Video Review:
Disclaimer
Before we proceed, here is a note on transparency. I had the opportunity to spend time with the VSA Max as part of a review tour organized by the Audio Geek group. A special thanks to Sandeep Bhai for making this possible. However, all impressions shared here are entirely my own personal experience and this is a completely unbiased review.
My gear used for the review
DAC/Dongle: iFi Zen DAC and Can stack, Muse M5 Ultra
Device: Hiby R6 Pro 2 or with my MacBook Pro
Music: Apple Music lossless
The Package: Unboxing & Accessories
EarAcoustic Audio Products at KEEPHIFI
The unboxing experience is nice. The primary packaging is a big purple box with all the accessories neatly stored inside. Considering the price, this is a great set of accessories and a pleasant unboxing experience.
The shell is made of an aluminium alloy of sorts and has a smooth finish. The shape of the shell also fits really well for me and I can wear it for long hours. Two vents per side help with air pressure and comfort, and the Max feels sturdy but never heavy.
The VSA Max is visually stunning as the metallic shells and glitter face plate have a "jewellery" vibe, making it as much an accessory as a listening device. The presentation is top-notch, with a premium rigid case, six sets of ear tips, and one already attached to the IEMs.
The thick and modular cable features 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs. It’s also super stylish in white. My only concern with the cable is that it may yellow over time.
Regarding eartips, the VSA comes with the standard silicone ones with both widebore and narrowbore versions. I found the widebore version synergizes well with the IEMs, but it's a matter of preference now. As for other eartips, the Spinfit W1 works well with the VSA Max.
Sound Impressions
The VSA Max offers a classic V-shaped tuning with extra air. It provides an energetic sound signature that suits pretty much any genre really well. My impressions are recorded with the VSA max using the Spinfit W1 and the iFi Stack as my source.
Bass:
The bass on the VSA Max feels strong and punchy and I feel the rumble is just right. The bass seems clean and doesn’t muddy up the mids that much. This makes the bass great and energetic for many genres.
Mids:
The mids is the main point of the VSA Max as the vocals, that too the female vocals are in perfect clarity and forward. The microdetails of the song is uplifted here and come through very cleanly. If you like lively and vibrant vocals that stand out in your music, the VSA Max is a great choice.
Treble:
The treble ranges from smooth to present, and manages to deliver good clarity without ever becoming harsh or fatiguing over more extended listening periods. Cymbals and hi-hats shimmer with just the right energy, retaining a pleasing air and spaciousness above the fundamental registers. There is enough sparkle to keep the sound lively, but the VSA Max rarely seems a tad sharp for some instruments that reside in the very high frequencies.
Soundstage:
Soundstage and imaging are medium traits for the VSA Max. While depth may be more moderate, the overall effect is convincing and natural, encouraging a realistic sense of instrument placement. Imaging always remains accurate, with clear separation between sources and instruments.
Song Impressions:
Mi Clan – League of Legends Music and LIT Killah
The song features a punchy bass line that I really like which will cover the full song. Vocals are crystal clear, allowing every lyric to stand out. Details such as subtle instrumental layers and effects are great, while the bass texture feels rich. The soundstage feels medium but still creates an immersive listening experience, resulting in an overall excellent musical presentation.
Baby – GIMS
This track has an awesome bassline, and VSA Max delivers both rumble and slam while maintaining clarity. The male vocals sound sweet and natural, perfectly complementing the lush staging that surrounds the listener and creates an enveloping feel. Hi-hats have a lightly sharp edge, giving extra energy without any unpleasant harshness, and the background piano is especially sweet, adding melodic warmth to the arrangement.
Pick Me Fever – Phase Music
This song places the vocals front and center, making them prominent and engaging as expected from the genre. The bass is visceral and strong, adding energy you can feel, while microdetails like background effects are distinctly present in the mix. Although the soundstage feels "normal" and not particularly wide, the overall presentation remains cohesive and enjoyable, with its only minor limitation being the average sense of space.
Dangerous (feat. Sam Martin) – David Guetta
The piano in this song stands out on top and its my favourite part of the song, supported by excellent strings that add emotion. Vocals are projected forward and remain extremely clear. The highlight comes during the drop, where all the instruments blend seamlessly to create a powerful, goosebump-inducing moment. The drum kit is well-positioned, adding drive to the track without becoming muddy. Everything clicked well in here with the VSA Max.
Final Verdict
The EarAcoustic VSA Max blends luxury design, clever engineering, and energetic, modern tuning in a single, well-accessorized package. It's perfect for those who want great-looking gear and fun, lively sound—especially fans of pop, EDM, and strong vocals. Anyone looking for a neutral, purely analytical monitor or with sensitivity to upper-mids may want to look at alternatives. Still, the VSA Max is a brilliant choice in the $150 bracket for most modern listeners.
Who is this for?
Listeners who love strong bass, energetic treble, and beautiful design, especially fans of V-shaped tuning and modern music styles.
Who is this NOT for?
Those wanting purely neutral midrange, the widest soundstage, or extreme sensitivity to pronounced upper-mids.