EAR ACOUSTIC VSA MAX REVIEW

>>I am brazilian and I speak portuguese, so forgive my english, I’ll use translation tools to help<<

INTRO:

Another model released by EarAcoustic Audio! I have in my hands the VSA MAX, or “Vocal Sweetness Amplified” in full. The VSA line includes the following models: VSA-V1; VSA-MAX; VSA-MIX; VSA-V2; VSA-LTD, VSA-PM Crown, and VSA-Astronaut.

The VSA MAX has many similarities to the SPA High-End – in physical terms and accessories – so I’ll use some insights from the SPA High-End review as the basis for the VSA MAX review.

Price: $149,90 USD
Color: Silver
Cable: Without Mic

EarAcoustic reviews: SPA High-End

EAR ACOUSTIC LINKS:

https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oFAqiub (loja oficial)

https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oEn0Na7

SPECIFICATIONS:

Single DD:

(1) Dynamic Driver (DD) 11.4mm Titanium diaphragm

– Frequency: 5Hz – 40kHz
– Effective frequency: 20Hz – 20kHz
– Impedance: 32Ω
– Sensitivity: 110dB
– Termination plugs: 3.5mm & 4.4mm Bal
– Connectors: 2pin 0.78mm (detachable)
– Cable size: 1.2m
– Cable modular: Silver-Plated Copper OFC
– Shell: Metal
– IEM weight: 8g (one side)(without eartips)
– Cable weight: 40.7g (3.5mm)
– Cable weight: 42.1g (4.4mm)
– Total weight (packaging, iems, etc): 371.6g
– Packaging size: 12cm [H] x 12cm [W] x 12cm [D]

UNBOXING:

PHYSICAL ASPECTS:

Construction:

The shell is made of metal.
Semi-custom design (pre-molded).
Aesthetically very appealing (luxurious look).
Has two vents per side.
Excellent build quality.
Superior quality than the SPA High-End.
Great unboxing experience. Premium presentation.
Good number of accessories.
Great case. Rigid. Zipper closure.
The case’s color is random (different in each product).

Eartips:

There are two types: Normal and Wide Bore.
Sizes S/M/L.
They’re standard size: if you use M, then it’s M.
These are good eartips, but basic.
For the price, there could be 3 or 4 options (variety).
I don’t see the need to buy more eartips (subjective).
I don’t usually use wide bore eartips.
I tested with the “normal” ones (size L).

Cable:

Silver-plated cable, aesthetically very nice.
Excellent modular system: easy to remove and insert the plugs.
The cable is thicker and heavier than I’d like, but it’s not a problem.
Good/medium malleability.
Doesn’t get tangled.
Doesn’t get “memory” (creases).
No microphonics.
The earhooks have the coating I prefer, without ripples.
Chin Slider can slip on the cable.
2-pin 0.78mm connectors.

Fit and comfort:

Good fit – stable in the ears (subjective).
Comfortable. Excellent ergonomics.
Good for medium to large ears.
Semi-custom design is either an 8 or 80 (good for some, bad for others).
Medium insertion.
Great isolation.
At 8g, isn’t the lightest or heaviest (but it didn’t cause discomfort).
Same form as the SPA High-End.
I find the SPA High-End more comfortable because it’s lightweight.

Earphone kit (accessories):

VSA MAX earphones.
6 pairs of eartips (S/M/L).
Modular cable.
3.5mm & 4.4mm plugs.
Carrying case.
Manual.

SOUND ASPECTS:

Sound:

Harman-like tning (a variation).
Present bass, forward upper-mids, and discreet treble.
Lively and energetic sound.
Good for those who enjoy prominent vocals.
Not recommended for those sensitive to upper-mids (pinna gain).
Strong competitors in the $149 range (see the SPA HE review).

Bass:

– Quantitative:

Moderate to high.
Not for bassheads (although they won’t be disappointed).
Sub-bass and mid-bass are well-presented.
There’s no overlap between one region and another.

– Qualitative:

These are fun bass, with lots of texture and physicality. Great extension.
They have a “slack”, more expansive character.
The definition is good.
Sometimes the bass sounds slightly massy (it depends on the recording).
The impact is strong and full.
They don’t invade the midrange.
These bass notes bring fun and warmth.
They pair well with more modern recordings (EDM, Hip-Hop, etc.).
Good for electric instruments or electronic beats.

Mids:

– Quantitative and qualitative:

Recessed mids and forward upper-mids.
Pinna gain with good projection.
The upper-mids bring plenty of clarity, transparency, and airy.
Using the normal eartip size G, the upper-mids were on the edge.
Wide-bore eartips bring the region to the aggressive side.
The definition is very good.
In rare situations, I felt the sound bordering on sibilance.
For those who experience sensitivity in this region (upper-mids), it may fatigue over time.
Wind instruments become very “palpable.”

Voices:

Excellent performance for female/high-pitched voices.
Male/low-pitched voices also sounded good, with good texture.
Female/high-pitched voices have clarity and excellent projection.
Highlights mezzo-soprano and soprano voices.
Great IEM for those who enjoy closer, more intimate voices.

Treble:

– Quantitative:

Moderate to low treble.
Not for trebleheads (those seeking more treble).
Recommended for those sensitive to treble.
No ear fatigue due to treble.

– Qualitative:

Smooth, controlled, with good definition.
I felt a slight decay in the higher treble.
Natural brightness. Coherent.
Good detail.
Could use more airy (in the higher treble).
They’re not shrill, sharp, or harsh.
I noticed a slight sibilance in a very few recordings.
Depending on the eartips, the sound may be somewhat sibilant.
I considered the VSA MAX to be energetic, due to the upper-mids.
Hi-hats can be quite forward in some songs.

Soundstage:

I found the soundstage to be average.
Forward upper-mids reduces the sense of depth.
The soundstage is average in height, width, and depth.

Imaging:

Good instrument separation. Positive point.
The VSA MAX have good separation between the bass and treble instruments.
In my opinion, hybrid IEMs can offer better separation than single DDs (not a rule).

Driver Flex Test:

I didn’t heard any driver flex when inserting the IEMs into my ears.

Amplification:

Easy to push.
No need powerful amplifier.
A simple dongle is enough.
I used the VSA MAX with the FiiO KA11.
Dongle connected to the computer.
It will play well directly from smartphones or iPads.
Volume below 20 (of the 100 available on the W10).

COMPARATIVE: VSA MAX vs SPA HIGH-END

I found the VSA MAX to be more attractive, both in terms of shell and faceplate (subjective).
The price is basically the same for both, $149 USD.
Both have similar physical features and accessories.
In terms of weight, the SPA High-End comes out on top (it’s lighter).
On the ear, the VSA MAX feels more pleasant due to the metal shell.
The VSA MAX has a modular cable, and the system is excellent.
The VSA MAX’s random color case isn’t good (IMO).
In terms of sound, the VSA MAX comes closer to what I prefer (subjective).
The bass on the VSA MAX is stronger and more vibrant, while the SPA HE’s is cleaner and more “acoustic.”
The midrange on both is practically identical (I didn’t notice any significant differences).
The upper-mids on the VSA MAX is more “forward” and airy.
Female/high-pitched vocals on the VSA MAX have more prominence and detail.
Both have recessed treble, but the VSA MAX brings out more prominence due to the upper-mids.
The VSA MAX offers greater detail and airy.
The SPA HE’s soundstage is slightly larger because it has less emphasis on pinna gain.
The VSA MAX’s instrumental separation is slightly better. More details helps in this regard.
If you’re looking for more listening comfort, the SPA High-End is the best choice.
If you’re looking for more energy for vocals and upper-mids region, the VSA MAX is the best choice.

PROS AND CONS:

– Aesthetically very beautiful (subjective)
– Luxurious-looking design
– Unboxing experience
– Lively and energetic sound
– Harman-like tuning (variation)
– Good detail in the upper-mids
– Very good for female/high vocals
– Good imaging
– Easy to push
– Great fit and comfort
– Excellent modular cable
– Good eartips
– Great case

– Could have more eartips (variety)
– Wide-bore eartips can introduce sibilance
– Cable heavier and thicker than I’d like (subjective)
– I didn’t like the random-colored case
– Not very wide soundstage
– Big competitors in this price range

GRAPHS BY PRACTIPHILE:

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