Earsonics Velvet V2

audio123

Reviewer at audio123
Pros: Versatile, Detailed, Build Quality
Cons: Midrange Slightly Recessed
Introduction

Earsonics is a French company that specialises in making iems. They have been very active in producing iems with the recent release of their flagship in Earsonics EM10. In this review, I will be reviewing the Velvet V2 from the Signature series. I would like to thank David and Earsonics for the arrangement of this review unit. The Velvet V2 is a triple balanced armature drivers iem. The iem and manufacturing/packaging are made in France at their lab. At the moment, you can purchase the Velvet V2 at http://www.earsonics.com/store/produit/velvet-v2/ .

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Specifications
  • Driver Configuration: 3 Balanced Armature, 3 ways with HQ tunable crossover
  • Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 20 kHz
  • DCR: 31.5 to 41.5 (Depends on switch position)
  • Sensitivity: 116 dB/mW
Unboxing & Accessories

The Velvet V2 comes in a black package that has a white protective cover. On the cover, there is the model name, brand name and image of the iem. At the bottom right of the cover, it shows that it is made in France. After opening the package, you can see the iem, screwdriver, cleaning tool, eartips and case. Inside the case, there are user manual, information card and wet wipes. The initials of the brand name are printed on the carrying case. Overall, the accessories are rather sufficient and it is presented nicely.

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IEM Build & Design

The Velvet V2 shell is made of acrylic and there is a smooth surface. On the faceplates, there is a dial that can be used to change the sound signature from tight to warm. It has a transparent clear shell and you can see the drivers inside the iem. On the inside of the iem, there are 2 black screws. The nozzle is slightly angled and has no mesh. Down the nozzle, there are 2 bores. The Velvet V2’s housing is light weight with a comfortable fit. There is solid build quality with a clean visual appeal.

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Cable Build & Design

The cable is a detachable 4 core cable with 2 pins 0.78mm connectors. On the connectors, there are blue and red dot on the left and right side respectively so users can differentiate. The connectors have a transparent housing. The cable has a memory wire section that is enclosed in a transparent heat shrink tube. It is not very flexible due to the metal inside that helps to form the shape. The memory wire section is rather short. The chin slider is made up of a transparent tube and the y splitter is made up of a soft rubber material with strain relief. The jack is 3.5mm gold plated right angled with strain relief.

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Sound Analysis

Lows

The Velvet V2 has moderate amount of sub-bass quantity and it is extended well. The stretch is quite good. The sub-bass reproduction is presented in a clean manner. The rumble is fairly quick and sounds natural. Bass decay is pacey with no signs of sluggishness. Each bass note is articulated with a clean hit. The bass texture is rendered smoothly. The mid-bass has moderate quantity and the slam is expressed in a precise hit with strength. This elevates the engagement level. The bass showcases great technicality and the musicality is not compromised. Overall, the bass demonstrates punch and vibrance.

Mids

The midrange of the Velvet V2 is slightly recessed but it has sufficient body to aid in the vocals performance. There is a high level of transparency and there is an extremely clean rendition. The lower mids does not take on a full-bodied approach and male vocals do not sound thick. However, there are no signs of hollowness. For the upper mids, there is a boost and the forwardness contributes to the intimacy level of female vocals. The midrange is able to display excellent definition and energy to inject excitement into the overall sound. The details retrieval is good.

Highs

The treble is extended well with a good stretch. The details are expressed well with no sibilance. The treble operates in a bright approach and it is articulated with precision. The amount of air rendered is good which helps to provide space at the top end. The Velvet V2 has the ability to demonstrate its technical aspect with ease. There is crisp and sparkle to create a lively treble presentation. The Velvet V2 is able to present details competently.

Soundstage

The Velvet V2 excels in its soundstage. It is able to expand naturally with a good width magnitude which aids in the positioning of vocals and instruments. The depth is not too closed in and offers space. There is an open feeling.

Dial

With the dial, there are 3 tuning settings – tight, normal and warm. It helps to adjust both the tightness and warmth of the sound with change in the overall body. The dial is able to provide different sound signatures which showcases the versatility of the Velvet V2.

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Comparisons

Earsonics Velvet V2 vs Earsonics ES3

The ES3 has more sub-bass quantity than the Velvet V2 and the sub-bass reproduction takes on a fuller approach. The bass texture on the ES3 has nice smoothness which is enhanced by the body. The Velvet 2 thrives with a quicker bass decay and its agility improves the overall engagement. The mid-bass on the ES3 has more body and it gives a weighted feeling to its slam. There is greater punch from the Velvet V2. Each bass note on the Velvet V2 is articulated with more precision and there is a clean hit. The bass reproduction on both has a good control. The midrange on the Velvet V2 has slightly greater transparency. The lower mids on the ES3 has more body which results in moderate thickness to improve male vocals. The upper mids on the Velvet V2 has slightly more forwardness and it is presented cleaner. Female vocals are expressed in an intimate manner. The treble on the Velvet V2 extends better with a higher level of definition. It is capable of rendering a greater amount of air which helps to minimize congestion. The Velvet V2 presents extra crisp and sparkle. Lastly, both expands in a natural manner and the width on the Velvet 2 is greater. The ES3’s depth is more closed in.

Earsonics Velvet V2 vs Custom Art FIBAE 3

The Velvet V2 has less sub-bass quantity than the FIBAE 3 and the sub-bass reproduction on the FIBAE 3 has a greater impact. The depth is presented well. The FIBAE 3 takes on a more controlled manner than the Velvet 2. The bass texture on the FIBAE 3 is rendered with additional smoothness while the bass decay on the Velvet V2 is quicker with agility. The mid-bass on the Velvet V2 has extra quantity and the slam is slightly more impactful. Each bass note on the Velvet V2 is articulated with a stronger hit. The midrange on the both has a good balance without sounding too dense. Congestion is minimal. The lower mids on the FIBAE 3 has more body than the Velvet V2 and the thicker approach enhances male vocals reproduction. The upper mids on the Velvet 2 is boosted and the additional forwardness creates a more intimate female vocals performance. The treble on both has great extension with the Velvet V2 displaying more crisp and sparkle. On the other hand, the FIBAE 3 expresses its treble in a smoother manner with great finesse. The amount of air rendered on both is similar. Lastly, the FIBAE 3 expands more naturally and the soundstage of the Velvet V2 has similar width as the FIBAE 3. The depth on both is quite similar.

Earsonics Velvet V2 vs Acoustune HS1503 AL

The Velvet V2 has slightly more sub-bass quantity than the HS1503 AL but its extension is less. The sub-bass reproduction on the Velvet V2 is fuller. Bass texture on the Velvet V2 is rendered with smoothness while bass decay on the HS1503 AL has more pace with agility. The mid-bass on both has similar body and the slam on the HS1503 AL is delivered with a stronger hit. Each bass note on the HS1503 AL is articulated with a clean hit. The midrange on the Velvet V2 has better details retrieval. The lower mids on the Velvet V2 has good body and male vocals benefit from it which results in a thicker sound. The upper mids on the HS1503 AL is more forward and it displays female vocals in a lively manner. There is extra crisp. The treble on the HS1503 AL is brighter. The amount of air rendered is greater on the HS1503 AL. Lastly, for the soundstage, the Velvet V2 has a more natural expansion while the width magnitude is slightly greater on the HS1503 AL. The Velvet V2 has the better depth.

Conclusion

The Velvet V2 is an organic sounding iem that is able to produce tight bass reproduction, detailed midrange and vibrant treble. The Velvet V2 creates an energetic sound that is able to captivate listeners. In addition, it comes with a dial that can be used to adjust the sound signature for versatility. It is designed beautifully and the build quality is solid. The Earsonics Velvet V2 excels confidently and delivers an enjoyable sound.

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S
shonik
What setting were you using? I’m surprised you say the fibae 3 have better sub-bass than these - from reading around it seems these should be close to a DD, to the point I’ve seen suggestions these could be a nice alternative to the sennheiser ie80?
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