Looking at the graphs S2 will sound a bit different from the Andromedas is my guessā:blush:
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Plussound Volta and Sonora IEMs: A Brief Review
This week has been exceptionally busy, as Iāve found myself in reviewing three mega hyped in-ear monitors (IEMs) such as the Etude, Harmon, and Studio 2, all while balancing family commitments, a new summer job, and my other interests.
Introducing the Plussound Volta ($2,499) and Sonora ($2,999), premium IEMs featured in the Head-Fi tour. For those unfamiliar, I have just one week to evaluate these premium IEMs, and their arrival coincides with an intensive period of reviewing multiple other IEMs and audio devices. This marks my first encounter with Plussoundās iems, and Iām drawing on my extensive experienceāhaving reviewed hundreds of IEMsāto assess their performance. Audiophilia is a deeply subjective pursuit, where personal preference shapes every evaluation, and Iām eager to share how these premium IEMs perform in this exciting review journey!
Build and Design
Both the Volta and Sonora exhibit exceptional craftsmanship, with attention to detail and a nice aesthetic. The all-metal shells boast a luxurious texture, enhancing their visual and tactile appeal. The included cables are of premium quality, showcasing Plussoundās commitment to excellence. However, while the fit is adequate, it falls short of exceptional comfort for my preferences, particularly for extended listening sessions. The packaging, though minimalist, exudes elegance, with protective cases that stand out for their practicality and striking design. I was so impressed that I purchased two cases for use at my desk and bedside for my primary IEMs. The cases are premium, costing 100 dollars each, but to me are worth every penny.
Sound Impressions
The Volta and Sonora both deliver highly resolving sound signatures but lean toward a brighter tonality that may not suit all listeners. The Volta, with its enhanced treble presence around 13-14kHz, offers a lively and engaging soundstage, earning it an A- in my assessment. Its clarity and detail retrieval are commendable, appealing to those who favor a vibrant, analytical presentation. The Sonora, while technically proficient, feels overly bright to my ears, resulting in a C rating. Both IEMs are well-crafted and will likely resonate with listeners who prefer a treble-forward profile, but they didnāt fully align with my tonal preferences.
Conclusion
The Plussound Volta and Sonora are premium IEMs that showcase great build quality and thoughtful design, particularly in their exceptional cases. While their bright sound signatures may not suit my personal taste, they are undeniably high-performing options for audiophiles seeking detail and clarity. The Volta stands out as the stronger contender, but both are worthy of consideration for those who value technical prowess and aesthetic excellence.
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I listened to that video while wearing the Bunny, which has become my standard budget recommendation.
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Time to buy, or save. https://youtu.be/MWtujPPfO2k There is a giveaway for a Kiwi Ears Astral! Just comment in the video.
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This new Punch iem is fantastic.
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Still waiting for a 5128 graph. I have decided Iām only buying a new iem if it has objectively smooth treble that will rule out peaks and dips not coming from my own ears. Easy EQing. So far Variations has the crown.
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You know, I am not sure the 5128 is actually better than a 711. Iāve compared graphs endlessly and for some iems the 711 seems more accurate in terms of how i hear them.
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In terms of objective data, the 5128 models the acoustic impedance of an average human ear more accurately than a 711 coupler does in the extremes of frequency response. But creating a model from an average means that there are people who are just statistically not as represented. i have never found the 711 coupler to give me a clear picture of frequency response in the high end or low end. It works just fine from like 200 Hz to around 8 kHz.
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Yeah yeah, I know all of that, it still doesnāt change what I noticed.
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They shot themselves in the foot with the Explorer being so end-gameable at such a low price if they planned to go for big buck sets too. Iām expecting super apparent diminishing returns regardless of transducer count.
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Looks boring for a flagship
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Huge shells because of the number of drivers. They could reduce them to 6 BA and there would hardly be any difference in the sound. They would make a mistake if they stuffed a huge bass shelf (Iām looking at you MMK4), as some guys who tried a demo unit say.
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Itās pretty close to the name of Crinicleās first collab too. The faceplate is pretty bland and similar to the performer 5, monarch mk2, etc. the shell looks massive. That seems to be the trend though (mk4, Valhalla). Could look past that if it sounds great. Compared to other sets with similar tech, $1500 is actually fairly cheap. Looks like a metal shell? I do like the look of the mk4 a lot more
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At that price they better be using branded drivers.
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Sorry to see AFUL fall prey to the āmore drivers is moreā theory thatās infecting the IEM industry these days.
Tuning matters most, and AFUL knows how to tune. But still, leaning on driver count rather than tuning or engineering is not a good trend for this industry.
Itās āflagshipā ā God, Iām so f*cking sick of that term ā due to its tuning and driver quality, not the number of drivers that can be stuffed into a porky shell.
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