Earacoustics VSA Max – Flying Close To The Sun
Preamble:
Earacoustics Audio is no stranger to my ears. I had previously reviewed another of their products and came away with a positive experience.
The $150 VoidSilver Stalker Max represents yet another release from the company, previously known as TFZ. It is a single dynamic driver-based IEM sporting an 11.4mm titanium diaphragm housed in a jewel-like shell made of aluminum-magnesium alloy and topped off with a glittering faceplate.
The marketing for the VSA-Max on the Earacoustics website made me pause. The terms used to describe the IEM make me wonder what message they are trying to relay. That’s fine, though, as my ears and audio sensibilities will always make the final determination, not a marketing department.
Out of the box, the sound was bright/neutral; however, a lengthy burn-in period and careful tip and source selection improved it significantly. Some engineering and design thought went into the creation of these earphones. The Titanium driver uses two acoustic chambers to massage the sound, and the CNC shell is machined with specific chamber dimensions, again to extract the best sound out of the high-quality driver.
Tuning-wise, we have a V-shaped presentation with extra energy at the top. Careful source and tip selection can lessen much of this for treble-sensitive listeners who may be put off by this
The VSA-Max is easy to drive, but it is a resolving IEM, and as such, a better source is recommended. My listening preferences had me driving this IEM with a warmer source and choosing tips, Final Audio E-type, to manage the sonics. Doing so balanced out the sound profile.
Earacoustics Audio is no stranger to my ears. I had previously reviewed another of their products and came away with a positive experience.
The $150 VoidSilver Stalker Max represents yet another release from the company, previously known as TFZ. It is a single dynamic driver-based IEM sporting an 11.4mm titanium diaphragm housed in a jewel-like shell made of aluminum-magnesium alloy and topped off with a glittering faceplate.
The marketing for the VSA-Max on the Earacoustics website made me pause. The terms used to describe the IEM make me wonder what message they are trying to relay. That’s fine, though, as my ears and audio sensibilities will always make the final determination, not a marketing department.
Out of the box, the sound was bright/neutral; however, a lengthy burn-in period and careful tip and source selection improved it significantly. Some engineering and design thought went into the creation of these earphones. The Titanium driver uses two acoustic chambers to massage the sound, and the CNC shell is machined with specific chamber dimensions, again to extract the best sound out of the high-quality driver.
Tuning-wise, we have a V-shaped presentation with extra energy at the top. Careful source and tip selection can lessen much of this for treble-sensitive listeners who may be put off by this
The VSA-Max is easy to drive, but it is a resolving IEM, and as such, a better source is recommended. My listening preferences had me driving this IEM with a warmer source and choosing tips, Final Audio E-type, to manage the sonics. Doing so balanced out the sound profile.
Specs:
Driver: 11.4mm Full-Amplitude Titanium Diaphragm
Magnetic Circuit: Tesla Dual Magnetic
Impedance: 32Ω
Sensitivity: 110dB
Frequency Response: 5Hz–40kHz
Cable: 408-core OFC + Silver-Plated Litz, 1.2m
Connector: 0.78mm 2-pin
Termination: Interchangeable 4.4mm + 3.5mm
Build & Fit:
1. Attractive, not your typical looking iem. Shells have a relief pattern, and the faceplate is jewel-like in appearance.
2. Build quality is excellent.
3. Larger size, but the shape led to a great fit and comfort even for longer listening sessions.
4. The supplied accessories are also of excellent quality.
5. The stock cable is fabulous with interchangeable 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm balanced tips included.
6. The retail package is a treat, with a pleasing unboxing experience.
7. The included carrying case is also standout, similar to other Airacoustics releases.
Driver: 11.4mm Full-Amplitude Titanium Diaphragm
Magnetic Circuit: Tesla Dual Magnetic
Impedance: 32Ω
Sensitivity: 110dB
Frequency Response: 5Hz–40kHz
Cable: 408-core OFC + Silver-Plated Litz, 1.2m
Connector: 0.78mm 2-pin
Termination: Interchangeable 4.4mm + 3.5mm
Build & Fit:
1. Attractive, not your typical looking iem. Shells have a relief pattern, and the faceplate is jewel-like in appearance.
2. Build quality is excellent.
3. Larger size, but the shape led to a great fit and comfort even for longer listening sessions.
4. The supplied accessories are also of excellent quality.
5. The stock cable is fabulous with interchangeable 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm balanced tips included.
6. The retail package is a treat, with a pleasing unboxing experience.
7. The included carrying case is also standout, similar to other Airacoustics releases.
SOUND:
Bass:
1. Bass goes deep.
2. Sub-bass has great extension and richness, sacrificing a little in firmness.
3. Bass control, resolution, and speed are notable.
4. Mid-bass has speed and responsiveness. Great impact noted.
5. Bass texturing is also quite good. Able to hear nuances in bass instruments.
6. Bass has an organic presentation with ample kick when called for.
Midrange:
1. Clarity and composure with a lively presentation.
2. Detail retrieval, both macro and micro, is notable.
3. Warmth in the lower mids gives male vocals some grunt.
4. Female vocals are exceptionally clear.
5. Pleasing timbre and balance, if somewhat bright at times. This is track-dependent.
6. The upper midrange shows elevation, yet there is little harshness detected.
7. Pleasing note weight.
8. Layering and separation are notable.
9. Transients have a rapid onset with obvious force and a natural decay.
Treble:
1. The treble well extended.
2. Energetic treble.
3. Detail retrieval is standout.
4. Ample sparkle and air present.
5. Treble adds spaciousness to the sound.
6. Treble characteristics may not be forgiving of poorly recorded music.
The overall sound is lively with excellent clarity. I found the “Out of the box” sound leaning towards a brighter presentation, but as previously mentioned, after burn-in, careful tip and source selection did much to improve the overall balance. This is subjective, and the listener will do what they must based on their preferences.
The VSA-Max driver is of high quality and is implemented nicely. I expected a “screamer” after looking at the marketing for this IEM, but instead, I was pleasantly surprised by a detailed and coherent sound.
The bass is solid and balances out the upper frequencies well. That, combined with an open midrange, with great clarity and a vibrant and detailed treble region. The VSA-Max does best with well-recorded tracks as music of lesser recording quality can suffer soundwise.
IMAGING & SOUNDSTAGE:
1. A moderately sized open soundstage.
2. Instrument placement is accurate.
3. Dimensions are balanced, being more natural than exaggerated.
4. The presentation has notable air around the instruments.
5. Layering and instrument separation are also well done.
6. Vocals are in the front, with the instruments being distinct in the headspace.
Bass:
1. Bass goes deep.
2. Sub-bass has great extension and richness, sacrificing a little in firmness.
3. Bass control, resolution, and speed are notable.
4. Mid-bass has speed and responsiveness. Great impact noted.
5. Bass texturing is also quite good. Able to hear nuances in bass instruments.
6. Bass has an organic presentation with ample kick when called for.
Midrange:
1. Clarity and composure with a lively presentation.
2. Detail retrieval, both macro and micro, is notable.
3. Warmth in the lower mids gives male vocals some grunt.
4. Female vocals are exceptionally clear.
5. Pleasing timbre and balance, if somewhat bright at times. This is track-dependent.
6. The upper midrange shows elevation, yet there is little harshness detected.
7. Pleasing note weight.
8. Layering and separation are notable.
9. Transients have a rapid onset with obvious force and a natural decay.
Treble:
1. The treble well extended.
2. Energetic treble.
3. Detail retrieval is standout.
4. Ample sparkle and air present.
5. Treble adds spaciousness to the sound.
6. Treble characteristics may not be forgiving of poorly recorded music.
The overall sound is lively with excellent clarity. I found the “Out of the box” sound leaning towards a brighter presentation, but as previously mentioned, after burn-in, careful tip and source selection did much to improve the overall balance. This is subjective, and the listener will do what they must based on their preferences.
The VSA-Max driver is of high quality and is implemented nicely. I expected a “screamer” after looking at the marketing for this IEM, but instead, I was pleasantly surprised by a detailed and coherent sound.
The bass is solid and balances out the upper frequencies well. That, combined with an open midrange, with great clarity and a vibrant and detailed treble region. The VSA-Max does best with well-recorded tracks as music of lesser recording quality can suffer soundwise.
IMAGING & SOUNDSTAGE:
1. A moderately sized open soundstage.
2. Instrument placement is accurate.
3. Dimensions are balanced, being more natural than exaggerated.
4. The presentation has notable air around the instruments.
5. Layering and instrument separation are also well done.
6. Vocals are in the front, with the instruments being distinct in the headspace.
CONCLUSION:
Earacoutics Audio are at it again with yet another release showcasing the 11.4mm driver, which appears in a number of their other products. The goal of the VSA-Max, at least according to the marketing, was to bring out the best in female vocals. This would have led to a purposefully tuned IEM, which possibly would not fare as well with all music types. Thankfully, this is not the case, and the VSA-Max is found to be more versatile than the over-the-top marketing would have you believe.
My time with the VSA-max was one of discovery, exploring what this IEM is capable of. Taking the time to give it the best chance to shine, managing tips, sources, and cables. It was time well spent as the VSA-Max did well. At its $150 price, there is no shortage of competition, though, and the Max has its work cut out for it. The QOA Mimosa for example, is a staunch competitor. Still, the single dynamic coherence of sound that the VSA-Max brings to the table should not be overlooked.
If you are in the market for a livelier, yet coherent sound signature with stellar build quality, then the Earacoustics Audio VSA-Max could be considered.
Earacoutics Audio are at it again with yet another release showcasing the 11.4mm driver, which appears in a number of their other products. The goal of the VSA-Max, at least according to the marketing, was to bring out the best in female vocals. This would have led to a purposefully tuned IEM, which possibly would not fare as well with all music types. Thankfully, this is not the case, and the VSA-Max is found to be more versatile than the over-the-top marketing would have you believe.
My time with the VSA-max was one of discovery, exploring what this IEM is capable of. Taking the time to give it the best chance to shine, managing tips, sources, and cables. It was time well spent as the VSA-Max did well. At its $150 price, there is no shortage of competition, though, and the Max has its work cut out for it. The QOA Mimosa for example, is a staunch competitor. Still, the single dynamic coherence of sound that the VSA-Max brings to the table should not be overlooked.
If you are in the market for a livelier, yet coherent sound signature with stellar build quality, then the Earacoustics Audio VSA-Max could be considered.