The VSD5 is the next earphone to follow up on the successful release of the very popular VSD3/VSD3s. From afar the VSD5 looks eerily similar with their older/younger brother, the VSD3/VSD3s. However, once you put them into your ears, you will quickly figure out that the VSD5 is a different animal in its own right. Lets find out what that means! If you would rather watch my review be sure to click on the link below, and if you found the review to be helpful, Like& subscribe and share the video!
Accessories: The VSD5 comes with:
4 Pairs of silicone Eartips
1 Pair of Foam Eartips
1 Fabric Pouch
1 Pair of Earguides
Overall: 7.5/10 (Solid but not as extensive as some of its competitors
Design:
The VSD5s have quite a unique design in my opinion, however those this striking design may turn off those preferring more conservative or conventional design. They take on a more crystallized, jewel- like design, and intended to be worn over the ear (similar many professional in ear monitors). The edges on the face of the earphones creates a nice reflection when light strikes it, helping increase it’s appeal (at least with me anyway). Its translucent housing, displays the internals of the earphone, providing for a quite interesting presentation. However, my gripe with the design is that they only come in this smokey, translucent grey, which is not really my cup of tea. I wish they had a larger selection of colours to choose from (like the VSD3/VSD3s) which I think will help widen their appeal.
Overall: 7/10
Build Quality:
The VSD5 are built very similarly to the VSD3S, but VSONIC instead decided to use a fixed/ non-detachable cable (to remedy the issue they faced with the detachable mmcx connectors with some units of the VSD3S). The VSD5 comes with an entirely plastic shell, that’s very lightweight and quite typical in this price range. Moving onto the cable, it’s quite flexible and nicely made, but unfortunately the VSD5 is lacking adequate strain reliefs. I personally think this issue is a bit of an oversight, especially pertaining to the VSD5 more so than the VSD3s. The reason for this is solely based on the fact that the VSD3s (at least my version, comes with a easily replaceable detachable cable).
This is a bit concerning, and requires the VSD5 to be handled by a gentle hand.
Overall: 6/10
Comfort:
The VSD5 is quite comfortable despite the large housing, for reference they have a slightly larger body than the VSD3s. The body of the housing is quite smooth on the side in contact with your ear. The nozzle is angled appropriately to allow them to sit comfortably and securely in my ears even after extended listening sessions. However, those with smaller outer ears may run into a bit of trouble because of the larger housing (YMMV).
Overall: 7/10
Isolation:
The VSD5s isolate very well, similar to their little brothers again. They are vented, but the vent is very tiny (can be seen with a magnifying glass, or if you squint really hard). I feel the VSD5 would work well in noisy environments such as on the bus, train or even your noisy office.
Overall: 8/10
Sound:
The VSD5 is a somewhat of a departure from the little/older brother the VSD3S, while at the same time retaining some of the same characteristics of the latter. The most apparent change is the treble and soundstage. The VSD5 has a cooler, more analytical sound signature.
Bass: The bass as a whole is slightly elevated with a nice bump in the midbass, giving the VSD5s a nice firm punch. In comparison the bass on the VSD5 is slightly more elevated than my GR07BE, but less than the VSD3s, so I wouldn’t necessarily call them very bassy. Instead with the added bass the VSD5 displays the texture, and depth in the bass well. The bass has good extension and rumble when called upon, but nothing distracting as a whole.
Midrange: The midrange of the VSD5 on the drier, cooler side, albeit drier as well, it’s also leaner in comparison to the VSD3s, which is much warmer sounding. This allows the VSD5 to have a bit more of an analytical sound signature giving way for great clarity, that simply exceeds its price range, and I can argue that the VSD5 can compete well with its more expensive older sibling, the GR07BE ($179).The upper midrange has a peak to give female vocals more energy, but can sound a bit shouty.
Treble: The treble is definitely on the bright side. It’s more emphasized and forward, providing a very crisp texture while providing superb detail and clarity. It works well with stringed instruments in conjunction with the nice soundstage (see soundstage section). However, I find the treble be a bit “peaky”, and abrasive in the mid to upper treble at times. A better word to describe the treble would be "splashy" which can be unforgiving on some tracks, and can get fatiguing after a while. The VSD5 is definitely not for the treble sensitive, and it requires a bit of tip rolling can help tame the treble a bit (This can be somewhat alleviated with the Sony hybrids or smaller size, narrower bore tip). Wide bore/opening tips will open the sound up more and increased the treble emphasis slightly, but to be honest, i don't think it needs any more help in the treble department
*note- I tried them with the very, narrow Westone Star Eartips (which in reality doesn’t fit, but I was able to get it stretch over the nozzle. This helps tremendously in smoothing out that sort of “abrasive/grainy/sandy” treble. On the opposite side of the spectrum, the Star/Weston Eartips bumped the bass, isolation improved as well. (Some users had success with the narrow “Klipsch Oval” eartips, (I would imagine the “Shure Flex “eartips would do the same).
Soundstage: The VSD5 was supposedly tuned after the Sony EX 1000, an earphone that was known for an airy and open soundstage. Now, although I haven’t personally heard of the EX 1000 myself, however I can definitively say that the VSD5 images fairly well, especially consider the design is almost entirely sealed as opposed to the earphone it’s tuned after, the EX 1000 (an open/low isolating earphone). The soundstage size is well above average, with good instrument placement. I think it makes acoustic music quite nice to listen to with great separation between instruments and female vocals. I think the presents height very well more so than depth.
Quick comparison between the VSD5 with the VSD3s:
The VSD3s is definitely much warmer and bassier, with a thicker, smoother midrange. However, in terms of detail retrieval, clarity, soundstage, I would give the edge to the VSD5. However, because of the bright nature of the VSD5, I can’t say its for is everyone, and can be a bit unforgiving for some users, some will love the clarity in the treble, while others may find it somewhat splashy there.
If you would like my full review on the VSONIC VSD3S click here:
http://www.head-fi.org/products/vso...lity-stereo-inner-ear-earphones/reviews/11618
Comparing the VSD5 to the Dunu Titan 1:
This comparison is a lot more similar, with the Dunu Titan 1 having a more refined treble, and the soundstage is more open and expansive, the midrange is also slightly warmer. The Titan 1s also have a slightly less aggressive midbass, with more a leveled bass entirely. In contrast, the VSD5 has stronger, punchier and deeper bass and it seems to have a thinner treble presentation, so at times it may sound somewhat splashier in comparison. The VSD5 can sound more clearer in the midrange because it’s not as warm, with a cooler presentation, it sounds more analytical sounding.
Also, VSD5 provides much better isolation than the Titan 1s, making the VSD5 a better option for those in noisier areas, whereas the Titan 1s will not nearly be as effective in.
If you would like to see my full review for the Dunu Titan click here:
http://www.head-fi.org/products/dunu-titan-1-titanium-coated-diaphragm-earphones/reviews/13302
Overall: 7/10
In conclusion, while I’m somewhat disappointed with the build quality of the VSD5, I cannot disregard the VSD5, as an overall package. It continues the success that is often attributed with the company, VSONIC and the great price to performance ratio that comes with many of the products they release.
Overall, I’m pleased with the overall technical performance of the VSD5s, the tuning isn’t exactly my cup of tea, as the treble can be a bit much for me (and i usually like a bit of treble emphasis). However, VSD5 still gets my recommendation as a affordable, high performing earphone that will please budget “head-fiers” or “audio enthusiasts”. Its more a of "niche" tuning that places emphasis on clarity and detail, but while still providing a nice bass thump.
Final Verdict: 42/60=70%
