Today we're going to be looking at what can only be described as finding a diamond in the rough. And this is the EarAcoustic VSA-V1. You may know a little about EarAcoustic right away, but what’s interesting is that they’ve been working quietly to produce decent products in what they call the “Silver Angel” series. It retails for a relatively affordable $99 and packed with a massive 11.4mm titanium diaphragm dynamic driver. This IEM supposedly translates to “Vocal Sweetness Amplified,” or VSA for short. But would it be sweet or bitter in taste? Let’s take a look.
EarAcoustic VSA-V1 Review
The first few hours of my time with the VSA-V1 were a little confusing, but in a positive way. I assumed it’d be like every other single-dynamic-driver sound out there: lots of deep bass and warm mids like I find it in my recent Roseselsa QueitSea II reviewing time. But this one woke me up. The ‘female poison’ type of tuning this thing has, it’s like it’s dangerous or something. And in all honesty, yeah, I guess it kinda is. It’s not one of those chill out and laid back & listen kinda situations; this one’s got ‘listen up’ written all over it. I found myself discovering details in songs that I’ve known from classic Jazz to acoustic ballads.
DISCLAIMER
EarAcustic was kind enough to send me the EarAcoustic VSA-V1 to review. I am not affiliated with EarAcoustic, and of course, I was not asked for any copy-checking before publishing. All opinions shared in this ‘EarAcoustic VSA-V1 review’ are my subjective thoughts.
One thing more: The review is based on my personal experience and what I hear using different sources. Your experience may vary because of personal preference and physical differences like the shape and depth of the ear canal.
For your personal purchase, checkout EarAcustic for their fantastic products and promotions (non-affiliated link).
GEAR USED
● DAP: Cowon Planue R2, Cayin N3 Ultra, Hiby RS2, Hiby R4, Snowsky Echo Mini, F.Audio M20.
● DAC/AMP: xDuoo MT-604, Fosi Audio GR40, Hiby FD5, KAEI Design TAP2, ifi Hip DAC 2, xDuoo XD-05 Plus (with BB OPA 2604), Cayin RU6, Cayin RU7, iBasso DC04 Pro, Dunu DTC 480, Fosi Audio DS-1, Celest CD-10, Celest CD-20, Hiby FC05, Hiby FD03, Hidizs SD8 Pro Robin, Moondrop Dawn Pro.
● Smart Device: Poco X3, Xiaomi MiPad 5.
● Files: Tidal, Spotify, local Hi-Res FLAC & DSD files.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
● Driver: 11.4mm Full-Amplitude Titanium Diaphragm DD
● Frequency response: 5Hz – 40kHz
● Impedance: 32Ω
● Sensitivity: 108 dB
● Cable: 408-core Litz OCC + Silver-Plated Mix
● Pin Type: 2pin, 0.78mm
● Cable Length: 1.2m
● Plug Type: 3.5mm/ 4.4mm (interchangeable)
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
● VSA V-1 IEMs
● Interchangeable OCC Cable
● 3.5mm, 4.4mm plugs
● 3 pairs of normal bore silicon tips (S/M/L) & 3 pairs of wide bore silicon tips (S/M/L)
● PU Leather carrying case
● User Manual
UNBOXING EXPERIENCE
For a hundred-dollar price point, the unboxing experience is surprisingly premium and worthy. It comes in this deep burgundy-colored packaging that kinda screams regal packaging. And opening this up, that’s clean. You get not only the earphones but also this legit modular cable system that’s not commonly found in other products in this price range, and both 3.5mm and 4.4mm connectors are in the package! Another surprising thing is the carrying case. It’s made with PU leather and is a good protector of your audio gear, like this IEM and a decent DAC dongle, while on the go.
BUILD & DESIGN
The VSA-V1 is built like a tank, or maybe like expensive shiny jewelry. With CNC-machine zinc alloy and a mirror-polish finish, the shells look so shiny. They feel heavy and expensive at the same time, and you can’t assume the price at the first look. The stock cable is thick PVC coated and has a 408-core OFC + silver-plated Litz structure inside, which will remind you of the cable of the Sivga Que. The cable is very well built. The supplied ear tips are made of soft silicon and feel cheap. But the carrying pouch is a fantastic one. It is strong and has a lot of space inside.
FIT & COMFORT
The shape of V1 is actually very ergonomic, though it is on a slightly bigger side due to the inner acoustic chamber design, even with a single DD, as the driver is a massive 11.4 mm. We saw the Roseselsa QuietSea II with 10mm DD, which is quite small in size, light, and very comfortable. The zinc alloy-made shells are heavy, though I didn’t measure them, but they feel heavier in the ears than in the hands. It will challenge your longer listening sessions if you can’t choose your ear tips wisely.
Now talking about tips. Though the stock ones are cheap-looking, they get the job done. They are soft and comfortable. And in longer use these tips fit very well and hold the weight of the shells nicely. The supplied cable is really soft and has very little microphonics. It has almost no tangle issue.
SOUND IMPRESSIONS
Is it a new trend that more and more IEMs are coming with ‘mild V-shaped’ tuning nowadays? I find the last quarter of 2025 is slightly biased with this kinda tune. I may be wrong, but it is what it is! The VSA V1 is yet another mild V-shaped tuned IEM with more focus on vocal presentation with good clarity and loads of micro details. It’s not a warm musical set; rather, it’s on the brighter side with good speed and details in the bass.
Here is the frequency graph:
Let’s dive deep…
SUB-BASS
The 11.4mm DD that can go down to 5Hz (though you can’t listen to that frequency) plays a significant role here. It can provide some serious deep air in the super low frequencies. You can call the approach more about quality over quantity. It stays clean all over and doesn’t bleed, which is a fantastic character if you consider the price. But the whole tuning is mid-centric, as this IEM is a ‘female vocal’-focused piece of music gear, and for that you may lose the proper presentation of the sub-bass. It’s there, but the forward nature of midrange frequencies will not let the deep rumble steal the show.
MID-BASS
This is the star of the VSA-V1. It will teach you the definition of ‘punch.’ At this price point the mid-bass quality is surprisingly good. Kick drums sound tight and have a great tight impact. The punch is clean and fast. The titanium-made driver plays a good part and shows its character. But as I mentioned earlier in this review, the whole tuning is mid-frequency based, and that’s why the mid-bass lacks a bit of warmth. If you love warm midrange with some weight in mid-bass, you will definitely miss it!
VOCALS
Do you know what VSA means? It means “Vocal Sweetness Amplified.” Now you know, we are about to hit the main part of its sound delivery. Yeah, the vocal section is where EarAcoustic put their main focus while tuning this budget-friendly gem. Let’s talk about it…
MALE
The V1 is able to deliver crystal-clear male vocals. The textures come out just right, and it’s fantastic. Moreover, you can hear the grit in a singer’s throat. Isn’t it an enjoyable thing? Yes, it is. But in my opinion, the male vocals are a bit brighter than neutral. I mean, it lacks a bit of weight and warmth in it, just like the mid-bass. People like me, who love meaty male vocals, must be disappointed with that kinda tune. But keep the ‘Female Poison’ in mind, and this is their marketing point!
FEMALE
Ah man, that shines… truly shines like diamonds! And this is where the ‘Female Poison’ thing starts to play. The presentation is clear, vivid, and forward. The breathiness and emotions in female vocals are highlighted beautifully. Is it toxic or poisonous? Yes, sometimes. Especially poorly recorded or remastered tracks with a bit brighter tune will cut your eardrum with S, SH, and T consonants. And powerful vocals like Lawra Branigan, Celin Dion, Barbara Streisand are reproduces in a way that may give you fatigue in longer listening sessions if you are treble sensitive one.
INSTRUMENTS SEPARATION
The EarAcoustic VSA-V1 presents instruments in a way that it feels like a good layering. The instruments you will hear like a well-rehearsed band, each snare snap or guitar pluck has its own space, and the separation crisp enough to track solos in a crowd. But if you seek for a holographic or even near-holographic style of separation, you will be disappointed. Just remember the price range. The separation is good enough but falls in ‘average’ quality.
TREBLE
In one word- spicy! The treble in VSA-V1 shows the characteristics of a bright tuning set focusing on female vocals. Treble heads will love it, I guess. It has adequate amount of spark and air in it, which extends well. High frequency instruments like Cymbals crash with a satisfying shimmer. And the micro-details are forward in nature. But it is on the edge of being sibilant. Treble sensitive audiophiles might feel fatigue in long listening sessions.
SOUNDSTAGE
Due to airy treble and detailed midrange frequency tuning, the stage stays wide and open. It’s that kind of stage, that doesn’t feel stuck inside your head, you will feel it’s coming from the surroundings. The stage is more to the left-right pan type, and not much holographic. I mean, if you wish for some depth and height, you will not get it here (keep the price in mind). The whole experience is much like a ‘wall of sound’ in front of you rather than a 3D ball of sound around you.
TECHNICALITIES
Dynamics: The macro dynamics are awesome; the transition from quiet to loud is very pronounced. The bass slam provides good dynamic contrast. Micro-dynamics can sometimes get overwhelmed by all the sheer energy of the brightness.
Speed: This driver is fast. Titanium being a hard material makes the driver fast enough to handle metal music without making a muddy or slow-sounding effect. At times, the decay speed is a bit too fast, making the note a bit metallic.
Analytics (Detail Retrieval): It punches well above its price of $99 tag. It delivers details that you usually need a planar driver to hear. But they’re unforgiving. If you listen to low-quality MP3 files or low-quality audio recordings in general, the VSA-V1 will highlight all of their flaws.
SOURCES
The EarAcoustic VSA-V1 is a mild V-shaped tuned IEM with bright tuning. It’s not an analytical monster or shiny bright set because of the boosted low frequency tuning, though it stays on the background all the time. You may try to pair it with a DAC which has neutral tuning. If you are analytical or bright sound lover, the entry level Moondrop Dawn Pro (not the Down Pro 2) DAC can give the ultimate joy. But if your aim is to tame down the brightness in upper mids & crispiness in treble, you can pair it with a warm DAC like ifi Hip DAC 2.
Though not only source, your choice of ear tips and cable can bring a lots of difference in sound re production. And I will not recommend to plug it directly to the 3.5mm jack on your smartphone. You definitely will hear ‘sound,’ but it will give you a feeling of listening to your grandpa’s old gramophone.
CABLE & TIP ROLLING
It’s a very important part that you can’t avoid it. Even if you are not a ‘believer’ of all those ear tips, cable rolling thing and call them placebo effect, but for the sake of proper fit & seal, you need to roll tips. The thumb rule for this VAS-V1 is to use narrow bore tips if you want the bass to come out right and use wide bore tips for make it more open and bright. I find the Final Clear, Dunu Candy and Penon Liqueur ear tips can tame down the brightness and can make the bass a bit bolder. And to increase brightness & details, you may use tips like Velvet wide bore, TRN Clarion etc.
Though the stock cable is a very good one and able to produce the original sound of this IEM. But a pure copper cable can make a little difference. Just try it if you have one in your collection.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The EarAcoustic VSA-V1 does not offer any “safe” listening. This is a blatant and in-your-face audio design that loves vocal content. As someone who is a “vocal fan” looking to indulge in a singer’s every breathy detail, this thing is a steal for $99. They are building this thing with quality beyond belief. And the accessories are of good quality, especially the interchangeable stock cable. But then again, this might not be for those who prefer wall-shaking bass attacks and/or sharp treble. For me? This is one fun rollercoaster I’m more than happy to be along for.
WHATEVER YOU’RE THINKIN’ OF BUYING—DAC, DAP, IEM, HEADPHONE, AMP, WHATEVER—JUST MAKE SURE YOU GIVE IT A DEMO RUN FIRST. TRY IT OUT, LISTEN TO IT WITH YOUR OWN TRACKS. SERIOUSLY, ONE QUICK AUDITION CAN SAVE YOU A BUNCH OF MONEY AND REGRET LATER ON.
AUDIO TESTING PREFERENCES
I desperately love the music from the 60s to 90s era. Music was alive then. The genre I love most is ROCK ‘N ROLL. Though Jazz, Blues, Country, Metal, Disco, Pop is also my favorite genres. I have a collection of albums with high dynamic recording. Most of the time I teste audio gears with those albums to understand sonic capability of the specific gear. If you have tidal subscription, you may click here to get the playlist.
You are welcome to read other reviews by SONIC MANTRA.
