VSONIC GR07

After hearing much about the Vsonic GR07, I finally gave in to curiosity and decided to purchase one. It’s been touted as a “classic” and a “reference” model in the world of budget-fi -- I'm here to check out if the GR07 lives up to these monikers.



***PREAMBLE***

I’m a 41 year old lover of all things sonic, with some classical voice training. I compose cinematic-inspired pieces & make choral arrangements on my spare time. I enjoy listening to a wide spectrum of genres, such as classical & cinematic scores, choral music, jazz, folk, world / new age, musicals/theater, pop, rock & alternative. I prefer a relatively flat signature, with some bass enhancement (but not bass-head levels), or presentations with a mild “u” signature (not an exaggerated “v”). I don’t consider myself as an “audiophile” but I am a self-professed music lover. Despite being new to this hobby, I believe I can discern tonal & pitch variances quite accurately. Nope, I am not getting paid by VSONIC for this review – this is simply an exercise of sharing my auditory experience regarding Vsonic’s in-ear monitor, the GR07 Classic Edition, with the hope that you may find it helpful (if not, at least entertaining). The focus of this review will be on the sonic & experiential qualities, and not on build, packaging, accessories, and other technicalities. Just remember – my ears, gears & sensibilities. Your tastes and perceptions would most likely vary.

***GEARS & MUSIC TRACKS***

Mostly budget-fi / entry level gear.
For this assessment, I used my Cayin N3, adjusting gain (low to medium, based on track), volume primarily at 50%. The N3 is slightly warm to neutral. No external amp was used.

Below are the tracks (FLAC) used to evaluate sonic qualities & presentation, and the GR07’s delivery of certain genres, instruments & vocal ranges:

SOUND STAGE, TRANSIENCE, DYNAMICS, CLASSICAL, POP: “Jupiter: The Bringer of Jollity” (Gustav Holst); “Marche Royale” (Igor Stravinsky); “Chasing Pavements -- Live at The Royal Albert Hall” (Adele)

FEMALE VOCALS, JAZZ/R&B, OPERA: “There’s A Small Hotel” (artist: Jane Monheit – soprano range); "Anch'il mar par che sommerga -- Bajazet" (artist: Cecilia Bartoli -- mezzo soprano range); “Breathe Again” (artist: Toni Braxton – alto range)

MALE VOCALS, ROCK/ALTERNATIVE, MUSICAL/THEATER: “Even Flow” (Pearl Jam – baritone/high-baritone range); “Believe Me Natalie” (The Killers – high-baritone/tenor range); “If Ever I Would Leave You” (Camelot – low baritone / bass range).

IMAGING, TRANSPARENCY, BINAURAL: “Kadu Buva” (artists: Kenny Wollesen, Jonathon Haffner & Dalius Naujo); “Tundra” (artist: Amber Rubarth); “Sweet Georgia Brown” (artist: Monty Alexander)

And some other music tracks, across different genres.

***THE MEAT***
So here are my thoughts about the well-regarded VSONIC GR07 Classic…

TONALITY & SIGNATURE


Neutral, with no exaggerated frequency range, minimal coloration. Slightly warm with a somewhat bright yet non-fatiguing upper register. Clean and natural sounding (which I suspect may be due to the bio-cellulose diaphragm – same material as the nata de coco, a Filipino delicacy). Not aggressive (unlike the RHA T20 and TFZ Series 2, which are generally very forward & are experts at certain genres) nor is the GR07 recessed / veiled. Since the GR07 is relatively neutral, you can pair it with a warm, neutral or bright DAP, depending on the sonic enhancement you prefer.

LOWS

Upon first listen, I was (almost) straining to hear more of the lows, as I am used to listening to more bass-enhanced IEMs, like the Audiofly AF56, RHA T20 and the KZ ZSR. But after just a few hours of burn in (brain or gear), the bass became more forward, yet still not intruding into the other frequencies. Clean and fast attack (though not the fastest – I think the TFZ S2 still has the fastest, tautest bass I have in my small collection). Sub-bass has decent rumble & extension when called for, and the mid-bass is not bloated. Drums in the intro of “Believe Me Natalie” (The Killers) are cleanly delivered, with a somewhat rubbery/pliable texture to them (which I like). The double bass in “Jupiter: The Bringer of Jollity” (Gustav Holst) had perceptible and believable visceral impact. Decent airiness in the lows. So far, no mid-bass bleed. The GR07 should do well with dance and hip-hop, although some of you would surely require more thump, boom and bump.

MIDS
Lower Female Vocals are full and slightly dry yet natural sounding. The GR07 made the lower registers of Toni Braxton (“Breathe Again”) feel lifelike and rich, while making you feel her effortless technique with her chest tone and low larynx position. Higher Female vocals have ample airiness & body to them and are a touch euphonic (Jane Moneheit’s higher notes were smooth, Cecilia Bartoli's renditions were lush).
Male Vocals (both lower & higher ranges) are organic and quite hefty, but may sometimes lack grit (especially in rock/alternative tracks). Eddie Vedder’s voice in “Even Flow” had a natural, moving warmth to it but trailed quite behind in the grit/guttural department. Brandon Flower’s voice soared in “Believe Me Natalie” without sounding hollow or boxy.
Vocals in general are well-focused and centered (unless it’s a recording of a duet or choir), neither too forward nor recessed.
Guitars are rendered with ample detail. Trumpets and horns, as well as mid / upper-mid wind instruments have sufficient transience – very engaging!

TREBLE
Initial listen had sibilance. After a few hours, sibilance has tamed down. After a 50 hour burn in (100 hours is recommended), sibilance has almost disappeared. Sibilant-prone tracks will still most likely be, well, sibilant. Good extension yet I would classify the upper treble as a bit polite in certain tracks. The treble is smooth with enough detail so as to not be fatiguing, though I do wish it had more sparkle (a compromise) – as evidenced in the cymbals of “Sweet Georgia Brown” (Monty Alexander). Violins are delivered with enough resolution & expression, while the piccolo rises confidently enough above the orchestra (as it should).

SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING, TRANSPARENCY
The GR07’s soundstage is smaller compared to the Fiio EX1ii (11 vent holes, very large soundstage) and Audiofly AF56 (no visible vents but surprisingly wide soundstage), but is still above average, and can still deliver good directional queues, positioning & holographic effects. There is more width than depth/height as clearly expressed in “Jupiter: The Bringer of Jollity” (Holst). Adele’s live performance at the Royal Albert Hall had good focus on the vocals, with sufficient imaging but with less air between instrumental components. The GR07 delivers even on busier tracks -- there’s still good separation and transparency without it sounding like a full band playing fortissimo in a compact elevator (heaven forbid!).

DRIVABILITY & SENSITIVITY
The GR07 is fairly easy to drive with my Cayin N3 despite the higher impedance (50Ohms with 105dB sensitivity), with an almost black background and a mild driver reflex. I think some smart phones might struggle a bit in driving this iteration of the GR07 -- there’s another, perhaps newer, iteration that has lower impedance – Vsonic’s effort in making the IEM more mobile-friendly.

BRIEF COMPARISONS
I’ll compare the Vsonic GR07 with my other entry level gear -- the similarly priced Fiio EX1 2nd Generation and Audiofly AF56 (all retailing at approximately USD100)

Neutrality = GR07 > EX1ii > AF56
Timber/Naturalness = GR07 = AF56 > EX1ii
Detail = AF56 > EX1ii = GR07
Soundstage = EX1ii > AF56 > GR07
Dynamics = EX1ii > GR07 = AF56
Transience = GR07 = AF56 > EX1ii (but not by much)
Bass Quantity = AF56 > EX1ii > GR07
Bass Quality = AF56 > EX1ii > GR07
Mids Quantity = GR07 = EX1ii > AF56
Mids Quality = AF56 > GR07 = EX1ii
Treble Quantity = EX1ii > AF56 > GR07
Treble Quality = EX1ii > AF56 > GR07
Sibilance = GR07 = AF56 > EX1ii (based on first listen, but all have tapered down after burn in)
Comfort = GR07 = EX1ii > AF56
Apparent Build / Durability = GR07 = EX1ii > AF56
CLASSICAL/LIVE = EX1ii > AF56 = GR07
ALTERNATIVE/ROCK= AF56 > GR07 > EX1ii
R&B/JAZZ = AF56 > EX1ii = GR07
POP/EDM = AF56 > GR07 > EX1ii

***OVERALL***

The Vsonic GR07 Classic Edition is my first close-to-neutral/flat pair of IEMs (I’m sure there are more neutral and analytical IEMs in the upper price brackets). I plan to use the GR07 when I have some free time to compose/arrange music, as I think it would come in handy in checking dynamic variances across the frequencies. Despite its relative neutrality, it still delivers an engaging musical experience that is perfect for long listening sessions, with its comfortable build/fit and smooth, non-fatiguing & clear presentation. A respectable all-rounder, the VSONIC GR07 truly is worthy of being called a “classic” in the realm of budget/entry-level audio gear! Highly recommended! :-D

***NOTE: I'm not sure if the GR07 Classic that I received is a pre-2017/2017/2018 iteration -- please chime in if you could help discern this particular model. Thanks!

REVIEW: VSonic GR07 Classic & Bass, New 2017 version with MMCX cables




Specifications



Classic

• Driver: 11mm CCAW High Dynamic Drive Units, Bio-cellulose diaphragm
• Impedance: 50Ω +/- 10%
• Sensitivity: 110dB (@ 500 Hz)
• Frequency Response: 10Hz- 28kHz
• Channel Balance: <1dB @ 500Hz <2dB (at 20Hz~12.5KHz)
• Distortion: <1% @94dB
• Rated Power: 10mW
• Maximum Input Power: 50mW
• Plug: 3.5mm gold plated dual-channel stereo plug
• Cable: 1.3m

Bass

• Driver: 11mm CCAW High Dynamic Drive Units, Bio-cellulose diaphragm
• Impedance: 50Ω +/- 15%
• Sensitivity: 105dB (@ 500 Hz)
• Frequency Response: 5Hz- 22kHz
• Channel Balance: <1dB @ 500Hz <2dB (at 20Hz~12.5KHz)
• Distortion: <1% @94dB
• Rated Power: 10mW
• Maximum Input Power: 50mW
• Plug: 3.5mm, gold plated dual-channel stereo plug
• Cable: 1.3m

Price: SGD 180 (~U$D 130~135) from Lend Me Ur Ears (LMUE)



Accessories

• 3 pairs of silicone tips
• 1 pair of foam tips
• 1 pair of ear guides
• 1 carrying bag

The accessory pack is the same for all the current Vsonic models, from the new VSD2 to these both GR07 new versions. It’d be fine for the lower options, but for their current flagship you’d be expecting a fuller and package, with a larger variety of eartips; even the GR07x special version included a set of SpinFit CP100. For those who remember the previous iterations of the GR07, when the GR07 Mk2 and VC1000 were introduced all the Vsonic upper models packed a much nicer and complete selection of accessories, so a bit of a letdown for these last versions. Moreover, the included silicone eartips are not really useful and are not capable of bringing the best fit or sonic results out of the GR07 (or any other Vsonic IEM). the one good thing added on these latest versions is the nicer carrying bag instead of the plain pouch, and while it still a bit small, it has a more premium look on it and enough room for the earphones themselves.



Design



There’s nothing new on the 2017 versions over the previous ones. Same old square shaped shells, made of plastic, lightweight and of course with the featured rotating nozzle that was introduced way back with the GR04. At least, the nozzle is made of metal and should spin into 360 degrees, though it can be too stiff at first. It is a simple yet very smart feature that helps to achieve a best fit needed for an over-ear earphone.

The cable is like the ‘newer’ one used back then with the MK2 version of the GR07, internally twisted and with a thicker outer covering. The plug and y-split are the polygonal shaped used already with the new VSD3 and VSD5 models, larger but lacking a proper strain relief.

These new 2017 version finally have the detachable cable option. Vsonic opted for the standard MMCX connection type. There’s nothing fancy and not too much dedication on this, just a simple mod to the old plastic housings. In fact, the finish is far from being nice for a product that still rates as the flagship of a company. Residues of glue can be easily spotted on the shells and on the MMCX socket sections. The MMCX plugs are decent enough and did not suffer from a sudden disconnection during the last months of use. The MMCX part is usually a weak spot for many IEMs and Vsonic are no masters of QC; still a cool feature to have in case of needing an extra cable or wanting to switch to balanced sources.

With the light shells and rotating nozzle the GR07 are very comfortable and easy to fit. The isolation is good enough for daily commuting and not bad for more noisy environments.




On to the Sound: The Classic Balance and the Extra Bass



The Vsonic GR07 is one of the most famous and best regarded earphones from Chinese companies and for some years already has been considered as a reference item for its high sonic quality performance at a very affordable price. The original GR07 version was announced back then around the 2008, but only officially released during the 2010. After that, there’d been various iterations, different versions and also changes in the packaging and accessory pack. There was the Mk2 version which introduced a newer cable and a “Bass” version too, both advertised as apparently improving, or at least changing, slightly the overall tuning. The original GR07 version was supposedly released again under the “Classic” naming, and later we found a 2014, 2016 and now the 2017 editions. While I can’t comment on every single model of the GR07, I still got to audition the GR07 and GR07 Mk2 a couple of times during the past years.

It is not possible to give a direct comparison with the older models, but from memory these new 2017 GR07 versions keep the same type of tuning signature and great sound quality of the previous ones. The GR07 was originally tuned for a stage monitor like IEM, completely well balanced with a reference kind of sound that could compete with higher priced flagship of various brand companies.

Despite the Classic and Bass labels on these models, they are really very close in their overall tuning in every single sound aspect. They do rate a different frequency response on their specs, being the Classic higher in the treble dept., and the Bass reaching some extra Hz down there. However, they are more similar to each other than to any other Vsonic model of the current VSD series and much different to other companies’ options. The following impressions apply to both models, with a more detailed A/B comparison afterwards.


Still using the 11mm bio-cellulose single dynamic driver, the GR07 delivers an excellent sound balance from lows to highs that keep competing well against known brands around the world. Right out of the box the GR07 are impressive enough, however Vsonic apparently suggest a 100+ hours of burn-in time, and in fact a certain break-in seems to work better for the GR07 more than every other of the VSD series.

The overall balance is without a doubt the strongest characteristic of the GR07, with an excellent weight of each frequency across the sonic range sounding dynamic, nicely textured and well layered with great refinement and level of detail that’s still worth being the company flagship. Bass is punchy and rather quick, great in control and very accurate. Weight and note thickness is well done as well showing a natural attack and decay. Quantity-wise both Classic and Bass editions are just very slightly north of neutral, but the effortlessness and reach in sub-bass is impressive; bass-heads, however, need not to apply and better consider the VSD options out there for pure mid-bass larger quantities. Compared to other neutral sounding IEMs like the SoundMagic E80 or Hifiman RE400, the GR07 are still greater in impact and just more convincing. Nonetheless, on more powerful genre tracks the bass GR07 doesn’t feel like missing.

The midrange presence is likewise great. More like the Mk2 GR07 version, very neutral to slightly forward with a gentle rich and warm tonality. Very liquid and transparent making a good match for any music genre, and very easy to handle from any kind of source. Maybe not as liquid or open as the good old Knowles TWFK options such as the Fischer Audio DBA-02 (Brainwavz B2), nor as full sounding as the Dunu DN-2000 hybrid, but they’re less aggressive and easier to listen. The Westone UM30 Pro (previously UM3x) and new Brainwavz B200 sound thicker, but also more laid back and not as dynamic as the GR07. Instruments and vocals sound very vivid and equally balanced with a perfect timbre and accurate positioning.


The upper midrange was always a reported issue on the GR07 with a certain peak coming from the lower treble. The 2017 version is still bright up there and not the most forgiving. However, it’s arguably less peaky and more comfortable at moderate volumes. It is a bright sounding earphone, but not at the same level of the DBA or Etymotic stuff in brightness. Even the own Vsonic take on dual BA, the GR01 and VC1000 were more aggressive than the GR07. The treble balance is excellent up to the upper regions, rich in sparkle, full of detail and with an effortless extension as well. Next to the RHA MA750, the Vsonic are less sharp, hotter but also more controlled.


The presentation is well rounded with a spacious and fairly wide stage. The GR07 excels in sense of air and openness, and despite the years from its first iteration release it still holds its ground among the sub $200 category. The whole sound is very coherent, resolving and never congested even with more complex tracks. The GR07 may not have the ultra speed of the fastest BA drivers like the Knowles TWFK, but for a single dynamic it is anything but slow. The AAW Nebula has more depth and the MA750 a wider stage, but none of those can match the natural presentation of the Vsonic which also has one of the best timbre.




Classic vs Bass



The Classic version seems to follow the older Mk2 model tuning, and while I cannot confirm regarding the Bass one, it is now being advertised as taking the Mk2 as a basis as well. Whichever the case, overall they’re both very similar, and interestingly enough with different ear tips the both 2017 models can sound even more similar than their naming would suggest. As noted above, they do rate a different frequency response, 10 Hz~28 kHz for the Classic and 5 Hz~22 kHz for the Bass. True or not, there’re certain audible differences on of both ends extensions. The Bass can reach a deeper sub-bass with a more weighted overall low-end, putting some extra fullness to the mid-bass region, yet keeping a clean midrange all the way. The Classic sounds leaner and flatter in comparison and also faster, while the Bass has a slower decay and more natural texture. At the midrange the Bass edition feels just a little tad less prominent, whereas the Classic is more forward tuned as the Mk2 was supposed to be. Getting to the upper mids and mainly at the treble as a whole, changes are similarly noticed. The Bass is a tad smoother, a little more laid-back and less bright, something that contributes in making it less prone to sibilance. The Classic sounds just a bit brighter and some extra extension can be perceived on real A/B comparison. Again, the different eartips used play an important role in this regard as well. Apart from that, the overall presentation, imaging and timbre is pretty much identical, with slight differences in the tonality, being the Classic more suited for the ‘purist’ and the Bass for the ‘musical’ type.




All in all, there’s really nothing new on the 2017 version on these GR07, just the single extra MMCX feature which is nothing more than a simple mod, and even that’s an extra option to the main 2017 release. The build quality doesn’t match the standards anymore, and Vsonic need to keep a good eye on their QC. However, it’s quite surprising that despite the passing of the years the GR07 remains a very strong contender in terms of sonic performance. Regardless the Classic or Bass editions, this is still a reference earphone for a balanced, accurate and resolving sound. The VSD series have taken the warmer signatures, but the GR07 is still the most neutral yet enjoyable from all the Vsonic products.

With the strong dollar the GR07 "Classic" is currently $83.  It would be my nomination for the greatest value in IEMs, period.  One of the best in audio of all categories.  I had another pair for years and while not exactly fragile, I did a couple of minor repairs to keep them going for 5 years of gym use twice a week.  Some users will want to use tips other than included- I like the Sony.

I have the Bass Edition.  They're good earphones.  I found the sound quality a little lacking in detail in the upper mid/treble range.  I'm not sure what that was about, since I eq'd them to near flat response - they just never sounded right with rock and heavy metal.  My Shure e2c's are much more detailed.  They did have nice extension all way from sub bass into the ~10khz range with a little help from the eq on the top end.  Overall, they do sound good (when sealed).  I like them better than the Sennheiser Momentums (in-ear) and the RHA MA750 as far as sound goes; the GR07 is more neutral and detailed than either then Senn's or the RHAs.  I'm not sure why these are marketed as the "Bass Edition;" the bass is pretty neutral/flat.     
 
I was never able to get a good fit/seal.  I even tried the meeaudio m6 triple flanges, but they went just a tad too deep into my ear canal and the included bi-flanges wouldn't remain sealed.  Something about the square housing and the nozzle prevented me from ever getting a comfortable fit.  Maybe it's just my ears; clearly others are having better luck.  OTOH, this is the first IEM that I found uncomfortable.  I do like the included earhooks and found a similar product on amazon for use with my other earphones. 
 
I do have to ding these pretty good in the value department.  You can get two pairs of the NVX EX10S for $70 or $65 for a single pair from sonicelectronix.com, and those are very close in performance to the GR07.  The NVX are probably made by vsonic for NVX or in the same plant that makes the gr07; I know NVX has used other companies to make their equipment on the car audio side.  That means you're paying anywhere from 2x to 4x the cost for the vsonic for a similar product.  The RHA MA750, which is in the same price range (but different sound signature), has far superior build quality.  The ~$100-$150 category is really competitive with some balanced armature IEMs getting into that price range, the Shure se215 has a detachable cable, many competitors offer a mic/remote in that price range, etc, etc, etc.   

The overall sound is similar to the Audeze LCD-2F - slightly on the warm side of neutral, but without the ultimate resolution the LCD-2F has. And easier to drive so you can plug them into your phone. The bass is all there but it's not bloated or enhanced like it is with so many IEMs. The treble is all there but at natural levels so they don't sound bright. The mids are just slightly recessed but still sound natural with classical and acoustic music. And the entire frequency range is integrated smoothly with no apparent peaks or troughs. That's quite a lot considering the price is around $100. Can't find much if anything at twice the price that has sound as good as this. They don't have reference level of detail, but enough for serious listening, yet still enjoyable and not fatiguing for long listening sessions.
I went through several different IEMs before I finally found these. Etymotics had crystal clear mids but no "air" with a rolled off top end. The other IEMs had muddy bloated bass. The GR07 classics were just right.
I can listen to these all day - and sometimes do.

 
 
  GR07, Vsonic's statement in the IEM world. Featuring a Sony-licensed 11mm bio-cellulose driver, it was unlike anything out in the market. IEM's have come and gone, upon release many get hyped and overrated, but loose their sparkle over time. GR07 has proven to be able to withstand time, because it is simply a great product. At this time, despite the VC1000, GR07 is still considered the flagship product and has been mentioned to be the most proud achievement by Vsonic's CEO [interview linked on the bottom]. Time has passed and after the first GR07, a Mark II was released but then discontinued for the now GR07 Classic and GR07 Bass Editions. Both of which have the lower prices at 100$ and 130$ respectively, whereas the other models were about 180$. Here I'll be looking into both of the latest iterations of the GR07 and how they stand in today's competitive market. To note, the GR07 Bass Edition is about 30$ more than the Classic Edition as mentioned, I'll get into whether the price difference is worth the added cost. 
 
  Packaging is done quite well and it is presented quite nicely. Though to note, the previous packaging of the first iteration of the GR07 was quite nicer, but no big issue here. For tips, you get the Vsonic exclusive "Sony Hybrid" style tips of different colors, though these have wider bore than the Sonys. A set of single flanges, a double flange pair and a pair of foam tips. Then you get ear-guides and a soft pouch. Unluckily, there's another downgrade here as the first GR07 was packaged with a hard clam-shelled case, much nicer than the current pouch. I personally didn't have any luck with these ear-guides as I found them to be uncomfortable and slid off the cable too easily. Overall, I think you get a good array of extras here and packaging is done well.
 
 
 
  For the Classic Edition you get three color choices as shown below with a gray cable, while the Bass Edition only comes in black with a gray/red cable . The housings are plastic but feel quite sturdy and you get a metal nozzle that is adjustable. This is currently exclusive to Vsonic [Though Vivo XE800 borrowed this from Vsonic] and makes fit a bit easier for the user, an innovation from Vsonic that makes this IEM more "special".  It is definitely something very clever, that simply works. I find the cable great on these, it's sturdy and quite ergonomic. Strain reliefs on the plug are done well as is the y-split. Problem lies in the strain relief on the housing, according to a user here, the Vsonics aren't protected by a tangle inside of the shell [as is done on a lot of IEMs]. So if the housing is held in place and the cable is pulled too hard, it may just disconnect inside the housing more easily than expected. I recommend treating this area with care and taking them off your ears from the housing. Overall, build quality is solid but there are some competitors providing removable cables at a similar price. Of course, they also won't give you the great sound these Vsonics possess.  I would handle these with some care, though it is tough in some respects. To note, the cable does tend to get green with time due to oxidation. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  These can only practically be worn over-the-ear, so that's something to note. Because their 6k peak in the treble does decrease with a deeper fit [more on this later], I wear them in that deep manner and while it is comfortable for the most part, there is some ear fatigue, though the fact that they're small and lightweight helps a lot. I use Phonak single flanges, but the stock hybrid style tips, Sony Hybrids and MH1 tips in small all worked for me as long as I got a deep fit. For a foam option, I recommend Comply T200. 
 
Isolation is solid on these but don't expect it to isolate like a fully sealed IEM. While the ER4 isolates -43db, the GR07 isolates about 24-28db in my experience. 
 
 
 
    These are meant to be a studio monitor and by their signature it shows. I find it to be generally flat, with a mild bass boost accompanied by a midhigh spike and higher treble that is well extended but a bit laid back. InnerFidelity's graph, shows a well matched IEM between channels, with low distortion, portraying a quality driver in these. Efficiency on these is solid, expect it to get loud enough on quiet recordings from your portable player for the most part. On a very quiet old classic song I have, I do wish these would get a bit louder from my iPhone, but generally, volume should be no issue. I found these to sound best with tips that have a bore size that's about the same as nozzle's opening. If the opening of the tip is too large, expect the treble spikes to get bigger due to a horn effect.  
 
[setup: Deep Fit>Phonak Single Flange tips or Sony Hybrid tips in small>iPhone6
 
bass: This is where the difference between the Classic Edition and Bass Edition lies. When I first heard Vsonic were releasing a "Bass Edition" of the GR07, I wasn't all that interested. I found the bass balance to be adequate and was expecting them to boost the bass to levels to where the midrange will affected as it's usually the case. What actually occurred, was a very subtle boost in the subbass, midbass stays about the same. The boost is gradual from about 80hz all the way down [graph shown below]. I always found the GR07 to lack a bit of subbass, this Bass Edition remedies that and tastefully so. Upon comparing the two, I now understand the 30$ difference between the two. The Bass Edition is simply the definitive edition of the GR07. That's not to say, there's a huge difference, get to the other regions and the two editions are identical and as mentioned, the subbass boost is small. Those who want to experience the sound of the GR07 for the lowest price possible, opt for the Classic Edition, those wanting the best the GR07 can offer, should spend a little more for the Bass Edition. 
 
midrange: Midrange is nice and detailed here with a small hint of warmth. It is well represented and a little laid back. I'll say for the most part, these regions are done tastefully so. Midrange is neither too far back in the mix or too forward. 
 
treble: Here lies my main criticism of the GR07. Get to 6k and there's an apparent spike, insert the IEM too shallow another spike is at 8.5k. I was able to tame the 8.5k spike with a deep fit, but the 6k spike remains apparent despite of this, though also tamed a bit. The treble is bit grainy as it kind of dips between it's spikes. Treble extension is good, but could use a wee bit more air. Despite the spikes, the treble isn't that offensive with a deep fit, it's apparent, but never becomes really abrasive whereas an IEM like the Sony MDR-EX1000 can be. The treble does carry good presence and maintains the relatively flat response quite well for the most part. 
 
The GR07CE/BE aren't necessarily spacious, they have a more laid back, subtle sound, with only some soundstage width. The driver is fast and does image instruments fairly well, but I found it to fall short compared to certain BA IEMs. GR07BE has great extension at both ends, though I would have liked a slightly more extended treble, for a more airy sound. Overall, it's timbre is nice, though I found it to lack a bit of definition with higher pitched instruments. 
 
Below comparisons are done with GR07BE. 
 
Ostry KC06 Comparison: The bass edition of the GR07 portrays quite realistic sub-bass, a bit less in quantity compared to a modded KC06, with more realistic sub-bass compared to a stock KC06. The midbass levels are similar, with the GR07BE having a bit more bass control, with the KC06 having a little more warmth, midbass to lower midrange. The 1-2k region sounds a bit more refined on the GR07, overall the higher midrange sound similar between the two, with the GR07BE being a wee bit more refined. Get to the overall treble and the GR07BE has two apparent peaks, one at 6k and another at 8.5k. KC06 has peaks at 8.5 and 10k. I found the GR07BE to be peakier overall, with a deep fit and Sony-Hybrid tips I was able to tame the 8.5k peak but the 6k peak remains quite present. With the Comply S200, KC06's 8.5k peak is tamed and the 10k peak became minor. The KC06 has better treble extension, sounding more airy and open in these high frequencies, though a bit splashier than the GR07's treble despite being less sibilant. Overall, the KC06 simply sounds a bit more refined in the high regions with a smoother, more extended treble. Soundstage depth sounds a bit better on the GR07BE, but the KC06 is wider and more airy. To note, the KC06 also sounds more dynamic, overall it's a more engaging sound while being about just as balanced. On the contrast, there is some finesse on the GR07, the KC06 lacks, it's more subtle but a bit more refined. Hard to pick a winner here, the GR07BE's bass and lower midrange sounds more mature, while the KC06 sounds better in the higher midrange and treble. 
 
Hifiman RE400 Comparison: I couldn't necessarily do a direct comparison here, but I'll just make it subtle based on what I remember of these. The GR07BE has similar bass levels with a more realistic subbass, similar midrange clarity and a more balanced, extended treble albeit more prone to sibilance. Both are meant to have a more studio-monitor sound, but I feel the GR07BE is a tad better in it's role with a bit more balance and bandwidth, extending better at both ends. What I will give the RE400 is a smoother, less fatiguing treble, but it's a bit subdued for my taste. Outside of sound, both are really comfortable, but the GR07's cable feels far more durable. 
 
T-Peos Altone 200 Comparison: Here the Altone gives a more present bass. Problem is, I found the GR07BE more extended and controlled, whereas the Altone has a bigger midbass hump and a sub-bass roll-off. The Altone as a result has a looser more punchy bass, GR07BE has more rumble and control, more subtle but more filled bass. The midrange is warmer on the Altone in the lower mdrange, details here are less apparent. Get to the higher midrange, the Altone is very forward, to the point of being a fault. While this makes certain details more apparent, it simply sounds unnatural and edgy with higher pitched instruments. 3-6k is where the problem lies on the Altone, creating the mentioned effects. Treble is also peaky as well, though with Comply TS400, I was able to tame the peaks here. Both GR07BE and the Altone are mildly sibilant, the difference is that the Altone has this edginess to it's sound that's quite apparent. I was able to make the Altone more balanced with a 15ohm resistor, making them much smoother  but, doing this also made the lack of the treble extension more apparent. Simply put, the GR07 sounds a bit airier and open due to better treble extension, though the difference isn't huge by any means. Despite of this, Altone does place instruments a bit better than the GR07. Overall, the Altone comes off as this extravagant IEM, that simply wants attention. It's bass has a lot of punch and it's midrange and treble are detailed, but too forward for it's own good.  GR07BE on the other hand, is more laid back, but also more mature, as most of the frequencies are done at about right quantities, despite it's flaws here and there. I'll give the nod to the GR07BE, here proving it can compete and surpass IEMs above it's price. 
 
Dunu DN1000 Comparison:Here the Dunu carries more weight as it's bass it's more filled in the sub-bass. A friend of mine here mentioned that he found the DN1000's bass as slower, I agree to some extent but it's subtle, but can see where he's coming from. The bass of the DN1000 hits harder overall, so it appear to linger more, there's more reverb here. The bass of the GR07BE is a bit more neutral, but I found the DN1000's more subbass oriented bass more euphoric. The midrange of the DN1000 has a bit more warmth and it's also a bit more forward, compared to the more laid back GR07BE. In the treble the DN1000 does have a big peak that extends from 7-10k, so it can be as sibilant as the GR07BE. But these peaks can be tamed a lot more, than the GR07's. This means it's more finicky with tips, but the potential is there. After finding the best tip/insertion depth combination for both, the DN1000 simply sounded more defined in the higher frequencies. Mild sibilance due to it's 10k peak on DN1000, but the GR07BE was more offensive and yet a bit more subdued in certain regions in the high frequencies. Treble extension is better on the Dunu, so it sounds more airy and spacious While some may find the GR07BE's bass balance to be preferred, I found the DN1000 to be more rounded in the midrange and highs, with a more spacious soundstage with better instrument placement. While the GR07BE bested the previous hybrid, I would have to give it to Dunu here, though it is about 55-70$ more expensive. Outside of sound, the GR07 is much more comfortable, with smaller, lighter housings, compared to the bulky and heavy Dunu DN1000. 
 
 
Here I show how the GR07 Bass and Classic Editions will graph using the latest Olive-Welti in-room compensation. I superimposed InnerFidelity's data for this result and did some averaging in addition to sine sweeps. It is not meant to be 100% accurate. Things change with insertion depth, though all in all I feel this portrays the overall tonality quite well. I found this data useful for EQing as well, though the 10 peak is lowered to 8.5k with a more shallow fit based on tone sweeps I did for these. 
 
For under 150$, no other IEM plays the intended role of a studio montior of the GR07 [BE&CE] as well as these. They give that monitor sound, with a great comfort and isolation. I have my criticism in it's build quality and sound to some extent. With some cable failures being reported once in a while and the treble peaks, but regardless of this, I have great respect for this product.  I just recommend to treat them with some care and insert them as deeply as you can with comfort. Time has passed, IEMs have come and go, being hyped and then disappearing, but these are still being recommended, and for good reason....
 
I would like to thank user UnityisPower for loaning me the GR07 BE!!
 
notable links
Vsonic Company Tour [must be translated]
InnerFidelity Graph for Bass Edition
InnerFidelity Graph for Classic Edition
GR07 MKII analysis by Rin [should apply to current models for the most part]
Vsonic GR07 Head-fi Thread

Not An Introduction
 
This in-ear monitor does not need to be introduced, yet again, to headphone audio enthusiasts. The GR07 is one of the most popular high-performance IEMs on the market; at its original MSRP of about $180, it represented one of the best deals in headphone audio. It competed evenly with many IEMs that sold for much more money and suffered few compromises in order to achieve this performance, despite its inexpensive price tag. The GR07 have been released in several iterations since, the latest being the Classic model. Supposedly identical to the GR07 Mk II, the Classic offers the same great sound that VSonic is known for, complete with multiple color options and an even more attractive price tag, $100. I am here to confirm that the GR07 is still one of the best deals in headphone audio.
 
Sound
 
Tuned to sound similar to stage monitors, these sound a little more colored than reference-grade neutral, but no more than just a little. A very small mid-bass hump provides additional oomph in beat-centric tracks, such as pop or hip-hop. More problematic to some is its tendency to sound a little bit bright up top. Without using equalization, the GR07 can occasionally exhibit sibilance and a brighter sound than neutral. Due to slight variances between units, it is impossible to accurately describe the severity of this problem, but for those who are sensitive to sibilance: look elsewhere unless you are willing to use EQ to correct these problems. For reference, my particular pair sounds more even when EQ’d about -4 dB at 6 kHz and -3.2 dB at 10 kHz. Some pairs my need more or less than this and at slightly different frequencies in order to tame the treble.
 
Distortion throughout the entire audible range is not an issue. If any is present, it is low enough such that it is not audible at any point. All frequencies are presented in a clean manner. Many people have reported resonances in the treble which contribute to the brighter overall sound of the GR07. These cannot be entirely corrected by EQ, but when EQ’d properly, the IEMs should not be too bright to enjoy. Any ringing resulting from these resonances seems to be fairly short-lived.
 
Build
 
The GR07 Classic is the same IEM, with respect to build quality, as the original and Mk II. That is, the earpieces are very solid, high grade plastic. The rotating nozzles on the earpieces are made of strong metal and are unlikely to break, except under very high stress. The cable is the same as the Mk II; it is soft and flexible and feels reasonably strong. The only problem that seems to have carried over to this generation of GR07 is the short strain relief extending from the earpiece. Since the IEM is worn over ear, the cable should not be bearing significant stress, so I do not believe this will be an issue, either.
 
Accessories
 
Accessories are slightly downgraded from older VSonic offerings; no longer do buyers receive a billion tips with their IEM. That said, the ear tip package is still not completely disappointing. Included is one pair of foam ear tips, as well as a pair of bi-flanges and three or four pairs of different sized single-flange ear tips. Also included is a pair of cable guides to assist in over-ear wear and a small faux leather pouch to carry the IEMs in. I would have preferred a hard shelled case, but if the user is careful and mindful of the case’s limitations, this hopefully will not result in broken IEMs. IEMs at this price point have been improving their accessories packages recently, so this is slightly disappointing to me. However, the accessories presented here are at least adequate.
 
Closing Statements
 
Overall, this IEM represents a truly fantastic value. It has become an even better deal than it used to be, sporting a new, low price tag, complete with the same GR07 sound that made it famous about three years ago. I would absolutely recommend this IEM to anyone looking for an inexpensive high-performance earphone.

After owning the Vsonic GR07 Classic Edition for about 2 months or so, all I can say is these are absolutely brilliant.
 
Very articulate, fast/dry sound. These will extract details almost to a fault, to the point where classical music isn't realistically presented for the most part, due to overly in-your-face presentation.
They are quite neutral, however have a full low-mid area and a 6.5kHz peak, a build to a 10K peak, then a dip around 12kHz and then another peak above that (se for example  innerfidelity for a detailed FR graph).
 
For critical listening, they are probably not as spectrally linear as you'd need.
 
However, they have a mildly scratchy/papery quality to them that is irresistible to me, thanks to the 6.5KHz peak and the overall extremely vibrant, articulate response across the spectrum (they never feel like you have a smooth, solid wall of sound against your ears, but always manage a detailed, vibrant, rippling surface that effectively prevents listening fatigue).
Drums and guitars, and other sounds with snap and texture, are absoluely superbly presented. Thanks to the great fast response, 6.5KHz focus point and fast decay, movies with gunshots and other action-related sounds with fast transients are also rendered incredibly snappily and crisply.
 
Sibilance can be a problem in the 6.5KHz area, however after adjusting to it most other headphones sound overly polite in comparison.
 
Overall a light, airy sound with great articulation and dynamics across treble, mids and bass. The papery aspect is particularly descriptive of them, take a paper and rip it slowly, that type of dry, quick, scratchy, crackly sound is the trademark of these things and adds the richness they possess, yet they are extremely clean and free from distortion.
 
For the current price of 100$ I really cannot recommend these enough, they have a unique signature and presentation that is incredible for metal/rock and action films, and will deliver a very detailed sound in all cases, as long as absolute linearity in frequency response isn't critical. I have a pair of Beyerdynamic DT880 which have a similar balance, and those feel like a very good linear companion to these, lacking the pronunced 6.5KHz area and the dip above it. Even with the Beyers and their more natural, airy, slightly more spacious sound I still reach for the GR07 alot, particularly for action films.

these are nicely made and sound nice. They definitely put their sound signature stamp all over my record collection which is odd because they are fairly neutral in many respects. I feel it's somewhere in the dynamics and/or presentation that they add their unwanted stamp. For their designed purpose, on stage, I say these are spectacular and well made, but for casual and relaxed listening, they did not excite me enough to warrant further listening. But definitely worth a try considering they are reasonable priced, and measure well. give 'em a go and see if the vsonic sound stamp is 'for you'

they're pretty nice. does what I need them to do for a decent price. 

.

Update on my 2nd time purchasing the GR07 in March 2013..
...more about the GR07: warm mids
IMHO:
Sound: 8/10 (compared to the best iems i have ever had was W4 and Ex1000 10/10)
p/p: 10/10

For the price somewhere between $150.00 and $180.00 USD, there really isn't many other competition for the price. They really get the job done well. Can get a little stale in sound sometimes but that's really a rare case. These really are great!
 
Great sense if air in the treble (one of the best I've heard) with great detail and extension (sibilance was not a problem for me personally).
 
Fairly flat mid range that is true to the recording.
 
Very quick impact bass (especially for a dynamic driver) that's slightly north of neutral with great extension and accuracy.
 
Wide soundstage, lacking a bit in height and depth, but again with pretty accurate imaging.
 
Overall a great tonal balance and a very natural sound signature that is capable of handling most genres fairly well. Having that in mind plus being one of the most detailed iem in the price bracket (and honestly competing with iems hundreds of dollars greater in price), Vsonic has a winner here. Those looking for more low end have the option of the bass edition which is a great option to have.

just wonderful little iems. wish the isolation was a little better, not bad though, just nitpicking. The microphonics are unacceptable, just a light tap on the cable and i can hear it, annoying as crap, but definitely not a deal breaker.

--

Driver Type: 11mm CCAW Dynamic w/ Multi-layers Bio-cellulose
Frequency Response: 7Hz-30 KHz
Sensitivity: 105dB
Impedance: 50Ω
Cable: 1.3m Silver cable
Connector: 3.5mm Gold-plated L-plug
 
 
 
Sound Quality: Before the review, I had given the VSonic GR07s at least 160 hours of Burn-In, as recommended for this specific IEM by a lot of Head-Fi users. There were some small changes, mainly in the treble area: Out of the box, there was quite lot sibilance, though, after the burn in period, it almost disappeared. Also, the treble got a bit smoother, and it now extends better. The bass has now a bit more weight and body, and like the bass, it extends better too.
 
The sound-signature is balanced, warm, musical and smooth. I get relaxed with the GR07s sound signature, because it's not fatiguing at all, I can listen to it for a very long time without getting bored or tired of it.
 
The Bass: The GR07s bass is very punchy, and even though it uses a dynamic driver, it tends to be quite fast. It's very accurate and well controlled and textured. Also, the fact that the whole sound-signature is balanced doesn't mean that the bass lacks body, vice versa, it has a full body and it has enough weight to feel natural and real. The drums presentation is very unique in its naturalness and realism.
 
The Mids: The mids aren't laid back but they aren't forward either; they're quite neutral. They are very clean, clear and accurate, managing to reproduce impressive detail layers.
 
The Treble: The treble has a very good extension, which gets even better after the burn in. Before the burn in, there was a lot of sibilance, but it got away when the GR07s had passed the 150 hours of burn in. After the burn in, it got a lot smoother and non-fatiguing. Like the mids, the treble is very detailed and clear. Also, the treble is very crisp, leading the vocals to sound very good.
 
Sound-Stage and Imaging: The GR07s sound-stage is very wide and quite airy. Imaging is very good either; a good picture of the played audio can be imagined easily. The instruments separation is good, and the layering is too.
 
The rating is 9.5/10. It's rated in ratio to the current price.
 
In Conclusion, for their current price, the VSonic GR07 offers a very impressive "Bang for the buck" value. It's an IEM that could easily stand against more expensive competitors without any shame in all of the categories. I salute VSonic for building such a magnificent IEM for such a low price. The only average thing that the GR07 does is the isolation, though, some of its competitors do it worse. For the great value that it offers, the VSonic GR07 receives an outstanding score of 9.7/10.
 
The VSonic GR07 is officially priced at 179$. It can be purchased through different dealers, for example: Lend Me UR Ears, Frogbeats, Amazon and through the top-rated eBay seller, bigbaragainonline.
 
More of my reviews can be read in my blog: iahpt.wordpress.com
 

Bought these about two months ago and I'm delighted with them. The audio quality is fantastic compared to my last ear phones and they are still suitable for every day use. 

It is the best of the best at having no flaws. Very good overall at most everything.

These are my first pair of upper-mid tier IEMs, so I can't really compare these to anything else in their price range. I can say however, that they sound very good to my ears, with much better bass extension than my A151s, and a nice midrange and overall more balanced sound than my M50s. However, they don't have the world's best isolation, and there are some minor build issues, such as the plastic strain relief coming unglued from the housing, though it doesn't really move around and it's easily glued back on. In addition, the strain reliefs on the y-split and the plug are a bit stiff, since the cord is pretty springy (which can be a pro or con, based on preference), the strain reliefs aren't super necessary, but it can still be a bit annoying. Overall though, very recommended!

Buy these if they are in your budget, you won't be disappointed, very analytical phones with great sub bass reproduction for a IEM