(0) Context:

1. It's my first review. English is not my native language, hope I will not make too much mistakes.
2. I'm not affiliated with any brands i quoted in this review.
3. Purchase the crystallized version of EarSonics Velvet in March 2015 (699 €)
4. Music I like? Electro (EDM), trance, progressive
5. They are the only IEMs I heard at this price range.
6. I don't have all the vocabulary for sound testing, sorry

 

 
Tested with:

1. Nomad settings: DAP Sony NWZ-A15
2. Home settings: Windows 7 x64 --> Foobar2000 --> Micromega MyDac --> Matrix M-stage amp
3. Music files: FLAC 16/24 bits files

 
 
Compared with:

1. InEar StageDiver SD-3 ( bought 479 € in July 2013)

 
 

 
(1) The IEMS build quality:
 
Nice build quality, but small details i don't like:
 
It is not a "one piece" of plastic but 2 blocks assembled with screws:

1. If i run my fingers over them i can feel that the screws exceed.
2. You can feel the two plastic parts with your finger.

 
Velvet have a plastic screw ( one per unit) to change the sound signature. A metal screwdriver is included in the box.
 
I had/have no problems to turn them with the screwdriver. Screws turn well. You just have to have a good lighting source beside.
 
 
Winners: SD-3 ("one piece", no screws)
 
(2) The IEMS fit:
 
Compared to the SD-3, they are lightweight, smaller. They don't oppress my ears contrary to SD3. But they are a bit uncomfortable.
It took one week for me to handle them more than 4 hours without having pain. Now it is okay.
I can handle SD-3 for hours without pain.
 
Tips included in the package doesn't fit for me. So i use now tips I had before (don't remember from what ebay seller)
 
Winners: A draw here. I prefer the SD-3 fits but they are oppressive and too big if wearing too long.
 
 
(3) Sound quality:
 
Velvet have two "three position" signature screws (one screw per unit).

1. Warm
2. Balanced
3. Tight  

 
I used for this test only the Balanced mode.
 
Bass:
Woooh effect. I love the bass, and their bass are amazing. They go very deep, very detailed, they don't override medium region.

1. vs. SD-3:They go much lower than SD-3.

 
 
Medium:
Very detailed.
 
High:
Never sibilant, go very up. Doesn't sound "metallic" as my Yamaha eph-100.
Very crystal sound, detailed and smooth. As i like.

1. vs. SD-3:they go much higher than the SD-3.

 
 
Instrument separation and soundstage:
Woooh effect. I could not imagine instrument separation and soundstage could be so great in an IEM.

1. vs. SD-3: Velvet explode SD-3.

 
 
Winners: Velvet. They literally explode SD-3.
Ok ok, not the same range price, so not a fair match. Maybe SD-4 will be a better competitor at the sound quality level.
 
(4) Conclusion:
 
A bit disappointed from the finishing detail construction, compared to the SD-3, but Velvet is definitely a keeper.
 
I love them, the sound quality is just a big gap from my others top tiers IEM (SD-3), amazing bass, amazing soundstage.