
Kick: Here it is, the real punch, tight, meaty, and focused.
The VSA MAX really delivers a very satisfying kick. It's not overwhelming, not too massive like more bass-heavy models, but it's really tight, clear, with energy that gives a physical response. It's especially nice that every kick is audible in the mix, doesn't dissolve into the sub and doesn't get lost against the vocals or instruments. At the same time, it doesn't throw off the overall balance. It's a punch with the right amount of density, a snappy shape, and a brightly defined attack. And in fast music, where there are a lot of percussive techno, breakbeat, and aggressive rock, the VSA MAX reveals itself particularly effectively.
Conclusion!
VSA MAX shows what a well-designed low end in dynamic headphones should be like. It is massive but not fat, noticeable but not suffocating, varied in structure but still cohesive. The subwoofer provides depth and a sense of presence, while the midbass is lively and agile, and the kick is clear and delicious. And the whole system works in unison, creating a feeling of bass fullness that is rarely found even in much more expensive models. This is bass that you want to immerse yourself in, that is interesting to live with, and that stays in your memory because it is not just spectacular, but musical and meaningful.
MID FREQUENCIES
Overall impression: Drive, liveliness, and emotional presence.
The midrange frequencies in VSA MAX are not just a technical level, but a real emotional force. They not only convey notes and words, but literally bring the composition to life, making your heart beat to the rhythm of the music. And when you listen to these headphones, you can feel how the melody becomes bright and rich, with a drive and inner energy that makes you want to listen to the track over and over again. It's a sound with fire and passion, yet it remains natural and unobtrusive, which is what distinguishes truly good headphones.
Vocal presentation: Vocals that speak to you personally.
The vocals here are a separate story. Every voice, whether it's a gentle female singing or energetic male vocals, sounds very lively and expressive. And you don't just hear the words, you feel the whole emotional context: accents, breathing, micro-exhalations, intonations, and all of this very clearly, but without intrusive sharpness. The voice literally becomes the center of attention, it “lives” in space, as if the performer is next to you and sharing their personal experiences. And these important nuances of vocals, which are lost on many headphones, are revealed here to the fullest, making the listening experience sincere and exciting.
Instruments: Live instruments with character and dynamics.
Musical instruments in VSA MAX sound voluminous and emotional. Guitars, keyboards, wind instruments all of them reveal themselves with rich texture and natural dynamics. You don't just hear the instrument, you feel its character: the slight vibration of the strings, the sharp beats of the drums, the nuances in the articulation of each sound. Fast transitions and complex moments in compositions are conveyed without delay or loss of expressiveness. The stage comes alive the instruments seem to come to life, move, and communicate with each other. Thanks to this, the sound is not static but constantly in motion, which adds depth and engagement.
Resolution and timbral nuance: Subtle work with nuances and rich timbres.
VSA MAX delivers very transparent and clear midrange frequencies with excellent resolution. There is no smoothing or blurring every movement of sound, every micro-detail is clearly audible. The timbres are crafted with a love of naturalness: the instruments do not sound artificial or harsh, but have a natural coloration that allows you to distinguish even the most subtle nuances and variations in sound. This means that every note is fully revealed from a light rustle to a rich, dense sound. This level of detail gives you the feeling of being in a studio or at a live concert.
Conclusion!
In summary, the midrange frequencies of the VSA MAX are the perfect combination of expressiveness, liveliness, and comfort. They not only provide technically competent sound, but also immerse you in the music, evoking real emotions and creating the feeling of a live performance. At the same time, the sound is not straining or tiring, but rather inspires you to listen to more and more tracks, noticing new details and nuances in them. For those who appreciate the emotional richness and dynamics of midrange frequencies, VSA MAX is an excellent choice.
HIGH FREQUENCIES
Overall impression: Bright treble with emphasized detail and liveliness.
The high frequencies in the VSA MAX immediately attract attention with their slight emphasis and brightness. They are noticeably lighter than in many other dynamic models, and this is what creates the feeling of lively, dynamic sound. At the same time, the engineers have perfectly balanced the delivery so that the treble is not harsh or tiring, but rather remains comfortable for long listening sessions. This approach provides impressive transparency and a feeling of “air” in the sound, making it more voluminous and rich.
Attacks and detail: Lightning-fast attack and exceptional micro-detail.
The attacks on the highs are fast and clear cymbals and clicking instruments sound with lively energy, which gives the music drive and dynamism. The detail is simply stunning: even the subtlest vibrations and nuances, such as the rustle of strings, the light breath of the vocalist, and subtle reverberations, come to the fore more clearly. And yet the sound remains clean, without the sharp peaks or unpleasant scratchy tones often found in even brighter models.
Instruments: Lightness and airiness with a clear structure.
Instruments in the upper range take on a bright, slightly shiny tone that emphasizes their texture and shape without losing their naturalness. Cymbals sound clear and detailed, and percussion and small accents are clearly defined without being tiring to the ear. This presentation allows you to hear the subtle nuances in the sound of each instrument, from the sparkle of the strings to the delicate attacks, making the sound lively and expressive.
Space and atmosphere: A space filled with light and volume.
The soundstage at the top creates a feeling of lightness and airiness, as if you were listening to music in a spacious, well-lit room. This light, slightly bright tone adds volume and depth, revealing the multi-layered nature of the recording and making the sound open and transparent. At the same time, the atmosphere remains natural the treble is not oppressive or tiring, but supports the feeling of space, allowing the music to “breathe.”
Conclusion!
The high frequencies of the VSA MAX are precisely where brightness and technical precision meet. The treble is slightly emphasized and brighter than in conventional dynamic models, allowing you to hear the smallest details and nuances. Fast, clear attacks and transparency make the sound lively and dynamic, while the balanced presentation keeps it comfy for your ears even during long listening sessions. This is a great example of how you can combine brightness and comfort without sacrificing either technical precision or musicality.
SOUND STAGE
Overall impression: Comfort and depth that draw you in.
The VSA MAX soundstage strikes a rare balance between spaciousness and comfort. As you listen, you feel as if you are at the center of the musical event, where each sound not only plays but actually takes its place around you. There is no excessive crowding or blurring; everything is arranged clearly and logically, and does not tire the listener even during long listening sessions.
Character of the soundstage: Three-dimensionality and transparency in every layer.
The sounds are as if placed on a live 3D stage, where vocals, percussion, and small details are clearly separated and do not interfere with each other. It's not just width and depth, but the clear, precise placement of each instrument in space, as if you were in a studio or at a concert, watching the musicians live. At the same time, there is no feeling of oversaturation, where everything merges into a single noise. On the contrary, each corner of the stage has its own instrument, and everything breathes freedom.
Vocals and layering: Focus and layering create a lively feeling.
The vocals are brought to the forefront, but at the same time they fit organically into the overall picture. They can be heard clearly, with every word and emotion conveyed with maximum expressiveness. Behind them are the instruments, each with its own position percussion, guitars, synthesizers, and other layers. You can literally “immerse” yourself in the composition, “pass” through the layers, and even see how they interact. This approach gives the music incredible dynamism and a feeling of live performance.
Microdetails and air: Air and the smallest nuances bring the sound to life.
There is an amazing lightness and airiness in this scene. Not only are the main instruments audible, but also the most subtle micro-movements rustles, reverberations, the performer's breathing, light sounds in the background. All this creates the feeling that the music literally “breathes” around you, filling the space and leaving room for imagination. It is not just a set of sounds, but a living space that you want to be in.
Conclusion!
The soundstage in VSA MAX is an example of the perfect balance between breadth and depth, creating a feeling of complete immersion in the music. Each sound here occupies its own clear, precise place, allowing you to easily navigate the space and not miss a single detail of the composition. And the excellent layering and separation of planes make the stage multidimensional and alive, as if you were right in the center of the musical event whether it's a studio recording or a live concert.
And at the same time, there is no feeling of overload or artificial density; everything sounds natural and comfortable to the ear, which is especially important during long listening sessions.
MY CONCLUSION OF THIS HEADPHONES!
EarAcoustic Audio VSA-MAX are dynamic headphones that demonstrate what modern powerful and detailed sound can be like without compromise. They confidently combine deep and expressive bass with lively, emotional midrange frequencies and bright, slightly emphasized highs that reveal the smallest nuances of each recording. The sound of these headphones is full of energy and drive, yet remains comfortable and fatigue-free even during long listening sessions. If you are looking for dynamic headphones with powerful, lively sound that can reveal the full richness of music and provide hours of enjoyment, the VSA-MAX is an excellent choice.
Buy EarAcoustic Audio VSA-MAX on Penon Official Website: https://penonaudio.com/EarAcoustic-VSA-MAX.html (149$)