Product links: https://www.earacoustic-audio.com/ProDetail.aspx?ProId=104
Headfi.org: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/earacoustic-vsa-max.28304/reviews#review-39547
Headfi.org: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/earacoustic-vsa-max.28304/reviews#review-39547
Preamble:
The good folks at Ear Acoustic have kindly sent out the VSA-MAX iems for review with no expectations of a positive review – and that’s exactly what they’re getting.
They retail for $149 USD and utilise a single 11.4 mm full range Dynamic Driver with Titanium Diaphragm. Sensitivity is 110 dB & Impedance is 32 ohms. Frequency Response ranges from 5Hz to 40 Khz.
I like to add on all my reviews –
I’m listening with my ears, not yours.
I’m listening with my gear, not yours.
I’m listening with my love of audio, and not yours. YMMV…..
For the review, my portable gear consists of my trusty Fiio M23 DAP, my NiPO A100 and Questyle M18i Dac/amps linked to my Samsung Z Fold 7.
Let’s get our pristine little aural hands grubby……….
Unboxing:
Unboxing is a very satisfying experience. A nice big burgundy box greets my greedy peepers with VSA in large silver writing and “Vocal Sweetness Amplified” underneath (VSA explained).
Unboxing is a very satisfying experience. A nice big burgundy box greets my greedy peepers with VSA in large silver writing and “Vocal Sweetness Amplified” underneath (VSA explained).
I’m guessing these are tuned for instrumental music……….ok, I jest.
2 big silver iems scream “Hi Andy!!” and upon close inspection, these things are gorgeous!! Not everyone will love the bling but I literally was a moth in my most recent incarnation (my name was Brian and like 83 of my dearest cousins, my demise actually coined the phrase “Like a Brian to a flame”….it was later changed to preserve anonymity).
2 big silver iems scream “Hi Andy!!” and upon close inspection, these things are gorgeous!! Not everyone will love the bling but I literally was a moth in my most recent incarnation (my name was Brian and like 83 of my dearest cousins, my demise actually coined the phrase “Like a Brian to a flame”….it was later changed to preserve anonymity).
But I digress.
These silver beasts shine like a diamond and reflect the light dazzlingly. There is a lovely subtle texture on the side as well as writing on the iems “Voidsilver Stalker” and “Vocal Sweetness Amplified” again.
There’s a fetching blue leather case, a DAMN good cable with 4.4mm and 3.mm modular terminations (Thank Brian!!!!), 6 sets of tips and a silver leather band to keep the cable in check.
These silver beasts shine like a diamond and reflect the light dazzlingly. There is a lovely subtle texture on the side as well as writing on the iems “Voidsilver Stalker” and “Vocal Sweetness Amplified” again.
There’s a fetching blue leather case, a DAMN good cable with 4.4mm and 3.mm modular terminations (Thank Brian!!!!), 6 sets of tips and a silver leather band to keep the cable in check.
All very nice Ear Acoustic!!!
I have to point out, and with genuine good humour, appreciate the translation from Chinese to English on the Ear Acoustic website……
“VSA MAX is not a headphone, but a murder weapon for “female drug addicts”……..
“In the exploration of HiFi, “Female Poison” is an almost paradoxical existence”…..
And my favourite “The most unintelligible flavour never needs to be understood, but only to be hunted”……
I watched a Thai Zombie movie last night on Netflix and reading this, I feel like I’ve been transported right into the middle of the hospital where the initial outbreak took place……..
I wonder if Google Translate was used, or a local kid was pulled off the street after their translator had a massive heart-attack, and given $10 to translate for them quickly...... Whatever though, It’s GOLD!!!!
Playlist:
Noiseworks – No Lies AND River Of Tears
Loreen – Euphoria
Halestorm – Here’s To Us
Lita Ford – Kiss Me Deadly
Vixen – Edge Of A Broken Heart
Femme Fatale – Falling In And Out Of Love
Whitesnake – Here I Go Again
Van Halen Jump
Side note to address the elephant in the room (and, no, it’s not me!!!!):
A reader commented on my reviews recently and although they gave me praise for my unique style and comedic take, they kindly advised that I don’t provide enough “critical commentary”.
I wholeheartedly agree with them. I simply cannot disagree with this statement. I do give lots of praise to the products I have been reviewing.
I’m also a positive minded old fool who is passionate about music and the gear I listen to it on.
And I just LOVE reviewing gear too.
So maybe that does cause a bit of “positivity bias”??
I do however, also try to pick out the “not as likeable” traits of a piece of gear and I have given a few items 3 and 3.5 stars so far. I will definitely not recommend something or give it praise if it doesn’t suit my preferences.
But honestly, nothing has been a sub-par product yet for me. Not great, middle of the road even, but not sub-par.
On a number of reviews I have stated that with stock cable or with the mesh left in the pads, that I wasn’t a fan of that sound or tuning, but then I found that when I swapped cables or removed the mesh, then that or those products then offered a much more pleasurable listen.
I do always look for the positives, it’s in my nature, but I will be honest too – that IS my nature……..
I will also add that I have some reviews coming up that may include some very “sub-par” products. Watch this space…..
Back to it:
I get a good seal and right off the bat and just like David Coverdale (Whitesnake, folks) – here I go again….. these things sound vivid. Exciting, energetic and full. Let me explain.
They fit well in my ears and are very comfortable.
I have to point out, and with genuine good humour, appreciate the translation from Chinese to English on the Ear Acoustic website……
“VSA MAX is not a headphone, but a murder weapon for “female drug addicts”……..
“In the exploration of HiFi, “Female Poison” is an almost paradoxical existence”…..
And my favourite “The most unintelligible flavour never needs to be understood, but only to be hunted”……
I watched a Thai Zombie movie last night on Netflix and reading this, I feel like I’ve been transported right into the middle of the hospital where the initial outbreak took place……..
I wonder if Google Translate was used, or a local kid was pulled off the street after their translator had a massive heart-attack, and given $10 to translate for them quickly...... Whatever though, It’s GOLD!!!!
Playlist:
Noiseworks – No Lies AND River Of Tears
Loreen – Euphoria
Halestorm – Here’s To Us
Lita Ford – Kiss Me Deadly
Vixen – Edge Of A Broken Heart
Femme Fatale – Falling In And Out Of Love
Whitesnake – Here I Go Again
Van Halen Jump
Side note to address the elephant in the room (and, no, it’s not me!!!!):
A reader commented on my reviews recently and although they gave me praise for my unique style and comedic take, they kindly advised that I don’t provide enough “critical commentary”.
I wholeheartedly agree with them. I simply cannot disagree with this statement. I do give lots of praise to the products I have been reviewing.
I’m also a positive minded old fool who is passionate about music and the gear I listen to it on.
And I just LOVE reviewing gear too.
So maybe that does cause a bit of “positivity bias”??
I do however, also try to pick out the “not as likeable” traits of a piece of gear and I have given a few items 3 and 3.5 stars so far. I will definitely not recommend something or give it praise if it doesn’t suit my preferences.
But honestly, nothing has been a sub-par product yet for me. Not great, middle of the road even, but not sub-par.
On a number of reviews I have stated that with stock cable or with the mesh left in the pads, that I wasn’t a fan of that sound or tuning, but then I found that when I swapped cables or removed the mesh, then that or those products then offered a much more pleasurable listen.
I do always look for the positives, it’s in my nature, but I will be honest too – that IS my nature……..
I will also add that I have some reviews coming up that may include some very “sub-par” products. Watch this space…..
Back to it:
I get a good seal and right off the bat and just like David Coverdale (Whitesnake, folks) – here I go again….. these things sound vivid. Exciting, energetic and full. Let me explain.
They fit well in my ears and are very comfortable.
No lies is great Aussie rock. On the VSAs the guitars are crisp and clean. Drums are snappy and punchy. Vocals are right in the middle of my head and Jon Stevens sounds energising!!! Everything is separated well and staging is strong, it’s all around my noggin. Lead guitar is over my left shoulder, bass is off to the right and behind. No frequency seems necessarily enhanced. I add River of Tears as it’s a darker, deeper song on the same album. Bass guitar goes deep and everything else is clean and very resolving.
I’m thinking despite these being produced to showcase female vocals, male vocals are not necessarily showcased but just right (maybe a tad V-shaped). I’ll play a few different female fronted bands to see how they shine (if they shine….).
Euphoria by Loreen is dance (almost EDM). As it builds up at the start it’s dynamic and separated beautifully. Soundstage left to right is quite wide. Treble is bright, but in no way sibilant. Resolution and detail are excellent for $149. Loreen’s vocals are evenly portrayed within the mix.
Here’s to Us is an absolute cracker of a rock ballad. Lzzy Hale (yes, there’s no “I” in Lizzy – she lost it in a tragic apple-stuffing incident…..) sounds damn good on the VSAs. Her vocals are clear, clean and bloody exciting.
But she is an exciting vocalist regardless so I’ll keep going.
I’m an 80’s tragic so Kiss Me Deadly is up next. Unashamedly, I’ll say it again. This type of rock sounds bloody good on the VSAs! This is such a copout and no critical reviewer worth his salt would write this, but I will. Everything just works…..there I said it. Timbre of instruments is natural and fun. Tuning is punchy – there’s plenty of bass, although they are NOT bass canons. Lita’s vocals just sit wonderfully in the mix. Not pushed forward, not recessed. And treble gives great clarity and detail. It’s an exuberant and exciting tuning and this driver is clearly of high quality.
Edge of a Broken Heart is from the same era and Janet Gardner sounds magnificent!! Yes, she is at the centre of the mix on this song. And not in a bad way. But the pure excitement of the 80’s hard rock sound is intoxicating.
Falling In And Out Of Love – more 80’s female fronted rock and again Lorraine’s vocals are at the forefront but the band doesn’t take backstage. The lead guitar is all around the back of my head but not recessed.
Male vocals once more and David is with us sonically now, not just referenced. This is a belter of a song and I’m just selfishly reliving my youth here folks…..
I’m thinking despite these being produced to showcase female vocals, male vocals are not necessarily showcased but just right (maybe a tad V-shaped). I’ll play a few different female fronted bands to see how they shine (if they shine….).
Euphoria by Loreen is dance (almost EDM). As it builds up at the start it’s dynamic and separated beautifully. Soundstage left to right is quite wide. Treble is bright, but in no way sibilant. Resolution and detail are excellent for $149. Loreen’s vocals are evenly portrayed within the mix.
Here’s to Us is an absolute cracker of a rock ballad. Lzzy Hale (yes, there’s no “I” in Lizzy – she lost it in a tragic apple-stuffing incident…..) sounds damn good on the VSAs. Her vocals are clear, clean and bloody exciting.
But she is an exciting vocalist regardless so I’ll keep going.
I’m an 80’s tragic so Kiss Me Deadly is up next. Unashamedly, I’ll say it again. This type of rock sounds bloody good on the VSAs! This is such a copout and no critical reviewer worth his salt would write this, but I will. Everything just works…..there I said it. Timbre of instruments is natural and fun. Tuning is punchy – there’s plenty of bass, although they are NOT bass canons. Lita’s vocals just sit wonderfully in the mix. Not pushed forward, not recessed. And treble gives great clarity and detail. It’s an exuberant and exciting tuning and this driver is clearly of high quality.
Edge of a Broken Heart is from the same era and Janet Gardner sounds magnificent!! Yes, she is at the centre of the mix on this song. And not in a bad way. But the pure excitement of the 80’s hard rock sound is intoxicating.
Falling In And Out Of Love – more 80’s female fronted rock and again Lorraine’s vocals are at the forefront but the band doesn’t take backstage. The lead guitar is all around the back of my head but not recessed.
Male vocals once more and David is with us sonically now, not just referenced. This is a belter of a song and I’m just selfishly reliving my youth here folks…..
I’ve changed my mind (what? I’m allowed!!!!) The VSAs, for me are more of a U-Shape tuning. Mids aren’t recessed but they’re certainly not in your face. David is right in the middle of the mix, with instruments separated well, and enveloping him. The keys solo is all around my head and the mix of guitars, drums and keys is a delight to listen to.
I’ve always been an unashamed V-Shaper (my old Pioneer graphic equaliser looked like a HUGE lit up “W” with left and right band joined……), but I may be creeping over to the dark side of a U-Shapers Anonymous clan (ssshh – don’t tell my V-Shaper buddies….). I can often be very vocal-sensitive, but these iems with the vocals slightly more focussed than I’m used to, is a tuning I’m quickly getting used to and enjoying.
Finally, on Jump, the keys are huge, far out right, drums are behind me and sound punchy, clean and huge. David comes in and his vocals are right in the middle of my head. They are just nicely presented. Slightly more forward than I’m used to but again, an enjoyable listen. The bass and keys are off to the left and separation here is excellent. Eddie (Vale Ed!!) comes in screaming with his solo and it’s just crisp, clean and detailed.
I’ve always been an unashamed V-Shaper (my old Pioneer graphic equaliser looked like a HUGE lit up “W” with left and right band joined……), but I may be creeping over to the dark side of a U-Shapers Anonymous clan (ssshh – don’t tell my V-Shaper buddies….). I can often be very vocal-sensitive, but these iems with the vocals slightly more focussed than I’m used to, is a tuning I’m quickly getting used to and enjoying.
Finally, on Jump, the keys are huge, far out right, drums are behind me and sound punchy, clean and huge. David comes in and his vocals are right in the middle of my head. They are just nicely presented. Slightly more forward than I’m used to but again, an enjoyable listen. The bass and keys are off to the left and separation here is excellent. Eddie (Vale Ed!!) comes in screaming with his solo and it’s just crisp, clean and detailed.
Conclusion:
I honestly believe, from what I’ve heard lately, that the sweet spot in the iem market is between $150 to $250 USD. There just seems to be so much choice and SOOOO many great quality and value options.
I realise that the headphone industry is a completely separate beast but there just isn’t the choice or the amount of quality value headphones for $250 USD or under. There are many, but just not the plethora that the iem industry is offering.
Ear Acoustic, I genuinely love these iems. The look great, come with quality accessories and sound fantastic for just $149!!!!!
They are honestly hard to fault at this price and I’m very appreciative for the chance to review them – thank you!
I honestly believe, from what I’ve heard lately, that the sweet spot in the iem market is between $150 to $250 USD. There just seems to be so much choice and SOOOO many great quality and value options.
I realise that the headphone industry is a completely separate beast but there just isn’t the choice or the amount of quality value headphones for $250 USD or under. There are many, but just not the plethora that the iem industry is offering.
Ear Acoustic, I genuinely love these iems. The look great, come with quality accessories and sound fantastic for just $149!!!!!
They are honestly hard to fault at this price and I’m very appreciative for the chance to review them – thank you!