VSonic doesn’t need to be particularly present, its products speak for themselves. I described their headphones of different levels, starting with the top Gr01 and ending with the budget VSD1 and VSD1S. Now the company introduced the addition of its budget line, headphones VSD3 and VSD3S, which once again confirmed the authority of the manufacturer.
These headphones were expected somewhere else at the beginning of the year. VSonic in the fall of 2013 presented a detailed plan for the development of a new line of VSDs, which included models from the most budget to very expensive tops. The releases were supposed to take place at the end of 2013 and the beginning of 2014, but in fact it turned out a bit wrong. VSD1 appeared last fall (I described them here), but the release had to wait almost a year. VSD3 turned out to be quite interesting, and when They offered me to familiarize themselves with them, I immediately agreed.
Like VSD1, triples exist in two versions - neutral VSD3S and bassist VSD3. The main difference is that the new VSD3S have about the same amount of bass that the bass VSD1 used to have. Old VSD1 in the new line have no analogues, as well as new VSD3 in the old one. Therefore, lovers of neutral VSD1S will have to either get used to the increased amount of bass, or stay with the headphones of the first series.
Of course, VSD3, occupying a higher position in the model range of the company, are more expensive. Their price tag ranges from 50 to 65 dollars depending on the color. What do the “extra” dollars go to?
Specifications
- Emitters: dynamic, with composite aperture
- Frequency range: 5 Hz - 31.5 kHz
- Impedance: 25Ω for VSD3, 40Ω for VSD3S
- Sensitivity: ≥108 dB
- Distortion: ≤1%
- Channel imbalance: ≤1.5dB
- Maximum power: 30 mW
- Rated power: 10mW
- Cable: 1.3 m, replaceable, oxygen-free copper
- Plug: 3.5mm TRS
Package and Delivery
VSonic headphone boxes have a clear downward trend. I think the big boxes Gr01 or Gr07 with a rainbow of nozzles on display, forever gone. VSD3 comes in a very compact plastic-enclosed box. This clearly simplifies logistics and reduces overhead.
Under the transparent plastic cover is a cradle from the company's favorite pseudo-archive, in which the headphones rest. Below it is a clearly trimmed set of accessories. Included with the headphones you will receive: three pairs of single nozzles of different sizes, a pair of double nozzles, a pair of Comply foam nozzles, a velvet bag with puffs and a pair of ear hooks.
Of course, packaging and delivery have become simpler, but we are still talking about budget headphones, and considering the price - on this item, VSonic still deserves five points.
Design and wearing comfort
Perhaps, VSD3 - one of the most beautiful headphones, not only in its price segment, but in general. The unusual case is made of translucent plastic in a shape resembling precious stones. The outer side consists of connecting at angles of the edges, the inner - the usual smooth, with a speaker at an angle sound guide. VSD3 is in different colors, starting with a strict black and gray and ending with a blue-red pair (by the way, for some reason, the color version is more expensive).
Unlike the VSD1, the sound guide angle is not adjustable, so landing comfort can be a little worse if you have non-standard ears. For example, I was a little crushed by the left earpiece, though, then the ear adapted.
Headphones are designed strictly for ear music. Wearing them down the wire will be quite difficult and uncomfortable. I, as a fan of such a landing, I think this is the right decision, but I heard negative reviews about this.
Pleases the use of interchangeable wires in headphones. In this price category only a few units of models can boast of such a luxury, so this step VSonic deserves all praise. A slightly modified straight MMCX plug is used (the socket is slightly modified to improve the reliability of the contact), so the cables are suitable, but not all.
The standard cable is also more than good for this price category. Oxygen-free copper in silicone insulation pleases a successful combination of flexibility and resistance to entanglement. It hardens little in the cold and with the ear-to-ear landing does not give a microphone effect. By the way, VSonic has already advised and set up the release of a more expensive interchangeable cable for those who want to spend on the cable a sum comparable to the price of headphones.
With a good selection of nozzles wearing headphones comfortable, sound insulation is very good.
Sound
The following equipment was used for listening:
- Yulong DA8 as a DAC
- Yulong A28 as an amplifier
- Apple MacBook Pro Retina 2013 as a source
- Fidelia as a player
- HiFiMan 901 and Fiio X5 as portable players
- VSonic Gr01 and HiFiMan Re600 as headphones for comparison
- High-resolution recordings in Lossless-formats (Dr. Chesky The Ultimate Headphone Demonstration Disc and others)
Before listening to the headphones were heated for 48 hours.
In the past, when I listened to the first series of VSDs, I chose the version with reinforced bass, since the VSD1S seemed to me very fresh. This time I also confidently started with the “bass” VSD3 and was very surprised, because their level of the bass clearly exceeded even my needs for bass. In turn, the "neutral" VSD3S just sounded exactly as you want. Looking at the graphs of their frequency response, presented on the Internet, I was convinced that just 3S are analogous to the old “units”. So in this review, I will describe exactly VSD3S. The non-S version is generally similar in sound, with the exception of a markedly increased low frequency level.
Considering the cost of VSD3, their sound can be called close to ideal. In their price segment there are very few solutions that have comparable musicality of supply and balance of sound. Most headphones playing at the same level are worth at least twice as much. So keep in mind that all the disadvantages described below are manifested only in comparison with much more expensive models.
Bass pleases texture and composure. With a player that provides good bass response (for example, the Aune M1), the headphones provide an excellent beat, and the depth of the bass almost reaches the limit of hearing. LF speed enough for the vast majority of genres except, perhaps, only the most brutal types of metal. There may be some dumping of sound in the general heap, but only medium-top models can normally play such speeds.
Middle frequencies first of all attract attention with detail and resolution. Because of this, they are very emotional, with a good transfer of details and nuances. The tools are divided well, although sometimes their character is slightly lost. The imaginary scene is good, not record-breaking in width, but VSD3 certainly does not dump everything together. The depth could be better, but considering the price, this is already a fantasy.
About HF also can not say anything very bad. The standard set of correct characteristics: detail, the right amount, no hard peaks and sharpness, all this is available. Of course, it is not worth waiting for a high-frequency radiator from a dynamic radiator, comparable to reinforcing ones, but the VSD3 is still very good at handling.
Compared to VSD1, the triples have slightly increased in resolution and microdynamics, they are slightly more musical and play more naturally on live concert recordings.
Compatibility
Headphones are designed for use with unpretentious sources. That is why they will play quite well with ordinary players and smartphones. I tested them with iPad Air, iPhone 4, iPod Video 5.5G, Sandisk Sansa Clip +, there is no degradation of sound with them. On the reverse side, VSD3 will well reveal the potential of a better source.
VSD3 pretty much forgives the recordings, but still you will hear the drawbacks of bad mastering, so it’s best to consider the choice of material thoughtfully.
findings
Perhaps it would not be an exaggeration to say that VSD3 is the new “king” of the budget segment. Affordable price, high-quality sound, durability, due to interchangeable cable - all this makes their purchase a good investment for those who want high-quality headphones at an affordable price.
The article is based on materials .
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