thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure
Disclaimer:
This product was provided by Plussound for a tour through Head-fi. I recieve no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own. A special thanks to Plussound and Sebastian Chiu for organizing the tour!
https://www.plussoundaudio.com/earphones/volta.html
Gear used:
●Samsung Galaxy s25 Ultra
●HiBy R3 II
●Various DAC/amps
Source:
●Listening was done using Amazon Music HD/Ultra HD and local FLAC files.
Introduction:
Plussound, based in Los Angeles, California, was founded in back in 2012. Many may think of them as just a cable manufacturer, but they released their first IEM, the Allegro, in 2023. They have recently released two additional high-end models, the Sonora and Volta. Both have tribrid driver configurations; the Sonora features two dynamic, four balanced armature, and two electrostatic drivers. The Volta has a similar configuration, but with two fewer balanced armature drivers. These high-end models also have high-end price tags to match: the Sonora is available for $2999 and the Volta for $2499. Let's break down and compare these two latest TOTL models from Plussound and see how they perform.
Build, fit, ergonomics:
Both the Sonora and Volta come in nearly identical packaging with nearly identical accessories. The boxes are small but quite heavy due to everything included inside. Upon opening the box, you are greeted by a very nice leather case with a plastic piece on top that says "Designed and hand-assembled in Los Angeles, CA, USA". Inside the case is an organizer that displays both the IEMs and the cable. The build quality of the shells is very nice. They are made of anodized aluminum alloy, and both sets have identical dimensions. The shells are a bit on the larger side, but they feel very solidly built and, due to the aluminum, are not that heavy. The shape and design are somewhat industrial but with a sleek finish, and the texture is a nice addition. The aesthetics are the only thing that varies, but even then, only very slightly. If the colors weren't so starkly different, you might think the faceplates have the exact same design, but they are subtly different. The Sonora have a gold and maroon colorway that reminds me a lot of Iron Man, and the Volta are gray/silver, which makes me think more of War Machine. Although the shape is a bit different, the fit is very comfortable. The insertion depth is about average, and the nozzles measure 6.2 mm at the widest point, where there is a lip to help hold tips. Both models utilize a very slightly recessed 2-pin connection, and there is a long vent located nearby that helps alleviate any pressure. The included cable is the PlusSound Copper XL cable, which retails separately for $750. This pure copper cable is chunky but has excellent ergonomics and a nice weight balance. The Y-split also has a pop of color that matches the shells of each model, which is a great touch. I would expect nothing less than a stellar inclusion from PlusSound, as they are a cable manufacturer first and foremost. However, my only minor nitpick is that the cable's color is not a great match for the Sonora. I would also like to see an option to purchase the IEMs at a discounted price without such an expensive cable inclusion. I think more companies should offer this option for audiophiles with an already extensive cable collection. There are nine total pairs of tips, including three silicone, three Comply foam, and three silicone foam hybrid tips. I tried the stock tips but ultimately preferred the JVC Spiral Dot tips. The case is excellent and comes in matching colors to each model. It is made of soft leather, and the IEM holder can be removed to allow for more storage space. It is not a very pocketable case, but it does feel like a premium inclusion. The rest of the accessory package includes a cable tie, cleaning cloth, cleaning tool, small gray leather bag for the shells, larger gray leather bag, metal warranty card, and metal tip holder. Overall, the accessories are fantastic and absolutely what I would hope to see at this price point.
Sound impressions:
The Volta's tuning is somewhat neutral, with a mild bass shelf and a hint of energy in the upper midrange and treble. The note weight is on the thicker side of average, but not too thick or syrupy. The Volta is not necessarily a hard-to-drive set and can get to loud volumes from a simple dongle, but IEMs generally benefit from extra power, and this one is no exception. The detail retrieval is strong, but there's also a sense of musicality here that grabs my attention and helps me get lost in the music. The soundstage, while not the most expansive, has a great sense of width and depth, and also a sense of fullness that is very enjoyable. The timbre is definitely one of the Volta's strongest attributes. It's very natural and organic with instruments and vocals alike. The imaging is also very strong, displaying great accuracy and precision, both left to right and with distance. The Volta's tuning is not an inherently exciting one, but the dynamics hold up very well despite the volume level. The separation and layering are also done very well. There is a certain space and nuance around notes, but it never sounds disjointed or incongruous. I do expect a very strong technical performance at this price tier, and the Volta does not disappoint in the least.
The Volta and Sonora can be quite source-sensitive, so I recommend trying as many pairings as possible to find a synergy that suits your preferences. As I am quite treble-sensitive, I found that the Volta works really well with both the Muse Hifi M5 Ultra tube amp and the HiBy R3 II. These two provide a warmer tilt to the tuning that fits my tastes well. The BLON V1 is another great pairing, offering less warmth but more bass impact and a slightly more controlled treble response.
●Lows - The Volta does not have an inherently bassy tuning, but what is present is of fantastic quality. It's very clean, with a bit more sub-bass focus than mid-bass. It can reach low when called for, but I would like to see the extension pushed further. The impact and attack are satisfying and forceful, but not overdone. The bass texture is quite clean, but perhaps a touch dry. The Volta's low end is resolving and well-separated from the midrange, with no bleed to my ear. The speed is fairly quick, and the decay may be a touch fast. I would like it to last just a little longer to sound more natural. If I am being picky, I would welcome a bit more mid-bass for my preferences, but that would also skew the wonderful balance. Also, the rumble and reverberation are a little light for my taste, but again, it's hard to argue with the quality. Overall, the Volta's bass is superb and enjoyable—definitely one of the highlights of the tuning.
●Mids - I would describe the Volta's midrange as well-balanced and smooth. It is not quite as forward as I prefer, but the important thing is the balance it strikes with the other frequencies. Vocals are well-positioned, neither too forward nor recessed, and both male and female artists are equally well-represented. They also have a certain emotion and soul that helps me connect emotionally to the music. Instruments in the lower midrange have a decent weight and are helped by a very clean bass-to-mids transition. The vocal and instrument timbre are very strong and quite natural and organic to my ear. The Volta delivers a smooth, mature, and emotive midrange response, but those looking for a very forward vocal presentation might be disappointed.
●Highs - The treble is crisp and precise without being too sharp or bothersome. There is definitely a certain energetic quality to the treble that many will find enjoyable. As a treble-sensitive listener, it pushes right up to my tolerances but rarely crosses the line. The sparkle and extension are more than sufficient for me, but those looking for a ton of treble airiness will be left wanting. Cymbals and hi-hats can be ever so slightly splashy at times, but it is more exaggerated at higher volumes. Snares and claps, though, are crisp and precise without any harshness. There is no real sibilance to speak of, even on tracks that are prone to it, but it can sound slightly thin and cause some fatigue over longer sessions at higher volumes. While the Volta's treble does not exactly match my target, it is still enjoyable and really well done.
Comparison: Unfortunately, there's no graphs for these two uploaded to Squiglink at this time.
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Plussound Sonora ($3,000) - As stated earlier, the unboxing, accessories, and build quality are basically the same between the two, so there is no need to compare them here. The only real differences are the driver configuration (the Sonora has two additional BAs) and color. I personally prefer the milder gray/silver aesthetic of the Volta, but I am sure some will fall for the red and gold Sonora. When it comes to tuning, the Sonora is easily the bassier of the two, with an upper midrange accentuation and more brightness in the treble. The Volta is much more balanced in comparison, with less bass emphasis and pinna gain, but still with a decently accentuated treble. In the bass, the Sonora has a fuller low end with better extension, more rumble, and more mid-bass, whereas the Volta has a bit more forceful punch and attack, and a generally cleaner-sounding bass. As for the midrange, the Sonora has more forward and accentuated female vocals, but male vocals are a bit recessed in comparison. The Volta, however, is smoother and more even-keeled in the entire midrange, and vocals exhibit more emotion, if not as forward-presenting as on the Sonora. The Volta also has a bit more lower-midrange emphasis for classical and orchestral arrangements. The treble is where these two diverge most, and where the starkest contrast lies. The Sonora is inherently brighter, with much more energy, sparkle, and air. But it also has some sibilance, especially with breathy vocals, cymbals, and hi-hats in particular. The Volta still has a certain crispness and a slightly bright-leaning treble, but it is less incisive and ethereal in its presentation. As expected, these two are pretty even in terms of technical performance, but the Sonora definitely wins in dynamics, while the Volta has a more natural timbre to my ear. In summation, both sets have their strengths and offer different sound signatures, but ultimately my tuning preference leans more toward the Volta. It has a somewhat laid-back and easy-listening style, especially when paired with tubes, which is much more enjoyable to me than the Sonora's energetic and fatiguing treble response.
My pick: Volta
In conclusion:
For only their second and third IEM releases ever, Plussound came out swinging with a one-two combination in the Sonora and Volta. Both models sport impressive build quality, a fantastic accessory package, comfortable fit, and unique aesthetics and tuning. The Volta synergizes well with singer-songwriter, classical, and orchestral music, or simply for a more relaxed listening session due to its better overall balance. For more upbeat genres like pop, rock, and R&B, or a more exciting presentation, the Sonora really brings the energy and fun. The source also plays a big role. The Sonora, being the brighter of the two, definitely has some treble notes that are a bit bothersome for me. However, when paired with a warmer source, like tubes, that treble energy is reigned in enough for me to better enjoy the fun-natured tuning. If I were forced to pick only one, I'd say the Volta edges out the Sonora, mostly due to its more emotive vocal presentation. I would definitely recommend demoing both if possible before making a blind purchase, since they excel with different genres. I also discovered that both the Sonora and Volta benefit from the use of an impedance adapter and take well to EQ for those who want to customize the tuning further. Plussound might be known as a cable company first and foremost, but they sure know how to make really solid IEMs as well. Unfortunately, the high cost will be a barrier for many. I'd really like to see what the company could do with a more budget-friendly mid-fi release in the future.
