EarAcoustic VSA-V1
EarAcoustic Audio Products at KEEPHIFI
EarAcoustic VSA-V1
Prelude:
The EarAcoustic VSA-V1 is a new series of headphones from the renowned manufacturer EarAcoustic. These are the guys who have clearly demonstrated how much you can get out of a single dynamic driver. This time, it’s a model that emphasizes the importance of vocals. Importantly, it’s very reasonably priced at $99, ensuring wide availability regardless of the price. So let’s see what the new series and the cheapest model in the series, the EarAcoustic VSA-V1, have to offer.
Unboxing and Ergonomics:
The EarAcoustic VSA-V1’s packaging is identical to other models from this manufacturer. It’s actually great that each EarAcoustic model comes with an excellent and identical setup, regardless of the price of the headphones themselves. The cardboard packaging contains just the headphones. This model is made of a metal housing with a mirror finish. It offers excellent ergonomics and a very nice finish on the front panels. We also have two sets of ear tips and a headphone cable. This time, it’s equipped with interchangeable 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs, while the 0.78mm jack remains on the headphone end. I still missed the small pouch to protect the headphones in the rather large case. Other than that, I consider the set to be very well-thought-out and complete for this price range.
Sound:
Low frequencies:
They are well-thought-out and powerfully punchy. They may not be as extended as those found in more expensive models. However, I don’t agree with the opinion that there’s no bass. There’s plenty of it and it’s very noticeable. It creates a great foundation for listening to high-quality music. At the same time, this tuning ensures a very versatile and spacious sound. The low frequencies don’t overwhelm the rest of the frequency range and don’t cause discomfort. Instead, we can count on considerable space and well-thought-out, flexible tuning. Those looking for direct and strongly emphasized bass will not be satisfied. However, those focused on vocal clarity and looking for coherent and tight bass will be pleasantly surprised. I really like the overall effect, although it’s not overly technical. Instead, the tuning focuses on the pleasure and quality of the listening experience itself. This is a unique and quite rare tuning these days, which is a shame, because it sounds very flexible.
Midrange:
It probably won’t come as a surprise, or a secret, that this is an area where the EarAcoustic VSA-V1 excels. I’m referring to the beautiful and charming vocals, full of life and emotion. At the same time, they are presented in such a way as to maintain purity and tonal balance. The midrange isn’t overly pushed forward. Instead, they maintain a natural sound and excellent clarity. This translates into excellent imaging and presentation of instruments. The EarAcoustic VSA-V1 excels at extracting emotion from sound and superbly emphasizes naturalness. This presentation of the midrange ensures sound purity and very good flexibility, especially in pop or vocal music, where vocals are particularly important. The EarAcoustic VSA-V1 are headphones that will certainly not disappoint lovers of midrange and pure, natural sound. Therefore, I can confidently say that the manufacturer’s promises regarding the EarAcoustic VSA-V1 are completely consistent with my personal impressions.
Highs:
This region is smooth, warm, and certainly focused on naturalness and clarity of the presentation itself. At the same time, it has been tuned so that the EarAcoustic VSA-V1 delivers a clean and natural sound. There’s no harshness or overemphasis here. I consider this a great solution, offering a very clean and musical presentation. In terms of soundstage, the EarAcoustic VSA-V1 deliver very good depth and excellent width. Again, they deliver sound in a way that sounds as natural as possible, which is a major advantage. At the same time, we can count on a considerable amount of detail and a warm, pleasant sound. The EarAcoustic VSA-V1 are musical headphones, delighting those who value realism and entertainment in sound. At the same time, they are so well-tuned that they can also easily perform well with music. In areas where vocals are a priority, their best qualities can be noticed.
Comparison:
EarAcoustic VSA-V1 ($99) VS HIDIZS MS2PRO (99USD)
First and foremost, it’s worth noting that a significant advantage of the MS2PRO is the ability to fine-tune the sound itself via the acoustic nozzles. At the same time, the MS2PRO are much more direct headphones, offering closer, more direct vocals. It’s worth emphasizing that this directness also translates into a very high level of detail and vividness of the sound itself. On the other hand, the EarAcoustic VSA-V1 offers a more studio-like sound, with less entertainment and finesse. There’s definitely more balance and vocal exposure, without artificial crowding. So, if you’re a music enthusiast, the MS2Pro is worth considering, and if you prioritize tonal balance and value more detail, the MS2Pro is worth considering. Both pairs are great, but thanks to their different tuning, they may suit different tastes.
So, who might be better suited to the EarAcoustic VSA-V1?
- Vocal lovers. – For those looking for a more linear presentation.
- For those focused on calmer listening.
So, who might find the HIDIZS MS2PRO a better choice?
- For those looking for more direct vocals.
- For those seeking a more entertaining tuning.
- For those looking for a more detailed presentation.
EarAcoustic VSA-V1 ($99) VS Juzear Defiant ($99)
Juzear are headphones focused on musicality, with a darker presentation. They also offer a smoother sound. They are aimed at a warmer and more entertaining presentation. At the same time, the EarAcoustic VSA-V1 are headphones much more focused on vocal exposure, offering a more direct mid-range sound and greater tonal balance. However, they are not as smooth and relaxing in sound as the Juzear Defiant. Both pairs of headphones are great, and the choice ultimately depends on your preferences. If you’re looking for the most entertaining sound, the Juzear Defiant is definitely worth considering. If vocals and vocal balance are your priority, the EarAcoustic VSA-V1 is definitely worth considering.
So, who might find the EarAcoustic VSA-V1 better?
- For those who love vocal balance.
- For those looking for punchy bass.
- For those who love even vocals.
Who might find the Juzear Defiant better?
- For those who love smooth sound.
- For those who love entertaining sound.
- For those who enjoy relaxed listening.
EarAcoustic VSA-V1 ($99) VS HIDIZS MP143 (129USD).
The MP143 are planar magnetic headphones, so it shouldn’t surprise anyone that they’re unrivaled in terms of bass speed and structure. But speed and technology aren’t the only features of these headphones. In the case of the MP143, we have headphones based on a more playful and warmer tuning, which produces a very pleasant end result. However, the EarAcoustic VSA-V1 offer a more analog and classic sound, which will certainly be appreciated by all lovers of classic tuning. We can count on a very analog and even approach to tuning. So, if technical aspects are a priority, the MP143 is definitely worth choosing. If, however, we prioritize an analog approach to tuning, in my opinion, the EarAcoustic VSA-V1 are excellent.
So, who might the EarAcoustic VSA-V1 be a better choice for?
- For lovers of classic tuning.
- For those seeking a more analog vocal presentation.
- For those seeking a typically dynamic bass.
For gogos, the Hidizs MP143 might be a better choice:
- For those who enjoy a fast presentation.
- For those seeking planar bass.
- For those looking for more detail.
Summary:
These EarAcoustic VSA-V1 headphones are, above all, very solidly built and offer excellent build quality. They offer excellent tuning and a clear, very natural sound. They are particularly impressive with their excellent vocals and solidly tuned sound organization. Essentially, for this price, you get complete and well-thought-out headphones with very mature tuning. I’m referring to classic tuning based on analog and thoughtful sound presentation. Therefore, I consider this model an interesting introduction to the VSA series and a good development of previous designs. I’m particularly convinced that this model will satisfy vocal-focused listeners who prioritize listening pleasure over technical aspects of the sound. In summary, the EarAcoustic VSA-V1 are excellent headphones if you want to focus on listening pleasure and simply relax with your favorite music.
The EarAcoustic VSA-V1’s strengths:
- Excellent build quality.
- Excellent modular cable.
- Analog and beautiful vocals.
- Clear presentation.
- Large soundstage.
What I would improve on the EarAcoustic VSA-V1:
- I’d like a bit more bass variety.
- A soft carrying case would be useful.