:
Energetic with great bass
Sumptuous vocal performance
Extended treble done right
Good fit and isolation
Sumptuous glitzy design
:
Stock cable is not A grade sonically.
Sumptuous glitzy design
Introduction
This review sample has been provided to Australian Audiophiles via the West Australian AG review group for our honest appraisal and we thank them.
The Ear Acoustic VSA-Ltd is an electroplated aluminium alloy IEM with a CNC cut diamond like faceplate and containing an 11.4mm titanium diaphragm dual magnetic circuit . It comes with a puck shaped zippered vinyl case and a 6 strand OCC modular cable with gold plated fittings. Its price in American dollars is approx $275.
Equipment used.
I auditioned the VSA Ltd as usual using my HiBy R3 2022 and KAEI TAP2amp play FLAC files from my collection. . I also tried it with my Cayin RU6 DAC for a more organic sound. Initially I tried the stock cable and found the sound veiled and muddied with poor bass definition. Switch to several of my own favoured cables the sound cleaned up and the VSA began to sound as good as its flashy exterior would suggest. The cable I settled on was my Verus Modi 6.
Fit and comfort.
The VSA Ltd, despite using aluminium is reasonably hefty coming in at 9 grams per side. The nozzle is on the large size and I was able to obtain a good seal using med tips rather than my usual large. The body has a fairly bold knuckle shape but I found it fit my ear shape comfortably and sat comfortably. It provided good isolation from outside noise.
The Sound.
The earlier Ear Acoustic IEMs were very V shaped sets with boosted bass and treble so I did not expect the level of refinement when I first fired up the LTD. The companies choice of VSA for their model name means " Vocals sweetness amplified!"
And here's a big thumbs up from me. These are some of the best rendered vocals full of emotion and depth . London Grammar's Hannah has a huskyness to her lower notes and a soaring beauty when she lets go in the higher registers. "An invitation" by Kelly McRae has a rich warmth and fullness and her band member's male harmonies blend with burning intensity. There's no recessed midrange in this set and no upper boost. Just perfectly placed.
Bass.
Deep and forceful the bass is clean, intense and beautifully textured. Bass guitar lines are full and dynamic. They stand out and compliment some very fast impactful snares and the bass drum dips deep. Digging out some Daft Punk and there is some sold impact on the ear drum. Still it's defined and punchy.
Mid-range.
I've already mentioned the excellent vocal performance of the VSA Ltd .Other instruments gain the same benefits. Guitars ring with natural tones and a good sense of depth from the acoustic sound hole. Pianos have natural decay and strings are rich and full. There's plenty of warmth to rock tracks and plenty of dynamics.
Treble.
Leading into the upper ranges and the Ldt is not shy or rolled off in the treble. To my non treble sensitive ears there is a nicely balanced left of edge and shimmer. Cymbals cut through, snares have a nice edge on the sound. Small details penetrate the mix and stand outwell. Voices have that extra edge and personality. With the strongbass performance and rich midrange I find the treble beautifully balanced. I can't guess at the response a treble sensitive listener might have.
Technicalities.
Ina word. Impressive! Imaging and layering are above average. The stage is wide and there is good depth. It's an open sound and yet very immersive.
Conclusion.
The Ear Acoustic VSA LTD is one of those sets you want to keep skipping though your favorite songs to see how amazing they can sound. And yet you get immersed in each song, so musical is this set. I'd characterize this set as an active listening set. Completely addictive and enjoyable. Sorry to hype review but my hands are tied and I'm a hostage !
