Penon Volt EST

The Penon Volt
The Penon Volt is a flagship IEM which came out in October of 2020. Amazingly the Volt is only Penon’s third IEM………following the Sphere and the Orb. While continuing to use the Orb’s 10mm DD, they then filled-in the sonics with use of 2 Sonion BAs for the mids and 4 Sonion EST drivers for the highs.

Summery:
The Volt’s sound centers around that famous (ever-so-slightly-warm) Penon midrange, but I would be remiss if I didn’t emphasize the exquisite balance arrived elsewhere. Yep, better bass than you are expecting, and those 4 Sonion EST drivers adding sophisticated realism to the treble. All this at 6 grams a piece, inside a medium-size shell. Penon really outdid themselves here with making an IEM that’s so lovable and easygoing. You could stop reading this review right-now, and skip to any of the other 3 reviews posted here….and the message would be the same…….the Volt is simply difficult to take offense to, and provides all the involvement needed to maximize your entertainment.

Disclaimer:
The Penon Volt was provided for the purpose of review. Many thanks to Mr. Chi Kong Hui of Penon for making all this possible. Truly this was one of the greatest surprises ever, one that I would have never expected or even dreamed of.........and subsequently will never forget!



Disclaimer:
Understand that I don’t review many TOTL flagships. While I have heard the qdc VX, some 64 Audio stuff, and some Noble Audio, I simply don’t review TOTL IEMs like some reviewers do. With that said I’m fairly confident I can still provide a complete and accurate account of the Penon Volt. Having just reviewed 11 previous ISN/Penon IEMs, this Volt 12th review feels like the obvious next step. And while my prior favorite IEMs are the Sony IER-Z1R and Noble Kaiser 10 Encore, I seem to have recently added one more third favorite to my collection. Can you guess what that new one would be?

That’s right, the Penon Volt Universal IEM. And while being not the latest TOTL at $799.00, the Penon Volt still packs a handful of distractions from your everyday life. Truth to be told Penon released a second and third flagship product namely the Penon Legend in September 2021, then released the ultimate…………..the $2499.00 10 Sonion BA/4 EST IMPACT TOTL Flagship in January of 2023! And while the prices and abilities vary among these top of the line products, there is still a specific value attempted. Having not heard the Impact or Legend, I can’t do any comparisons for you, still I think you will get a pretty good idea of this reality named the Volt!

We need to start by going back:
From their humble beginnings Penon have slowly and consistently made progress. Starting in 2013 they primarily sold cables and other people’s IEMs. Then they made a few of their own cables and established a fan base. Then in 2017 they released the BS1 earbud to wide acclaim. Finally in 2019 they released a single BA IEM called the Sphere at $159.00, this was in-fact their first IEM. Next up was the $249.00 Penon Orb, the reason this was so important is the next produced IEM (The Volt) would go and continue to utilize the exact same DD. Still somehow everything Penon makes has a linage, a connection to where you know they are all made by the same manufacturer. This sound primarily centers around the midrange tone, and makes you wonder how each of these IEMs, all made at different times, carry this same sound feature? Most all the time (except for here) each IEM uses different parts (and even alternate driver methodology) to still arrive at having aspects in common with one another? Penon cables have a similar feature..........at times emphasizing certain features of the midrange...........to go one step further to prove this is no accident. In-case you didn't realize, this is Penon having their own house sound, yet every IEM is different and no two Penon/ISN cables sound exactly the same!

The 10mm:
This single driver Penon must be so fond of due to it being used in their 2nd IEM and their TOTL Flagship 3rd IEM! In fact there is a (certain house) sound......as Penon has always been about a beautiful midrange. A warm and ever-so-smooth and magical “Penon Midrange”............believe it or not the bass and treble play a role in showcasing such a midrange. This long-stroke graphite-fiber silk-paper soft-dome 10mm is used on both singularly the Orb and the Volt. And Penon went and manufactured this super driver straight out of brass on a precision lathe with tolerances down to just 0.1mm. Then they finished up with an antioxidant coating. Even though both the Orb and the Volt use the same driver, you wouldn’t know it. Meaning to me they sound wonderfully different. Maybe a little tiny-bit the same, as the Orb is more simplistic, having a single BA and 10mm DD. Where now the engineers went and had a field-day with the Volt driver design. I can almost see them saying….....You mean we can use 7 drivers all at once, a side? And not any BA drivers but 2X authentic Sonion BAs that are truly the most realistic sounding. Then 4 Sonion EST units a side………..it’s no wonder the 10mm DD is showcased in a different light. I personally believe that Penon built-up and added the missing abilities (with hardware) to get a more filled-in and complete sound here. So in the end the 10mm DD is still there, it’s just more integrated and has less responsibilities. Meaning the Orb had this very exact tonality and part of that magic was the lower-midrange fog. That fog is gone now, being replaced with technicalities, and careful (speedy) authority.

Reactionary design:
Have you ever watched a company put out products and wondered if they were often an improvement of older products. Forgive me from making such a blatantly simple statement, but you will start to get where I’m going here. Can you see the company leader talking to the sound-design team and saying......listen, our last product had great ideas, and I don’t want you to get discouraged, but we need to improve here, and here, and here. In fact I see this all the time. A company goes and almost makes an opposite product. The IEM shell was creative but silly, so they made a conservative shell next time. There was perceived a lack of bass, so the next IEM has a boatload of bass. Really many things in the world show us this kind of procession of design. Remember the last dinner your family had that was too salty? Maybe you will never have to endure such taste again. You see everyone is going through this learning curve always, yet with Penon things are never ever so extreme. Penon just keeps doing what they do, and while personal subjectivity suggests that people will end-up picking favorites, Penon has never produced a bad IEM.

This phenomenon IS midrange, I mean Penon makes ISN audio which centers more on the bass side of things, to allow Penon branded products to romance the mids. So in all their carefulness Penon still utilized this 10mm driver, yet added hardware to arrive at an even better midrange.

Well of course it’s better, right? I mean this is the Penon Flagship? To me it’s simply more correct...........correct in that the Volt is more filled-in….......the painting has more detail. But also what happened is improved technicalities! Going with a full 7 drivers a side meant that there was more of a boost in imaging and spacial abilities. In case you have the ORB, everything is bigger and more separated….....this ends with becoming sounding more realistic. And realism adds to musical involvement due to timbre showing more instruments of the same tone, yet separated by character. It is this tonal timbre character that we spend the money on….....sure details are more itemized, but beyond that phenomena…..stuff simply sounds more real, real due to better BA tone.

The Midrange:
The mids are by far the aspect here that is providing our overall character. It’s just that (sure) the bass is fully competent, and the treble fully goes ahead and promotes great imaging. But somehow (in memory) you will grab the Volt due to remembering how this midrange is. This may be actually not due to midrange ability, but could in-fact be how the bass and treble are integrated in? That single aspect is the genius at hand with the Volt. Combined with the fact that the Volt plays every genre of music and can be used with multiple (warm/midcentric) sources. So stop for a second and let that sink-in. A balance of all three bands (Treble/Mids/Bass) and balance inside of each band. What this results in is a full-bodied sound that simply doesn’t complain about what music genre is played…….the Volt eats it up!

Midrange technicalities:
Because of this midrange prominence here, the stage is littered with midrange imaging and transients. It’s again no mystery as to how and why the Volt gets chosen from a group of other IEMs. But the real kicker is timbre. As reviewers we are listening and reporting, yet once in a while this timbre ends something special. Still just so you know, I like hybrids best anyway………..but I truly understand why people at times avoid the use of BAs. Most all BAs have a taste of BA tone. That tone is often accepted or challenged as to what existent the BA itself provides realistic tone. For me anyway, besides note-weight, it ends up one of the top priorities to music replay. And…..with the Volt I am shaking my head almost in disbelief……..as timbre with those two Sonion BA units, is dead on accurate….at least to my hearing it is. This is simply one of the top priorities to making world-class playback. You have no idea how often I hear this BA response as off, or unbalanced, or both. When you add note-weight and great transient response into the equation, then combine that with correct FR……then you have what we have on offer. It’s special and should remain as an example of how to do things right. And……that is what a listening session is like, first the acknowledgment that the balance, timbre and note-weight is done right, then being swept away due to the fact.

The Bass:
Bass is often a disputed subject, except most of the time it is finding balance into which the bass is interpreted. I mean it gets judged just like anything else, except often there is slightly too much for personal taste or too little. This often will result in an IEM looked at as having limited uses. Meaning I like to look at it almost three ways. Is the bass good for Vocal music, or is it good for Rock, or can the IEM actually play EDM? Because very few IEMs play it all. But the Volt does. It’s is really a very small additive to get to this style of abilities, yet almost no-one can figure it out. I’m going to say this only one last time, but the Bass is miles better to me than the ORB. I’m even surprised it is the same driver? But the main distinguishing difference from the ORB bass it now this bass is infinitely cleaner. If someone was to ask me to describe the bass in two words I would say…..ample and clean. Yep that is it! But the extra add-on is the fact that with that cleanness comes (you guessed it) bass-timbre! If you’re wondering one of the main reasons I’m in-love with the Volt, it’s bass-timbre. Now the Volt is not perfect, and I hope I’m not giving that impression, but some qualities are close to perfect…….namely the bass style. So I’m the guy that always liked the Sony IER-Z1R in union with the mid-centric Sony WM1A, as the Sony WM1Z was slightly too bass heavy with it. So that is the style of bass that I’m into, fast, clear and timbrally correct. Now you may get the idea that the bass is somehow inadequate or something? Nope, don’t worry, as I’m pretty sure it will make you smile!

Treble:
The highs are smooth……smooth with a hint of warmth. Though it’s due to their technicalities that they are able to get away with so much. Meaning (same as the midrange) it’s this huge spacial ability that separates elements into an approximation of reality and allows for such acceptance. Think broad and wide displays of sound with even smaller accents of tiny treble spacial elements put into itemizations placed further out into the stage. And all those ESTs doing it into which sound BAs are not capable of approaching, ESTs are simply more real sounding.

There is a very small section of lower treble that has tonal reserve, and this single element is probably the only section of the FR which is slightly noticeable as being not even and complete? But it is there, plan-as-day. This artifact is going to be more or less noticeable considering how much of the exact frequency band is utilized in a particular song. Meaning later in the music section I will outline where this takes place in one example. Still it's not on every song or even all the time. I’m guessing this is a defect of (lower-treble) EST playback and difficult to work around?

Does it matter?
Not to me, it doesn’t matter. Let me explain.

If you buy the Volt, one of the most amazing tricks is have a DAP playing non-stop. Any time at all you can pick-up your Volt IEMs and place them in your ears to listen. You may encounter songs you know, or it maybe songs you’re unfamiliar with.

This trick actually works better with songs you’re unfamiliar with.

Upon hearing this new song, the music is unquestionably beautiful, and correctly played, better than that, the song sounds like a song that could be your favorite. Yep, every new song you find! I have never experienced this phenomena with any IEM before, at times maybe a little bit, but never to this existent. It was always like this is needed, or that needed, but never that every song was almost perfect, even songs I never heard before in my life?

Build:
First-off the size is maybe slightly larger than what would be thought of as medium, maybe not? Though I would almost call it medium? At six grams each they seem to be the perfect weight, as the shape kind-of fits into the ear, yet not too low-weight, being able to give a subtle feedback as to being there, but just slightly. In all honesty I was surprised by the fit with my medium-sized ears, seemingly fitting perfect. While other designs show-off more of the universal-custom design method by accessing the human ear database, here we are offered partial universal-custom and part regular IEM design. Where the form doesn’t fit quite as deep as universal customs, yet truly they are the perfect fit. Besides the Penon Globe, they are the best fitting Penon IEM to me, not so clunky in demeanor as the Penon Serial or H40, and not so small as the Vortex. Truly I need some size to allow the IEM to find its natural placement, not needing adjustment every time like the Vortex in use. Also the nozzle length is optimal, where deeper nozzles do fit, I find this ultimately more comfortable than the (outlier long) length of the Fan 2’s nozzle. There is a lip on the nozzle which goes to hold tips on. Both the included clear silicone ear-tips, and my standard wide-bore silicone ear-tips fit great. Probably the most important aspect of the nozzles (besides length) is the fact that every ear-tip I tried instantly found a static position, never sliding forward or backwards. This single factor meant there was never a physical adjustment needed before ear-placement, and after a while I owned the luxury of never even needing to check, as the perfect positioning on the nozzle was already known. It’s the small things like tip positioning and the big things like overall fit and size/weight that can go to optimize the listening experience. We all know that optimal fit and comfort can mean more and more as listening times are extended for hours on end. It is true that fit can be hit or miss at times due to personal ear anatomy, still there are in the end, roundabout good standard IEM designs, and the Volt represents such values to me.



The Volt is also offered as a CIEM for an additional $80.00. The 0.78 2 pin is flush to the side of the build adapting to most cables. The offering of 4 Sonion ESTs a side is first in my experience, offering a noticeable difference from the three (2 Sonion ESTs a side) other IEMs I own. Of course this depends on a multitude of factors such as bass to treble balance and treble implementation into the sound signature, still I seemed to notice a slightly more (worked-out) presence and fuller stance, a bigger treble character upon listening. We are gifted with 2 totally amazing Sonion BAs a side for midrange. I say this as Sonion is my favorite manufacture of BAs, offering a richer and more realistic texture along with getting ahead of Knowles in the R&D with regards to BA timbre correction. I know this sounds like a new-toy style of comment, but these 4 Sonion seem to produce the closest to real-life timbre in all my IEM experience. That sounds like a pretty big accolade to bestow upon the Volt, though it my be just how everything is arranged as to the final sound? Meaning I don’t know if it’s the quality of the BAs, or implementation and tuning?

And finally the reincarnation of the original ORB 10mm DD. Such an additive (as talked about earlier) really becomes such a different beast in the Volt. Meaning upon hearing both the ORB and Volt side by side, there is (it seems) such better Volt bass? Where again the Volt drivers seems to cover-up any of the 10mm artifacts heard in the ORB? That or it’s the crossover to allow a more tailored flow of bass information for the old ORB driver to chew-on? What comes out the nozzle into your ears is a cleaner, optimized and faster DD experience. The Volt produces a smooth and refined tone, as being one of the best Hybrids to included a dynamic driver IMO. Once again the Volt proves (to this listener) why above all other methodologies, I still prefer Hybrids. And for you nomenclature buffs, Tri-brids are still technically Hybrids, as even four styles of drivers would still be termed a Hybrid.




Penon VOLT Flagship 4 Electrostatic+ 2BA + Dynamic Driver Hybrid 2Pin 0.78mm HiFi Audiophile In-ear Monitor


Specification
Driver: Sonion 4 electrostatic + Sonion 2 Balanced Armature + 10mm dynamic driver
Impedance: 12ohm@1khz
Sensitivity: 114db@1khz@1mw
Frequency response 15-80Khz
Connector:2pin 0.78mm
Plug:2.5mm balanced
Cable: single crystal copper silver-plated
Length: 1.2m

Package
Penon volt
2.5mm balanced female to 3.5mm audio male adapter
2.5mm balanced female to 4.4mm balanced male adapter
Memory Foam eartips SML X1
Silicone eartips SML X 3
Cleaning brush
Earphone bag
Clip



Ear-tips:
It needs to be noted I received an extra set of clear-silicone wide-bore ear-tips. Such ear-tips show in the very front row of this photo. No other photographs of the Volt included tips showed these wide-bore tips included? If this is a first for Penon I like it, as the included clear silicone wide-bore tips are very much like my standard use tips only slightly longer but fit perfect.


Above photo provided by Penon.

Color scheme:
In pictures the Volt appears one way, as pictures are only pictures. In hand the Volt holds an originality of color and design. Much of this takes place because each cable (included or Totem Cable) is a different tone of blue. And for that matter the shell color scheme is also based on different blue tones. The Totem cable and the included cable differ as both are often joined with the Volt to gain styles of sonic success. The Totem is darker and the included cable is lighter, yet with the faceplate and back of shell all of this seems to somehow work out.

What it provides in the end is this new style of quirky (audiophile) class. An over-all tone mixture just as original and freaky as you would guess an audiophile would like. A different aesthetic showing each element proclaiming visual detail and extravagant elegance, in the end making the Volt one-of-a-kind. Once you have the Volt in your hand, its hard to forget.

The fact I started to ask myself what other color scheme would I want? Black is normally my preference, I mean I’m a little boring in that I like the form to bring about excitement, not the color. Except when you have the Volt in hand and you start to get to know it, the shades of blue are very subtle and non-offensive. Just like the Volt sounds, there is this personality which emerges, and I am not alone in this perception. The Volt simply looks better with cables in person. It’s such a gem that find yourself taking quick peeks from afar.

Music section:

KMFDM
IN DUB
“SUPERHERO DUB”
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
It is my privilege and my pleasure to introduce this music testing segment. As we start with our listening we have two variations of understanding. First we are responsible for assessment of correctness in replay, then a form of pure musical enjoyment takes place, as we let go and let the music take us. This first song I choose for many specific reasons. It’s a perfect example of both the Volt’s balance and abilities. Technicalities and FR are showcased here a number of ways. For starters this is a Dub music song. Such a style of music genre proclaims bass as its driving force. Bass (in general) is funny as it can become a correcting aspect for an IEM at times. If the IEM doesn’t regularly produce enough bass, a bass heavy song will allow balance to be heard……where combating the bass-shyness, the song will start to sound normal with the added bass. Here we don’t have any of those kind of issues, mainly what we want to know here is if the bass is reproduced in a correct amount to make the song a factual reality of the recording. As some (other) IEMs will de-emphasize the bass levels and leave us with an unsatisfying approximation of what the song is trying to do. Here the Volt simply does what it does, which is to offer a transparent yet (slightly) subdued (yet satisfying) rendition of bass. Meaning I’ve of course heard this song more bass intense, obviously…….but that doesn’t mean this version is wrong, maybe this is a slightly subdued way the music was supposed to sound like. Meaning everything is slightly smoothed out to a point which goes ahead and furnishes extra listenability.

I know you know what I mean when I talk about long listening runs into the night where you really don’t want over-the-top crazy loud bass replay, what your after is a style of authentic poised realism, which comes off more relaxing and complete in the end. More complete because every aspect of the music is balanced, so in many ways this IS the audiophile experience only maybe slightly warmer than what we think of as pure audiophile. But because of this intrinsic balance now the vocals of Lucia Cifarelli come into view and are of no danger of being overtaken despite this being a Dub song. Also small accents in percussion make it out into the stage, again being known due to this style of ultimate balance provided. And while often musicality is at the expense of technicalities, here somehow we are provided both in exquisite fashion?

At just 00:00 the toms come in instantly as an introduction, they are heard in totally correct timbre and showcase the processed decay as what is apparently natural. Meaning these toms can be done a few ways, though here I would say is my (tonal) reference for them, in addition to how they are placed into the stage. At just 00:02 the bass starts, the way Dub style is you are given primarily the same intensity of bass through-out the song, from start to finish. This effect shows a structure to the message and an unmoving rhythm to understand. At 00:05 the guitar accents come in, I call them accents as the chords are subservient to the bass rhythm. Here the guitars are showing a kind of phase-shift and a placement into the far reaches of the stage, on the outskirts of possible width. So now we have our sonic picture. The bass in the center, the guitar in the outer reaches and I almost for got the downbeat…….coming in a millisecond before the bass is first heard at 00:02. In a way this song structure holds firm, never changing too much for the whole 06:03 length. While much of the changes center around this walking bass, which can stop walking momentarily at 00:50 which in itself becomes a way of increasing focus into Lucia Cifarelli’s vocals. Such slightly quieter times in the song allow us to hear the vocal effects to her voice, and while I wouldn’t call the vocals in this song as stand-out-ish they serve the number being integral and of perfect use, while not really forward. It’s surprisingly the drum effects which (in-this-style-of-music) get showcased. The drums effects are of the processed echoing toms and strange sampled horn jabs. All and all it’s an aquarium of sonic soup which all of a sudden we find ourselves swimming in……..and liking it. And just like that the song is over, yet it seemed like only 2 minutes in length due to our participation! All and all this album has an uncanny evenness of playback, as I could have chosen any song and the acceptability would have been on par with this single example. Somehow the Volt makes everything simply smooth and digestible, while still parlaying the mood of the music?

Hans Zimmer
The Dark Knight Rises (OST)
“Mind If I Cut In?”
192 kHz - 92 bit
The great part of this song is the bass drop at 02:06 and while that’s an unmistakable thrill which we will get into, with the Volt the whole song offers a special place right from the start. The violins talk timbre character right off at 00:04, allowing for a form of realism here. Two groupings of fiddles here with space between them........almost interacting a conversation? In fact violin tone is one of the main determining factors of realism. Why? They offer a chance to either become off-timbre holding either a metallic tinge, or even a subdued off down-tuned profile, that can affect how they sit in relief against the backdrop. But in fact it’s much simpler that. Are strings played correct or not? While the Volt is not perfect, Violin replay goes to explain that these Sonion BAs are dead-on accurate. At 00:42 the piano keys arrive, actually they arrive sooner with a subtle keys played in the background to form a rhythm of sorts. But this main section out in front once again portrays theses subtle nuances of reality, correct timbre once again. Yet there are other ingredients to our tone fascination here. Yep, note-weight and decay. The echo of each note as they gain in volume, I could go on, but you get the message. Wait….I have to go on, I’m inspired by the Volt to ramble, and rambling I am, like a mad man, only I’m not drooling here.

The genius of Hans Zimmer is his use of progression (in sounds) to bring up the involvement. Remember the slight faint (subtle) keys that I refused to talk about in the beginning? Well at the 01:48 mark they are approaching more noticeability, they are louder and instrumentation has been added to them. They are of deeper tone and more complex, a subtle departure from the single piano keys with reverb at the start, they are still carrying the rhythm and pace here, only bigger.

And finally at 02:06 the bass hits, full of dynamics and thrills. It’s the brightness of the piano and the darkness of the bass in contrast……and we forgot to ask ourselves what the bass was like? But what do you mean, this is a song review inside an IEM review, and you pretty much have to comment on this bass quality, it’s what this whole set of paragraphs lead up to? The reason I didn’t as is I didn’t have to. It was close to perfect, right in the zone, and increasing in volume for a moment around 02:48. It’s this swelling of bass this single synthesized element here, that is almost the focus of the song, for a moment. Until around 03:07 when the subtle keys (those lightweight tones providing pace) arrive again to take us to the end. In summery the Volts do exactly what I come to this song for. The Volt isn’t exactly showy as it is more loyal to the truth of the music, and never over does any one thing too much, once again the quality of balance is at hand. Though through this feature somehow whole albums become digestible, where these are not headphones that make a single song of an album stick-out. They are more or less about making the vibe of the whole album known, with no sonic mishaps found. In truth the Volt has a way of being ultimately conservative and friendly to any album. Friendly to every genre and any source be it warm or bright.



Hans Zimmer
The Dark Knight Rises (OST)
“On Thin Ice”
192 kHz - 92 bit
While the last song talked about here became intensely beautiful, it’s almost too simplistic to even be considered an entire song, yet it serves its purpose in the movie. While I imagine that’s just how this music is created? That Zimmer is siting watching the film and asking how the music will enhance the emotion to the audience? Then he brings the music to the orchestra and they record it while watching the film sequence, and reading the music? On Thin Ice relays a different set of emotions and serves existing as one of my favorite pieces to understand both bass and treble. Again the building of suspense and intrigue and a walking onto the ice takes place. This song starts with a variation of the movies theme and builds upon it to provide the message. At the 00:28 mark we hear two counterpointing themes which interlock almost? As the violins approach from at 00:25 and mix with the ongoing synth structure, this subtle detail is why we are here. At 00:52 the overall timbre of the violins sets the mood, and I don’t understand how it could be played any better? I have heard this song hundreds of times, and know it like the back of my hand. At this point we realize (if we haven’t yet realized earlier) that this is a slightly sad song, that is the emotion they are connecting to. Subsequently the very reason (or at least one of the reasons) people visit the theater. Emotion is why they came…..to feel something…..anything. And further-on in the movie we witness brighter themes, they are of contrast to how this song plays-out. But to a sound junky the song becomes more, an example of mixing of sonic elements into an event. An event which takes skill and balance, timbre and stage, deep lows and well done highs…..with this song the experience doesn’t lie, it is ether done right or the feeling is lost.

At 02:15 we hear a faint reoccurring of those slight synth-rhythms, then the bomb hits…….At 02:16 the ultimate bass drop occurs. Deep and textured……all of it. While maybe this style of bass is so good that it makes many IEMs shine, still we have to give credit where credit is due. As here we are witnessing everything…..the pure emotion that the song has to give, a completeness in the fact that every layer was heard simultaneously with every constituent given its far share of light. The results are a thrill that simply never gets old.



Hans Zimmer
The Dark Knight Rises (OST)
“Gotham’s Reckoning”
192 kHz - 92 bit
Forgive me for my obsession with this OST, and in fact a number of (other) albums could be chosen to relay the style of replay the Volt is up for? It’s just there is so much here to chew-on, so much talent in both the recording skill and performance level, let alone the song/music writing, coming-off world-class. IMO In fact the Volt is just sitting here almost timeless, as timeless as recorded music is. The Volt simply replays what ever it’s given with absolute accuracy. In fact it’s meaningless which music I choose, as the Volt plays it all. Where often people will hold specific IEMs to do certain genre replay and leave it at that to become enamored with an IEMs value. Here the accomplishment of Penon Audio to make something so well rounded, it simply plays it all. While of course you will have IEMs that do this or that possibly better, I can almost guarantee you don’t have a well-rounded performer to the extent of the Volt’s personality. I haven’t heard all the IEMs in the world, but I have heard a few, and the Volt does the most albums correctly with a style of effortless that is surprising to encounter.

This song ends-up super important in our musical study. Due to the wood blocks or what ever is clapping at the 00:48 mark, we are met finally with some sort of Volt off-personality. The reason I note this is simply due to the sheer number of times I’ve heard this, the tone is embedded into my psyche. And the tone is ever so slightly different. So much so that I chose this song way ahead of time and sequenced it here to make a point. That this single tone we are met with a choice. Now it probably has to do with the lower treble personality, that where the ESTs perform incredibly well, there is that area in-which they have a slight lesser tonal frequency out-put. Now remember this is the only place on this entire OST that this small frequency diminishment became apparent. And I’m not really complaining, as in time maybe with multiple listens I will get more used to the tone, but I have heard it about 4 times and it still sticks out slightly. No big deal, but it is a kind-of combination of the perfect storm here for the Volt. A high profile sound and a fast robust intense instrument that shows a small crack in this crystal clear wonderful facade? Is this a deal breaker, no not for me, but I would not be doing my job with-out full disclosure of such an event. In the end the Volt is simply what it is, a fabulous idea of what an IEM could be, and while not perfect, that doesn’t motivate me to dislike it in anyway. Call this artifact a birthmark, or a blemish of sorts. Now the wild thing is after countless albums I really don’t hear this sonic mishap appearing again, yet it just so happens to be in one of my favorite test songs here?



KMFDM
Paradise
“Oh My Goth”
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
I know, same band as the first music I used. Oh well, I’m writing the review here and I get to chose my favorite music, not you. A different album and a more traditional sound for the band. This song is used to show atmospherics, pace/bass, as well as how the vocals go together as well as pace. Over all I have listened to this album since its release and have slowly become enamored as to the sonics. So far this is the 12th Penon/ISN IEM I’ve tested the song with, not to mention the almost countless others I went to dig-up (to see) if they were up to the task. If I can be so generalizing as to say the number one thing right off is mood.

Mood:
Yep, the Volt somehow gets this songs mood down? And mood is one thing that maybe it’s timbre, maybe it’s the bass, whatever it is you can’t really overanalyze it, it just is. An example of the human quality, that part of this hobby that can’t fully be put into numbers or FR graphs. Yes, you can get an idea as to an IEMs demeanor by reading graphs or reading reviews, except the proof is simply in playing a song you like and the total outcome of such a task. With that said, there is always going to be a part of this IEM testing business that is beyond numbers or even words to describe. Of course I can do my best, but that still doesn’t guarantee you will hear things same as I. There are so many variables to this, the upstream equipment, the ear-tips, the ear anatomy, the hard-wired sound preferences that everyone seems to own. Still I can relate one specific thing…..that in many ways timbre could possibly hold the key to finding involvement to many variations of FR. What I’m saying is when you hear an IEM for the first time there may be slightly more of a connection to realistic timbre which in fact undermines the involvement with the IEM over simple frequency response. Why? Because realness can overcome almost variations in frequency response likes, or preferences. This simply creates entertainment due to realistic music through which we end-up finding involvement. Instruments simply draw us in due to their naturalness. Now combine that with (the Volt’s) well roundedness and the ability to perform many sonic jobs and perform with consistency, and that is what we have! A style of even, correct and completeness in frequency that challenges many IEMs that are out there.

The wolf-howls at the 00:07 mark right after the rain sounds and thunder clashes show us ambiance is correct as well as positioning and stage. There is a light spray sound or a rustle noise at 00:13 that shows treble response. At 00:15 the bass starts-up…….fully centered in tone and timbrally accurate. Probably it’s the bass intensity and volume of it that leads to a feeling of correctness? At 00:23 the guitars (out-to-both-sides) give us reassurance that all is well and we are at home with this style of replay. Is this the best I have ever heard this? Well it’s maybe the most accurate I have ever heard this, where the IER-Z1R does a thrilling more bombastic rendition, yet that’s not 100% perfect either. It’s 50% one way and 50% another……I’m so spoiled. Both are correct and entertaining in their own right. Where here the bass is slightly more positioned and more controlled. Yet when the vocals come in they are more forward with the Volt (than the IER-Z1R) for whatever that’s worth. Still not in a position like you may find with vocal-centric forward IEMs, yet all is in balance here, and the replay sounds as one. As 00:30 arrives so do those vocals, and an interesting thing happens where we can hear every little detail of the sung words by Lucia Cifarelli. Now if you were not a fan of her style before, this playback gives you more clues as to her genius. The emphasis in “adrift” and “shipwrecked” as those words are sung gets us simply closer to her, and apart of her idea of music. Seemingly she is alive, and right in-front of us, in our room. Thus the miracle of recording…….the reenactment of another time, yet the time-machine of replay bringing her once more alive. Are these vocal IEMs? They are everything IEMs.

At 00:43 we are now witnessing vocal reverberations from her, such artifacts of sound processing are now pushed-out into the stage, off the sidewalls of our personal venue. The main thrust is from the complete compound in the drums, bass and guitars in a style of sonic-matrix which is both a composite and fully dissectible upon hearing……this force in the song is really the rhythm and energy that all else bounces-off of. All purely natural and the way it should be. Probably the upper harmonics flowing just as they should be, being positioned outside of the stage, as well as all the rest of the ingredients of this sonic stew in correct proportion. Such attributes make this song complete and fully rewarding. It’s the quickness of the bass thumps that gets us the pace we are after…..the fact that this is a grooving affair with very little waist. At 03:24 there are wonderful EST cymbal accents that hold both attack and decay character as well as positioning into the stage. They are not the brightest and are shown as slightly faint, yet totally entertaining being they are itemized into the stage and placed well in prefect relief against the rest of the music. At 03:34 a style of drunk guitar lead happens….as if placed here as an after-thought, yet taking center stage. Such aloofness only arrises through seasons of KMFDM music, and inspired confidence to challenge the expected. At approximately 03:45 the guitar lead leaves us, as saying all it needed to say, doing all it needed to do. It reminds us of those inspirational one-offs that could and would never be played the same way again. As the fans cheer-on…………..

To tell you the truth this may have been the best I ever heard the song, at least my thoughts actually changed while listening. The vocals came more forward, the rhythm a little more clear. In the end maybe this isn’t a contest of sorts but an experience of another take on fun, simply the fun of hearing what may be the most accurate and correct rendition so far, in my history. Sure I’ve heard it with more slamming bass textures, but all of a sudden I’m questioning the real-life accuracy of such displays? And that’s when you know you have found paradise, when a IEM is moving you to show you how its ideas are the right ones, not yours.

Disclaimer:
All music testing was done with the Sony WM1Z and included cable. And while I’m about to go into cables in the next section, it should be noted that the included cable here is special and totally adequate or even better than adequate for understanding fully what the Penon Volt is.



Cable Tests:
1) Penon Solar
2) Penon OSG
3) Penon Leo Plus
4) Penon Vocal
5) ISN G4
6) Penon Totem
7) Penon included Volt cable

Above is the list of a few cables to comment on, actually I tried a few more different cables, but these were notable in results. All and all this goes to explain how you can tailor your Volt experience to align the sound response to your aspirations and desires. While in many ways this was a journey and a learning experience, with the Volt there is no real wrong way to utilize a cable personality, or DAP personality for that matter. Meaning the Volt has a friendliness about it that allows leeway to occur when trying new equipment. And while I am already familiar with each cable, there was a transparency brought forth, while at the same time a slight resistance to change, that wasn’t looked at as a bad thing…..it just is what it is. Where there can be times (with different IEMs) where a specific trait is somehow focussed on and brought-forth into view. Here the Volt was more of a conservative style of replay, that ended endearing none-the-less. First off the included cable is really really nice. I mean remember Penon Audio is a cable builder first, they make way more cables than IEMs. So don’t you feel their first flagship would come with a specialized cable? In fact I was surprised due to this exact cable never being released before. And here is someone who has done their share of ISN/Penon cable reviews. While the cable is guessed to be much like the Penon Audio OS849, in a Litz formation consisting possibly of 68% crystal-copper and 32% silver. The weave is hand-done and incredibly tight for the size. This tightness produces a slight heaviness which becomes a joy in regular daily use. As it comes in standard 2.5mm termination, then a pigtail is provided in both 3.5mm and 4.4mm to adapt it to your source. And while the adapter is slightly noticeable with regular use at first, it becomes second nature to deal with it on a regular basis. Actually I liked this cable way more than previously guessed. I mean I received the $799.00 Totem cable months before the Volt. The two (Volt/Totem) are twins in fame, allowing an upgraded sound from the regular included cable. Call me a fan of underdogs because with all this hoopla concerning the Totem and Volt I was expecting slightly more. Meaning I looked at the two Volt and Totem together for almost a year before finally meeting them up, I guess I was expecting the sky to open and me to be transported to audiophile heaven!

And don’t get me wrong the Totem is a big improvement to the Volt, I’m just not sure it’s advisable for everyone to basically have to get the Totem cable to go with their Volt? And while I kept rotating back and forth between the two to get you the lowdown on the Totem, I can’t help but just appreciate the included cable.

Actually I kind-of feel sorry for the included cable as it doesn’t even have a proper name? Except when you use it you kinda realize it was specifically made for the Volt IEM…….It’s the Volt’s cable and will forever be known as such a thing. And I’m not alone in my sentiment here, as if you take time to read the threads, we fans of the Volt cable are in numbers. And while the cable refrains from having ear-hooks, it kind-of forms its own ear hooks as it gains a permeant bend in shape over your ears.

Here is the bottom line on my thoughts about the Totem cable: Yes, it is a 10% improvement. Yet if on a budget it’s far better to simply get the Volt with the included cable and bask in the joy of it all. While Penon has redesigned the Totem and used a 3-in-1 cable plug set-up, they reduced the Totem price from $799.00 to $699.00 due to not needing to include the Totem pigtails. Still $699.00 is almost the equal price of the whole Volt package. So my finals words on these choices is get the Volt and see if you blend with the overall tone, yet be informed that the Totem and Volt do totally go together and the results are synergistic. Meaning that extra 10% somehow starts to show like a 50% improvement, maybe a 100% improvement after you acclimate to really what you are hearing. It’s just like anything, that expensive restaurant isn’t 10 times better than the regular eating establishment, but the experience of eating at the high-priced place is unforgettable, where having a meal at the regular place you eat at will most likely be forgotten in time. The times when you utilize the Totem with the Volt are unforgettable and unique in my experience?

The Penon Solar cable:
Slightly airy and holographic in nature. Taking the Volt sound to a bigger place with a wider/taller stage and lighting pace. A great addition though could we find better? Slightly thinner than the Totem, yet airy and a lot of fun.



The Penon OSG cable:
For weight reference the OSG comes in at 34 grams with 4.4mm connections. In reference to the included cable at 40 grams (by itself) and 50 grams with the 4.4mm pigtail. Yet here we are in-store for a treat, yep. The Penon OSG is quite the transformer to regular audio. Offering a new style of clarity originating from a blacker background. A faster (denser) bass and a more harmonically distilled playback, while offering slightly more contrast due to this backdrop. A win for the Volt and a great find as maybe a better improvement over stock? Love it!

The Penon Leo Plus Cable:
A fuller midrange not as weighted down by the sheer sonic density of the OSG. While much of the same change in many ways from stock, we find the backdrop is not quite as black as the OSG, with a more congealed and even style of playback response. Things are more held together without the space in-between…….yet there is something more? A playfulness, I don’t know what else to call it. The Leo is only slightly lighter (toned) and offering amazing harmonic additions in almost an effervescent way. The cat is out of the bag and offering its very own take on our experience. Really the OSG and Leo Plus offer both a slightly different style of improvement, yet both are totally cool and a way to go. The question is, would you rather have a deep clarity of the OSG, or the more (complex) playful mids the Leo provides, both are ever so slightly different that the included wire and both fun!

The Penon Vocal Cable:
Slightly less detailed (than OSG/Leo Plus) except the spacious stage fills-in to almost make up for this. And yes, it does again what it is famous for, extending the vocal presence. Rolling-off the treble ever so slightly and neutering the bass slightly to become a lighter bass though not as lightweight as the Penon Solar. As mainly I view the Vocal Cable as a better match for darker IEMs, still it’s quite something here, especially with how cool the whole soundstage has become? The stage is big as you would expect would happen if you maximize the pinna region. Big grandiose imaging, and I can’t help but think there will be future fans of this combo regardless of the $69.00 value price the Vocal can be obtained for. In a way the Vocal becomes a great alternative to the included cable, being it’s so different.

The ISN G4 Cable:
Another sentimental cable here at Redcarmoose Labs. But that’s with prior IEM creations. Here the G4 maximizes the stage finding incredible separation and while there is an added warmth with some IEMs, here it is slightly less noticeable? Probably the bass, the deep bass attenuation reduces the bass too much. It’s still there, but not at the levels the included cable or OSG bring to the table. Still this style of imaging and speed could be intoxicating? Faster, lighter and still holding a tinge of that Penon warmth, it’s just maybe not totally optimized in this union? Though I could end up used to it, it would take a day maybe, but nothing bad or even not listenable, as this totally works……………it’s just sequencing. Meaning the order you hear cables in has a lot about how you perceive them to be, and it’s difficult to rearrange that once you started. IEMs are exactly the same way, as it isn’t the quality of what you have in your hands, but in reference to the sound quality you have been listening to. But all and all it’s really good, just not the best in this group, except I could totally spend a week with this set-up if it was all I had, as its still darn musical.



The Penon Totem Cable:
The answers to all your burning questions is yes, gloriously yes. What? You want itemizations on specific points…..well OK, I’m game. A more fluid Volt, a bigger staged Volt. A more expanded and cohesive Volt. Images become bigger and of more vibrancy into formation. Pace besides being fluid has a blacker background which enhances everything, I will repeat everything. Guitars have this crunchy tone only that tone has always been there except we were never so close to it. It was never so big……so traveling inside its like entering a building with this furniture that is simply closer and farther away, yet we can experience it up close and in detail. Is detail a big part of this new sound, it probably is, only it’s at a point so close you don’t look at as detail anymore? Even though that’s what it is. Detail becomes true timbre/reality to behold and ponder. I could maybe spend way more time with this, except maybe you have dishes to wash and dogs to walk. I have made my point.


The included cable is one of the best cables ever for the Volt experience. IMO Note the pigtail adapters to add the 2.5mm to either 3.5mm or 4.4mm.

Side-by-sides:
Here is a path to discovery, and some weigh the comparisons between IEMs to encase the ultimate reality. As through contrast we can fully comprehend sonic attributes. In recent times I’ve placed my side-by-sides closer to the front of the review as a way to introduce a signature. And such a placement would work here too, yet this is where they are. As in daily life I hold the Volt to offer a complementary tone, as it is somehow more balanced than the IER-Z1R, and obviously more balanced than the Noble Audio Kaiser 10 Encore. So offering a more down-to-earth and middle-of-the-road style of playback, yet seemingly placed it in the top three of my collection. And it’s funny how love emotions go, as at times the IER-Z1R is my favorite, then the Encore becomes my favorite, then other times the Volt becomes my favorite. But I was asked which is the very best Penon IEM, and you already know what I would say. It’s simply found due to technicalities and completeness, as better IEMs simply make the music more real, that’s all. And more real means it's more emotionally satisfying. Most of this also centers around timbre, as we know the brain will allow for variations of frequency response as long as it gets its timbre. Such is life, as we have all walked-into different live music locations to hear a wide-range of playback. Those live music events were moving regardless of tone. Yet of course headphone listening is different than live music perception, yet sound perception does share a few similarities. The difference is you can change your avenue by changing your IEMs. Yep, it is having the ability to experience many different variations in tone of music you already know, with-in the confides of your own home………simply by changing the IEM. We live in truly wonderful times! And still if you are a single monogamous style of lover, that too is provided by the Volt, and variations can be found with alternative cables if you so choose to partake of them. This completeness of tone and realism of playback is real with the Volt, its performance habit forming. Could I walk off into the sunset with the Volt singularly with-out looking back? Maybe I could? It’s that complete, and that technical, the sound is at once both provocative and down-to-earth. The tone is (at once) both fun and easy going, and maybe a first here at Redcarmoose Labs to showcase such opposite values?

The Encore:
While playing with only 10 BAs a side, the Encore goes about its day offering more BA tone. Where the Volt is happy to proclaim more realism and a softer yet more detailed (think smoother) rendition of those treble elements in daily life. The Encore displays an incredibly forward treble shelf that does emit BA tone and timbre, yet we still start to acclimate to the slightly unnatural tones, you know like that stiff drink that you really don’t like, but drink anyway for affect. Vocals are closer with the Encore, closer and of emphasis in detail……….this occurs when you set-back the bass and lower mids and spread-out a singular (treble) aspect of the signature. As many of us know, part of this equation is one of balance and the Encore is not exactly balanced, but lovable. In contrast to the Volt the Encore signature now is all treble shelf. With-in that shelf is a more forward spectacle of all the musical elements that reside there, being opened-up like a package and spread all over the soundstage room. While after 8 days listening to the Volt, such contrasts are even more vivid. A bass which is set-back way farther than the Volt, yet well executed and detailed. It should be noted I’m using the Totem Cable here to transform the Encore into a beast, a lovable beast….but still a beast none-the-less. It’s the Encore's wide-stage that is over-compensating for all, yet once that stage grabs hold of your emotions, all is lost….as you are kidnapped and shanghaied aboard this sailing vessel. Off to sea, gone……..missing-in-action…..never to return.

The Sony IER-Z1R:
The bass is of course boosted in relation to the Volt. Still that is not an issue here as we already knew that to be a case. But the Volt bass is in a different position, in a carefully orchestrated repositioning that affords a style of clarity for all the rest of the frequencies. Where the IER-Z1R bass is wider into the stage (not just because of quaintly) it’s just a slower and different style of driver. The IER-Z1R is less controlled but moving in presence still, possibly some of the very best bass to bestow audiophile-dom? Still for many this bass gets old as it really is slightly overpowering the rest of the FR. What this does in the end is make the IER-Z1R both great, but possibly not as well rounded as the Volt. And while the mids of the IER-Z1R have had numerous arrows shot at them over the years, that’s really the deal here. Where the Volt is perceived as mid-centric, the IER-Z1R definably is not……not ever. So it is what it is, two great but different sound signatures. The IER-Z1R offers, just like the Encore a bigger front to back imaging and involvement. Where the Volt maintains a soundstage more up and down, and side-to-side. This forward and back table-top display is real, and it’s important to sonic-interaction here, yet despite of that, the Volt still keeps (a rotating position) in the top 3. While nothing is perfect, no matter what the midrange of the IER-Z1R is, it remains as stale as four-day-old bread. It is simply what the IER-Z1R midrange is, and the Volt exists in contrast to such a mid-range personality. Regardless the IER-Z1R is a fully-distracting IEM and remains one of the most entertaining IEMs I've ever heard.




Conclusion:
What is the Volt? Quite simply its Penon’s attempt at perfection. Almost a "money is no object" attempt at sonic success. Of course many High Line IEMs have come and gone since October 2020 and the Volts introduction. Still that doesn’t lessen the impact of what the Volt can be in your life. The Volt is forgiving, but not forgiving to a fault. I have been introduced to handfuls of IEMs which offer forgiveness through the lack of dynamics. But the Volt still has a boisterous style of dynamics regardless of the forgiveness present. I have used this word way too much but have to bring it back for the conclusion…..it’s balance, that and timbre that propels the Volt forward. This isn’t any style of balance, no the Volt is one of the best, if not the best balanced IEMs I’ve ever laid hands on. Oh, and Timbre? It has the best timbre I’ve ever heard. Guess what happens when you mix those two ingredients?

While the Volt is not perfect, it’s a lot of perfection for $799.00…..and maybe all you need, it’s in a way all I need. There is just this easy going way about the Volt that exudes truth and romance. Such accolades are maybe too lofty for an IEM review? I don’t care I have no other words left. It’s simply an IEM that you can place into your ears and arrive at one with the music, as you seem to be just slightly closer to what the musical message is intended to be? At the same time there is also a distance, a way of hearing all your files, because the Volt makes all your music interesting and fun. Such an IEM personality is likable. The Volt makes friends with every cable (pretty much) you have, all the sources you have, and your whole music library. If you think that is just by coincidence, it’s not. Penon have chosen the Volt to represent their vision, as to how they want to be viewed. It’s the style of sound that they wish to go down in history as providing for the masses. This is a carefully orchestrated affair which has been thought of and executed in regards to every aspect of the IEM. Meaning it’s no accident the Volt looks the way it does. It’s no accident the Volt fits just how it does. And it’s no accident that the sound arrives at a certain tone.

The Volt is what a flagship should be…......a messenger. The messenger of a whole product line, expressing the values and traditions, only being an apex of such values. While some talk about the Volt as perfection and others talk of the Volt as containing partial perfection, I on the other hand place it in my top three favorite IEMs of all time. The Volt has many years of life ahead, as often timeless TOTL Flagships do. Why? Because the Volt offers a completeness of sorts, a full-course meal for the hungry……and best of all they offer sonic nourishment to the needy. Are you hungry for what the Volt brings? Only trying it will tell you, I’ve done all I can.

$799.00
https://penonaudio.com/penon-volt.html

Disclaimer:
I want to thank Penon Audio for the love and for the Penon Volt Universal IEM review sample.

Disclaimer:
These are one persons ideas and concepts, your results may vary.

Equipment Used:
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03
Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cord
Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10
AudioQuest Carbon USB
Shanling UA3 Dongle DAC/Amplifier 4.4mm

Introduction
Penon Volt is their third iteration of in house developed and tuned IEM after the Sphere and Orb.
As an IEM enthusiast / reviewer every few years something comes along that messes with your head then shortly afterwards messes with your bank account. It furthers what you define as a musical reference and makes the eventual return to your own collection a disappointment. For me, the Volt is an IEM that once dialled in simply disappears. It has a huge sound - monstrously dynamic yet graced with rare articulation and delicacy
throughout the top end of spectrum. Volt also has a smoothness, naturalness and sophistication, particularly with vocals and strings and brass that doesn't sound like any other IEM in my rotation. There is no grain, no harsh peaks, or phase issues from a tribrid setup.

Disclaimer: I purchased my own Volt and Totem cable from the Penon Audio with a introductory discount coupon. I am in no way affiliated with the company nor am I compensated in any way for writing this review.

My musical preferences and sonic objectives:
I am mainly into classical and Jazz music, but occasionally I listen to some 90's rocks and R&Bs.

I prefer earphones with a realistic timbre, even frequency response, separation / detail and good dynamics for orchestral music. This is a hard group to get right and there are times I’ve given up stage for timbre or detail. My earphone benchmark is the Sony IER-Z1R as this has been my goto for the past few months and I have considered it as a great all rounder IEM.


Presentation:
The Volt comes in a simple small sized packaging, provides the buyer with a quick and no gimmick unboxing experience. Outer box securely slides out with a tight tolerance. Inside the inner box, you’ll find yourself the complete package:

• Volt IEMs
• Braided single crystal copper + silver-plated cable in blue color
  (comes with 2.5mm balanced female to 3.5mm audio male adapter / 2.5mm balanced female to 4.4mm balanced male adapter)
• Assortment of eartips
• Blue carrying case
• Cleaning tool
• Metal clip

All of this is packed very firmly, padded without any room for movement.




Specification:
Drivers: 4 Sonion EST + 2 Sonion Balanced Armature + 1 10mm Dynamic driver
Impedance: 12ohm@1khz
Sensitivity: 114db@1khz@1mw
Frequency Response: 15-80Khz
Connector: 2pin 0.78mm
Plug: 2.5mm balanced with 3.5mm single ended and 4.4mm balanced pig tail adapters


Volt In-Ear Monitor
https://penon-official.com/product/penon-volt

Build
The build quality of the Volt is good. The blue tinted resin shells look great and feel very smooth and doesn't give any type of irritation. The shell is not exactly semi-custom type as it lacks a concha wing for better traction and grip inside the ear.

The size of the earphones is about right in between the medium to large sized shells. Fortunately, I got a perfect fit for them. I can easily wear them for many hours without any fatigue. I have relatively large ear canals and Azla sednaearfits ML tips worked really well with the Volt.




SOUND ANALYSIS

Bass
No doubt sporting one of the top tier bass performances I’ve heard from a dynamic driver setup, the Volt has solid impact that hits you fast and natural decay with extended subbass performance. It remains controlled and tight. Sub-bass is near bottomless and reaches as deep as I could hear or feel. The mid bass region has a bit more volume which gives the lower end its fuller and meatier feel. It is not huge but the impact is bigger. In fact, mid-bass might be a tad bit much in quantity for purists or those looking for a reference-tuned earphones. For those looking for a modestly boosted bass quantity with solid texturing and natural decay, I’d keep the Volt in mind.


Midrange
The Volt's mids are balanced but not a flat sounding. It has musical warmth in the lower mid-range which I categorize as the house signature of Penon. As such, the Volt's lower mids are quite full and meaty. For male vocals, the Volt sounds lush and full of emotion. Though lower mids are elevated, there’s absolutely no issue with it interfering with the rest of the Mid frequency range. In fact, I find Volt's midrange tonality and timber are some of the most natural in this price bracket. On top of natural tonality, Volt has excellent transparency and very good amount of details. Moving up to upper-mids, it is forward, with a clear presence and resonances. But it is not very aggressive. The decay is paced with musicality in mind, the crispiness of background instruments is slightly compromised but this emulates a weighty yet clean feel as instruments have appropriate amount of bite to them along with accurate body giving the Volt very organic feel.


Highs
Volt has what I’d consider a well-articulated and very resolving treble, with no audible peaks or dis-jointness that is typical in this region. Lower Treble to my ears are bit reserved and less emphasized. No negative surprises to be expected for the treble sensitive ones. There’s however a good sense of air and extension from the upper treble performance. As a natural-sounding IEMs, the Volt’s treble is neither bright nor dark. You will get enough sparkles, but if you are looking for a crispy, pronounced and abundant treble quantity, the Volt is not what you should look for.


Stage and Imaging
The Volt has very good stage with excellent width and height providing good amount of space in between. It does lack a bit of depth and layering when compared to the IER-Z1R but it still is well rounded. Instruments are evenly distributed without overlapping. Imaging maintains a good definition. All the vocals and instruments sound clear and realistic within controllable distances.



Select Comparisons

Volt vs iBasso IT07 (silver filter)

Both IEMs have a completely different tuning ideology. Volt focuses more on sound density sounding more full-bodied and with significant macro-dynamic focus. The IT-07 focuses more on stage, image, and overall layering.

IT07's bass is closer to “my ideal” which sounds faster, visceral and more intense. The Volt’s bass is comparably more relaxed, rounded with a touch more decay. Both of them have great bass clarity, but I found the IT07’s bass bit more textured, reaches a touch deeper with more agility.

Volt has a more forward midrange, with a larger imaging size. It is also slightly warmer. The IT07 is more neutral and realistic in terms of tonality. Volt puts the singer closer to the listener, but that is not saying the IT07 sounds distant. You could say it is more neutral and objective versus Volt’s involving and fun tuning.

IT07’s treble is very engaging and attacking. It is not sharp but compared to the Volt it is closer to the “in your face” sound. It has a more ‘brilliant’ signature whereas the Volt is smoother and more placid. The difference is more noticeable when playing high tempo music.

Imaging is very precise on both and they have the ability to place sound anywhere accurately on a stereo plane. Soundstage is similar, but I perceive bit more height on the Volt.



Conclusion
Elegant, dynamic and incredibly natural sounding, Penon's Volt sets the standard for musical communication in my experience. Sound is always engaging, the even balance and superb bass are perfect for rock and pop; the rich mids and articulate treble a classical music fan's dream.

Two months with Penon Volt and I had spent more time romping through my CDs and SACD rips for simple pleasure than I have done for years. This IEM revealed forgotten gems, recaptured precious moments, delivered classical works to make you weep or had you boogying the night away. Yes, they need long burn-in hours and I would have preferred a slightly deeper soundstage like the IER-Z1R, but can I find subjective fault with the delivered result? None at all. If you are not careful, reviewing equipment year-in-year-out can introduce a disconnect: you listen to sources, amps and transducers rather than what they are actually playing. In my experience, no other IEM connects you with the music quite like the Volt.

Fit, Build & Isolation
The Penon Volt features a superb build, worthy of its flagship status and the fit was perfect right out of the box, I sent my usual digital STL prints and it took 10 days to build which is pretty good time from my experience. The fit is quite deep (deepest of all my customs in fact) but not too compressive it’s very confortable. I can see people having a problem with the artist fit as compared to the usually more relaxed fit of audiophile CIEM. I personally love it but if you’re sensitive I would ask for a shallower insertion.



As you might notice in the picture above there are 3 sound tubes and 3 bores with only one larger bore at the exit so the Volt is somewhat of a horn bore design which is great to avoid was to enter the sound tubes. The 2 pin socket is not recessed which is something I generally prefer for a more secure fit this being said the sockets are tight and the cable secure.

The Volt comes with a very nice stock single crystal copper silver-plated copper cable with assorted colors to the Volt blue. The cable is 2.5mm and comes with a 3.5 and 4.4 pigtail extension.



Introduction
Like most people I know I have enjoyed Penon as an online shop, a trusted distributor of many brands I love like Dunu, Astrotec or ISN to name a few. Penon started building IEMs (the BS1 earbud in 2017) and great value for money cables (like OS849). In 2019 they launched their first IEM the Sphere and it was a success. Lately they have been on the roll with the Penon Orb I recently reviewed and the flagship cable Totem I’ll soon review.

The Volt is a tribrid sporting a 10mm dynamic driver for the lows, 2 Sonion balanced armatures for the mids and no less than 4 Sonion electrostatic drivers for the highs. Penon didn’t really write up a summary of the tuning goals and very little to no marketing happened at launch. This means I had no expectations and I simply blind purchased it based both on a few reviews I trust and on how good the Orb sounded to me and the trust I have in the brand to build a flagship that would fit my tastes. Let’s check out what is Penon’s take on a flagship with the Volt!



Sound
The Volt is one of those IEMs that from the get go I knew was going to be interesting as it clearly is a multi-faceted IEM with its own brand of sound. As you’ll see further down this review, there is more to the Volt than meets the eye upon first listen. This is largely based upon the fact it needs some experimenting to get the best out of it.

First thing I quickly noticed is how Volt needs power or rather good current to shine. It’s deceptive because at 12ohm it’s easy to drive loud enough, you could be fooled to think to stay in low gain with relatively conservative volume levels. But as I experimented I quickly found out it sounded best between medium and sometimes high gain. The laid back nature that is a recurrent theme of most Volt impressions and reviews is to be taken with a grain of salt. The Volt needs, as we’ll see, more juice to reveal what it has to offer.

Second, upon first listen my brain had to adjust to the expectations I have for this type of signature. The Volt is a singular IEM for it features a sublime top end extension with blazing fast transients on top of that full bodied, smooth and organic signature. This is a particular taste of organic that is very resolving and refined with great separation, air and detail retrieval all presented in a natural way. Something that I very rarely experienced aside from Vision Ears VE8 or StealthSonics C9 Pro. But Volt takes yet a different twist with a different balance between a less energetic lower treble than the C9 pro and more extended upper treble than the VE8.

Bass
The Volt bass shares a driver and a common baseline with the Orb. It’s a powerful bass that strikes a good balance of power, control, punch and rich textures. This being said while the sub bass is equally powerful and controlled as the Orb the mid bass is just a bit less prominent than the Orb and the tuning goal seems to have been to make this a leaner more reference bass. As we’ll see this is coherent adjustments given Volt features more lower mids presence than the Orb.

Sub bass extension is excellent, my usual test tracks gave me plenty of sub bass rumble on Sohn’s “Falling” or Aphex Twins “Ageispolis” or Phanee de Pool “Amstram”. There is a sense of power and physicality that is unmistakenly the trait of a good dynamic driver, the Volt has great sub bass presence when called for but at the same time it does not overshadow the rest of the spectrum.

The mid bass is a bit less prominent in terms of presence compared with the sub bass. The Volt shows a bit more restraint than the Orb with a more controlled presentation. This being said the bass line is still strong with beautiful textures and impressive detail. This shows with percussions where the Volt manages to pull significantly more detail and nuances thant the Orb. In Ruben Gonzàles “La Lluvia” the double bass presence is very strong in the mix and it’s always a good test of how good mid bass control is. The Volt does very well there for with excellent control and good speed. It won’t be as fast and snappy as the best BA bass though and I get a snappier and faster performance from my best BA IEMs as we’ll see in the comparison section.

The deep percussions on Nenad Vasilic “Lupafte” is outstanding and close to the best portrayal of this track that I have heard. Okvsho “Algoriddim” is rendered with great punch and is quite snappy as well, it shows that depending on the recording the Volt can deliver more speed and snap. Ayo “Throw it away” show how deep the Volt bass can be, with its almost hypnotic rythm operating as it was intended I was totally immersed in the song with a very tactile bass oozing of rich textures and deeply seated bass line.

All those impressions are with the stock cable, let me now tell you about how the Volt bass fare with Penon flagship cable the Totem. The Totem is a cable built for superlatives, combining a silver plated copper, a gold plated copper and a palladium plated silver in 2 wires each containing a whopping 334 cores. It’s also the very same price as Volt. Price notwithstanding it gave me a clear view of how high the Volt can scale and let me tell you right away, this is a stunning combo in every way. So much so that it warrants a full write up…

The Totem takes the Volt the extra mile in terms of sub bass. The 3 tests tracks Sohn’s “Falling”, Aphex Twins “Ageispolis” and Phanee de Pool “Amstram” all exhibit a more focused and controlled presentation. I am talking subwoofer like performance with a physicality that goes well beyond what the excellent stock cable can deliver. I was simply utterly impressed by this combo and the sub bass coming out of those IEMs was simply unreal. Consider me stunned. Wow.

On to the mid bass, the Totem tightens the mid bass significantly, bringing a much snappier performance out of the Volt dynamic driver. It’s now very close to the best BA bass I have at hand with my custom EM10 and FIBAE7. It’s a bit shocking how this cable affects the mid bass performance again bringing a more focused bass with more punch along with more detail. The Totem brings a sense of visceral realism to the Volt bass and I got lost in time listening to my bass test playlist, absolutely hypnotized by the sound coming out of a pair of custom IEMs. Again, wow.



Mids
The Volt mids are full bodied, with sweet vocals that are forwardly positioned. Like the Orb it’s an engaging and smooth midrange but the Orb is more lively with more upper mids bite while the Volt feature a silky smooth midrange. As we’ll see, the Volt upper treble presence and extension have a huge role on its midrange presentation bringing separation, air and balance to what would have been a darker signature otherwise. This is one key aspect of the whole signature.

The lower mids remind me greatly of Stealthsonics C9 Pro in that it’s an elevated lower mids that provides satisfying body and weight with a delicious “tactile” feel to them. As we’ll see in the comparison section, the Volt is not as warm and thick as the C9 Pro but it does have a warm hue to its midrange. This does benefit the whole range of wood instruments from the double bass to the violin, which sound more soulful and powerful and in the brass section the tuba and trombone as well.

The upper mids on the other hand are on the smoother side. There is good percussive attack and electric guitars have good bite but above around 5kHz there is a dip and some might find hi hats to lack crispness, kick drums and toms to lack a bit of snap and brass instruments are overall on the safer side. If you’re looking for deliciously hair rising bite on some saxophone performance the Volt won’t get you there. Not that it won’t be beautiful. I know I like it’s soulful presentation but in terms of bringing you to the edge it will just be too safe for some in how it portrays brass instruments. On the flipside Volt is non fatiguing and tracks like Hank Levy “Whiplash” or Miles Davis “So What” are absolutely devoid of any agressive hints that have me cross my personal threshold with some IEMs.

On to vocals. Given the lower mids tuning and overall fullness of the Volt, male vocals have power and Leonard Cohen “Nevermind” was a pure treat. Female vocals are slightly on the sweeter side but I find it gives a natural tone. I loved how the Volt portrayed Juliette Armanet vocal performance in “L’accident” which was as good as I have heard it. The presence range is elevated and there is vocal emphasis, and the upper mids being on the safer side there is no hint of sibilance whatsoever. As we’ll see to bonify things the superb upper treble brings welcome air and nuances to an otherwise smooth presentation, making the Volt a very enticing vocal performer.

All those impressions are with the stock cable, let me now tell you about how the Volt mids fare with Penon flagship cable the Totem. The first thing that is clearly apparent is how the Totem brings the Volt mildrange towards more transparency and clarity but also more bite in the upper mids. The overall tone of the mids is more balanced despite retaining a slight warm hue. The stage is more open with better instruments separation with the lower mids loosing a bit of thickness over the stock cable. This provides a fantastic sense of realism and the cleaner attack and faster decay also make it an even more engaging IEM and I had a hard time putting the Volt down going through my midrange test tracks. The additional bite now makes brass a totally different story and while Volt remains smooth and won’t bring you to the edge of performances in terms of bite it will provide a good amount of it which I think make it more engaging.



Treble
As I have hinted before, treble is somewhat of a cornerstone of the Volt signature but also somewhat of an atypical treble range with a buttery smooth lower treble and an impressive upper treble extension providing air, resolution as well as sublime transients. The Volt clearly features an upper treble tilt.

The lower treble has good energy but is consistent with the upper mids and the overall tuning goal which seems to be smoothness first. This means some will find the lower treble lacking bite, it’s not the kind of treble that will rejoice pure treble heads in this respect. This is a weakness of the EST in the lower treble in my opinion and I think BA have long good days as the best tech for lower treble if you want bite, weight and smoothness. Don’t misread this as the treble being lifeless, it’s not! It has good energy but it lacks bite and weight that is so yummy on piano for example. You can get a better result with setting a higher gain there and get extra energy but it might not be enough for those who seek thrilling lower treble. On the flipside this means the Volt is absolutely devoid of any sibilance even on the worst tracks and albums, Paul Simon “Graceland” album comes to mind there and it’s the first time since the FIBAE Black I had no sibilance at all.

The upper treble has top notch extension and presence and at the risk of sounding cliché I have just re-discovered many tracks and album subtleties and details with the Volt that I had only heard with my former KSE1500. This is where EST shine with blazing fast transients that add superb air and refinement. Contrary to many IEMs with excellent upper treble performance, I didn’t find the upper treble presence was overdone like it sometimes is : detail is not presented in a way that is at the expense of the overall musical message. This might be the most impressive aspect of the Volt, it provides boatloads of details in such an effortless and natural way. Volt is very resolving but not in a way that is “in your face”.

All those impressions are with the stock cable, let me now tell you about how the Volt treble fare with Penon flagship cable the Totem. I am not sure if it’s the palladium plated silver, but first very apparent difference is the extra lower treble energy you get out of the Volt with the Totem. Things remain absolutely smooth no matter which track but you have welcome extra energy that makes Volt more engaging. Electric guitars, piano and hi hats and snare drums are more enjoyable to my ears and when I compared Jack Johnson “Staple it together” with both cable it was clearly so much more enjoyable with the Totem. Last but not least, with the Totem upper treble section is less significantly improved but you still get extra resolution and refinement that comes with the last 5% improvements that flagships are known for and let me tell you Volt is among much pricier IEMs in that configuration.



Select comparisons
Note : I couldn’t resist the temptation to make this comparison using the Totem to bring the best out of each contender.

ItsFit Lab Fusion
Of all the comparisons in this section, on paper this is one of the most fitting in my collection : for starter, both Volt and fusion are tribrid, with a dynamic driver for lows, BA for mids and their own new tech for treble magnetostatic for the Fusion vs EST for the Volt. If you’ve read my Fusion review you know I consider it’s a punchy and clear sounding IEM with a balanced signature, great soundstage and fantastic imaging.

Starting with the bass, the Fusion bass presentation is clean and absolutely flawless technically with clearly a reference take. It’s a tight, snappy, detailed and controlled bass with no particular emphasis on sub or mid bass. The sub extension is excellent with good presence, the mid bass is on the leaner side with sharp attack and quick decay. You could be fooled to think it’s a BA bass if not for the physicality of the sub bass. Comparatively Volt is more fun with both more overall bass presence, more physical sub bass and more mid bass slam.

In terms of midrange, the Fusion is coherent with its bass tuning, furthering the reference approach and it’s a very balanced clear and clean midrange with very good separation where the Volt is clearly fuller bodied with an overall warmer hue in terms of overall tone. The upper midrange is where Volt are more similar with safe upper mids that aim to be smooth.

Treble is where I was quite interested to check out how the Fusion magnetostatic would fare against Volt EST drivers. The magnetostatic promises fast transients but does this equal the EST incredibly fast transient performance ? Not quite, although it’s the closest I have heard to EST performance and it’s not a one sided story either. While the Volt upper treble is more extended with faster transients and I found it more resolving and airy than the Fusion, the lower treble packs more energy than the Volt with more weight as well. Of course we’re comparing Apple to Oranges here as Volt and Fusion clearly have different tuning goals but still this is interesting. Volt is more refined and resolving but the Fusion are more energetic and engaging.

Custom Art FIBAE7
As you might know, this is still my all time favorite IEM and another organic IEM that is an obvious comparison to the Volt. The FIBAE7 signature is to me the epitome of musicality : sub bass provide physicality and strength, engaging mid bass it provides great rhythm and pace, full sounding, smooth, rich and textured mids pack plenty of bite, while lower treble energy provides plenty of excitement and upper treble finesse, air and resolution.

In the bass department, despite its 2 BA drivers array vs Volt dynamic, the FIBAE7 holds its ground with astonishing sub bass presence that manages to rival the Volt in terms of physicality. Volt and FIBAE7 have the same sub bass tilt relatively to the mid bass, with FIBAE7 tilting a bit more towards sub bass which I think allow to compensate the more physical dynamic driver of the Volt. On the flipside, the Volt has more mid bass slam with an overall more reference and snappier presentation over the more textured and a tad longer decay of the FIBAE7 (although FIBAE7 is quite faster than the C9 Pro).

Now the midrange is where the biggest difference lie between Volt and FIBAE7 : the FIBAE7 has similarly full bodied mids but the midrange overall balance is totally different. FIBAE7 has forward upper mids with significantly more bite which makes it a much more energetic and forward midrange than the Volt. Comparatively the Volt is the more relaxed listen of the two, almost understated as compared to the brazen midrange of the FIBAE7 that feel much more lively and saxophones, acoustic guitars and piano have more presence and bite.

This is furthered by the treble presentation where the FIBAE7 has much more lower treble energy and note weight. This provides an additional sense of rythm and excitement where the Volt won’t be pushing your buttons so to speak and its presentation will be beautiful but polite compared to the energetic FIBAE7. Conversely, Volt has much more upper treble presence than the FIBAE7. Not that the FIBAE7 is not extended but it’s less so than the Volt by a significant margin and more importantly Volt upper treble presence is more prominent. Basically their treble balance is a bit of a story of opposites. This makes Volt more resolving and open with better separation, along with much faster transients as well.

Earsonics EM10
The EM10 is a very smooth yes but energetic IEM all around : punchy bass with what I consider to be the best BA mid bass I have heard providing a unique sense of rythm, full mids with bite and energetic and refined treble for a clearly TOTL performance all accross the board. Comparison with the Volt will prove interesting.

Starting with the bass, the EM10 distinguishes itself with a significantly faster bass and Earsonics custom bass driver (built in house) certainly holds its own again the Volt dynamic in terms of impact and physicality. The EM10 bass is key to its power and physicality, it’s a deep, rich, strong and full bass that extends fairly low and exhibits impeccable control. Compared to Volt, there is a mid bass tilt in terms of presence while sub bass is well extended the Volt pack more power and physicality. But the EM10 much faster speed combined with a physicality that falls just behind gives the EM10 a better sense of rythm and pace. It’s still king of PRaT in my book.

On to the midrange, where some key difference lie : while both Volt and EM10 have full bodied midrange, the EM10 is more balanced with a bit less body and weight but more importantly more bite and upper mids presence. Volt is comparatively warmer, smoother and fuller bodied. The EM10 feel more articulate and mature with spot on bite and energy, with a more delicate balance than the more brazen FIBAE7. The EM10 mids feel like a Sean Connery James Bond in a smoking classy, dashing and mature.

Last but not least, treble. The EM10 lower treble is smooth but energetic and this is a real treat especially on piano notes, this is a lower treble with good weight as well. Overall the lower treble contributes to the rythm with satisfying hi hats and guitar riffs have great bite as well. Comparatively Volt feels a bit subdued but this makes for a more relaxing listen. Now the upper treble : the EM10 is a very refined IEM there with superb extension and a refined presentation and it’s boast one of the best resolution I have heard. Among all contenders in these comparisons this is one of those that can almost hold its own against the Volt. Almost, because the Volt EST drivers feature better extension with faster cleaner transients that give a sense of air that no BA can provide in my opinion. Volt is more airy, open and resolving.

StealthSonics C9 Pro
For those of you who have read my C9 Pro review have already figured out it’s one of my favorites organic IEM along with my all time favorite Custom Art FIBAE7 and beloved Earsonics EM10. The C9 Pro will make for an interesting comparison as it shares some key aspects with the Volt : a full bodied IEM with a smooth signature and yet strong technical foundations.

First let’s compare the bass. The C9 Pro bass is well extended and controlled but with a clear mid bass emphasis although sub bass is quite physical for a BA. Delivery is on the smoother side – with a soft attack and a tad longer decay making for a rather “romantic” delivery with beautiful textures and a high level of detail and good control. The C9 Pro emphasizes the bass line with a strong sense of rythm and a level of nuances in how it portrays drums that is something to behold. Comparatively, Volt has a different balance to its bass starting with a more controlled and snappier presentation. Sub bass is more physical and relative to the mid bass more present than the C9 Pro : the Volt is more balanced with less mid bass emphasis. Volt mid bass has shaper attack and faster decay sounding cleaner but also more detailed. The Volt is on the fun side of reference and balanced with the mids and highs while the C9 pro has overall more emphasis on bass in the overall frequency range.

The mids are an interesting comparison especially in the lower section where both the Volt and C9 Pro don’t rely on a classic “clarity dip”. Both Volt and C9 pro own up their full bodied nature and balance it each in their own way as not to become congested or overly dark. This being said the C9 Pro is a much warmer IEM than the Volt as its has more lower mids emphasis and were Volt is full sounding the C9 pro can be considered thick and with more weight to its midrange. Despite similar safe upper mids, the Volt has a bit more energy in the upper mids and therefore a more balanced midrange. As we’ll see its upper treble is more extended with more air and resolution also helping the overall transparency and clarity.

The treble are quite different starting with the lower treble where the C9 Pro has more energy and bite along with considerably more weight to its treble note making it a better performer on piano notes in my opinion. This where the C9 Pro relies on its lower treble to balance its prominent bass and lower mids, although its top end is refined and extended it just can’t compete with Volt there. Volt doesn’t have as much energy and bite or weight, but it has much more upper treble presence than the C9 Pro and it’s also more extended with much faster transients. Volt is definitely more resolving, open and airy and separation is better.


Verdict
Penon has been on the roll lately with excellent value for money cables (Penon OSG for example) and IEMs (Sphere, Orb). It was a only a matter of time before they would push the enveloppe and get their own shot at a flagship.

It’s not as easy as it seems to pull off, as it’s a very different story when you tackle flagships because the game has only gotten much tougher these past few years (competition is stiff) and people that are willing to pay for flagships rightfully have very high expectations. On the flipside the insane prices trend over the last 5 years where flagships have gone from around 1K$ to whopping 2/3/4K$ or even above definitely opens up opportunities for manufacturers that are willing to keep things sane. I for one love the likes of Custom Art, Dunu or StealhSonics to keep things real in terms of prices. At 799$, Penon definitely has priced its Volt aggressively for a flagship offering.

So did Penon succeed their entry into the flagship segment? Very much so in my opinion and the Volt competes very well with the market and manages to do so with its own rare brand of signature. Paired with Totem I’ll go even as far as saying Volt competes with the best and that’s interesting because even Volt and Totem combined manages to be a reasonable bundle against flagships that are much pricier without an upgrade cable. Not to mention you can enjoy the cable with the rest of your 2pin IEMs

If you’re looking for flagship performance at a reasonable price and you like full bodied, smooth signature with strong bass foundations, impressive resolution and treble refinement then you’d miss out not adding the Volt to your list. Make sure you have a proper source though to provide enough current to bring the best out of it (not necessarily an expensive DAP, iBasso DX160 does a great job there). And if you have a bigger budget, Totem is a fantastic pairing that brings a more punchy, energetic, focused presentation as well as elite performance that matches much pricier flagships.

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? I don’t know but I sure know as a late night listening session adept I sure dream of Volt!

Listening notes
I spent approximately 150 hours with the Volt, listening on Hiby R8 using the stock cable and Penon Totem flagship cable.

Special Thanks
Thanks to Penon for allowing me to get a discounted price on my custom Volt in exchange for my honest opinion. No incentive was given for a favorable review.

Specifications

• Driver: Sonion 4 electrostatic + Sonion 2 Balanced Armature + 10mm dynamic driver
• Impedance: 12ohm@1khz
• Sensitivity: 114db@1khz@1mw
• Frequency response: 15-80Khz

Accessories

• Cleaning brush
• Carry case
• Cable: single crystal copper silver-plated (comes with 2.5mm balanced female to 3.5mm audio male adapter / 2.5mm balanced female to 4.4mm balanced male adapter)
  • Connector:2pin 0.78mm
  • Plug:2.5mm balanced
  • Length: 1.2m