bearwarrior
100+ Head-Fier
Impressions on MrSpeakers VOCE
First of all. This is a wonderful electrostatic headphone. PERIOD.
If you don’t have much time to read the entire thing, you can stop right here.
Please forgive me not to post the photos. I will take some on the weekends.
The amp I am using is KG high voltage Grounded Grid. The detailed setup is in my signature.
What does the whole package include?
1) VOCE with the cable on it. (cable is removable.)
2) 3 filters (similar to AEON flow, but different materials. I will go into details later about the filters)
3) A complimentary tool to remove the screw and a soft cloth.
4) It should come with a display box, which will be sent in two weeks.
At first, I was struggling how to give a clear impression of the bass, midrange, and treble like everybody else. But I think it is still a subjective thing. Since different people have different taste and listen to different types of music, I eventually decided to post this impression based on the comparison among VOCE, SR-009, and SR-007MK1. It will be much clearer for those people who own these headphones. It also benefits the people who have listened to these headphones so that they can understand what I am talking about.
If you are searching for the comparison between 009 and 007MK1, please go to Stax thread. I posted something a few months ago.
Okay. Let’s get started.
VOCE vs SR009:
In short, it feels like “concert” vs “studio”.
At the very beginning, when I listened to VOCE, I felt it is an okay headphone which lost some of the details. But I was wrong. After a careful comparison, it is the difference of tonality. VOCE has a larger driver and deeper pads than 009 so the music becomes a bit further from me instead of closer to my face. This feeling will make me think the details are missing. It is like somebody talks to me 10 feet from me and 1 foot from me. Everything is the same, but it gives different feelings. So I am pretty sure I am not losing the details. Based on the same reason, I felt I am actually getting a slightly better imaging and stage. The soundstage of VOCE has similar height and width to 009. But the depth is clearly deeper on VOCE. I have drawn this picture to illustrate the soundstage when I am listening to the same playlist. Hence, I feel VOCE has a concert feeling presentation like I am an audience in the crowd. 009 has a studio feeling presentation like I am an album producer to do an analytical listening.
The bass on VOCE has great extension and quantity. The tonality is closer to the planar magnetic headphones. Nothing is exaggerated. Normally, I like the video of launching the SpaceX to test the bass on the headphone. The video is attached. It looks cool and, more importantly, sounds awesome. After 45s the rocket launched, the rocket should reach the supersonic speed. On 009, I can feel the rocket is almost exploding. Some oxidation sparks can be heard from 009. But VOCE gives a more accurate sound. I personally feel more realistic since I have watched the launch of a rocket in person a few years ago. In conclusion, compared to 009, the upper bass on VOCE is more neutral. I would give the edge to VOCE on the bass.
The midrange is awesome on both VOCE and 009. I have heard both male and female vocals. I personally prefer VOCE on male vocal and 009 on female vocal. On VOCE, upper bass flows into the lower mids that transition into the middle midrange with unmatched cohesion. On 009, it is still pretty revealing of recordings mixed too hot in the upper mids.
The treble is the biggest difference here. The treble on 009 is unmatched. I have found few headphones can compete with 009. 009 has the most transparent, most resolving, and most focused treble. VOCE, on the other hand, is more balanced and has a decent extension.
One thing I need to mention is the sensitivity of both headphones. I normally turn my volume pot by a quarter on 009. But, on VOCE, I need to turn to almost half to provide enough juice to VOCE.
In the end, it always comes down to the personal preference. My best bet is comparing both headphones by yourself and choosing the one you like. Or keeping both like me.
VOCE vs 007MK1:
The smoothness and the rich tonality of 007 MK1 always have a special connection to me. It always draws me into music I listen to and lets me forget I am wearing a pair of headphones. VOCE is like a chameleon. It is more versatile. It can do a very decent job to watch movies, play games, and stream HIFI music from Tidal.
The main difference here is the midrange. I think people who own the 007MK1 will understand what I am talking about. This headphone is unique because of its uncomparable midrange presentation, organic and liquid. VOCE is just more neutral.
Tonality ranking:
Warm side Bright side
007MK1 < VOCE < 009
This is just a simple comparison. It does not mean 009 is too bright or 007 is too warm.
VOCE has more bass quantity. But 007MK1 also has quality bass. The treble on VOCE is more transparent and has more air.
Overall, VOCE is like a combination of 009 and 007MK1 with some delicate EQ.
Finally, FILTERS!
There are 3 filters included. The materials in the parathesis () are the things I am guessing based on looking and touching those. Please correct me if I am wrong @mrspeakers .
I did not spend a lot of time trying these filters. I will just leave some of the notes I wrote.
Thick foam filter: (Polyurethane foams)
I can feel the male vocal (upper bass) has less presence. The high frequency is attenuated.
Thin black filter: (Synthetic felt)
I feel it is a damping material. The saxophone will sound less realistic when using this filter.
White filter: (Polyester fiber)
The high frequency is less so that it feels like the bass is enhanced. The filter itself is really thin. So I feel it has less effect than the black foam.
SUMMARY:
I feel VOCE earns its place in the market of high-end electrostatic headphones. Although I cannot say VOCE is superior to any Stax headphones, it can be a strong competitor to challenge the Stax. The neutral but musical presentation from VOCE gives it versatility and possibilities. Therefore, I have more options each time I choose one headphone from my collections and enjoy the rest of evening. But I know I will probably intuitively choose VOCE when I have no idea which specific one I want to choose. Considering the current market filling with many headphones over $3K, VOCE will probably be a good example to draw many enthusiasts into the electrostatic world.
First of all. This is a wonderful electrostatic headphone. PERIOD.
If you don’t have much time to read the entire thing, you can stop right here.
Please forgive me not to post the photos. I will take some on the weekends.
The amp I am using is KG high voltage Grounded Grid. The detailed setup is in my signature.
What does the whole package include?
1) VOCE with the cable on it. (cable is removable.)
2) 3 filters (similar to AEON flow, but different materials. I will go into details later about the filters)
3) A complimentary tool to remove the screw and a soft cloth.
4) It should come with a display box, which will be sent in two weeks.
At first, I was struggling how to give a clear impression of the bass, midrange, and treble like everybody else. But I think it is still a subjective thing. Since different people have different taste and listen to different types of music, I eventually decided to post this impression based on the comparison among VOCE, SR-009, and SR-007MK1. It will be much clearer for those people who own these headphones. It also benefits the people who have listened to these headphones so that they can understand what I am talking about.
If you are searching for the comparison between 009 and 007MK1, please go to Stax thread. I posted something a few months ago.
Okay. Let’s get started.
VOCE vs SR009:
In short, it feels like “concert” vs “studio”.
At the very beginning, when I listened to VOCE, I felt it is an okay headphone which lost some of the details. But I was wrong. After a careful comparison, it is the difference of tonality. VOCE has a larger driver and deeper pads than 009 so the music becomes a bit further from me instead of closer to my face. This feeling will make me think the details are missing. It is like somebody talks to me 10 feet from me and 1 foot from me. Everything is the same, but it gives different feelings. So I am pretty sure I am not losing the details. Based on the same reason, I felt I am actually getting a slightly better imaging and stage. The soundstage of VOCE has similar height and width to 009. But the depth is clearly deeper on VOCE. I have drawn this picture to illustrate the soundstage when I am listening to the same playlist. Hence, I feel VOCE has a concert feeling presentation like I am an audience in the crowd. 009 has a studio feeling presentation like I am an album producer to do an analytical listening.
The bass on VOCE has great extension and quantity. The tonality is closer to the planar magnetic headphones. Nothing is exaggerated. Normally, I like the video of launching the SpaceX to test the bass on the headphone. The video is attached. It looks cool and, more importantly, sounds awesome. After 45s the rocket launched, the rocket should reach the supersonic speed. On 009, I can feel the rocket is almost exploding. Some oxidation sparks can be heard from 009. But VOCE gives a more accurate sound. I personally feel more realistic since I have watched the launch of a rocket in person a few years ago. In conclusion, compared to 009, the upper bass on VOCE is more neutral. I would give the edge to VOCE on the bass.
The midrange is awesome on both VOCE and 009. I have heard both male and female vocals. I personally prefer VOCE on male vocal and 009 on female vocal. On VOCE, upper bass flows into the lower mids that transition into the middle midrange with unmatched cohesion. On 009, it is still pretty revealing of recordings mixed too hot in the upper mids.
The treble is the biggest difference here. The treble on 009 is unmatched. I have found few headphones can compete with 009. 009 has the most transparent, most resolving, and most focused treble. VOCE, on the other hand, is more balanced and has a decent extension.
One thing I need to mention is the sensitivity of both headphones. I normally turn my volume pot by a quarter on 009. But, on VOCE, I need to turn to almost half to provide enough juice to VOCE.
In the end, it always comes down to the personal preference. My best bet is comparing both headphones by yourself and choosing the one you like. Or keeping both like me.
VOCE vs 007MK1:
The smoothness and the rich tonality of 007 MK1 always have a special connection to me. It always draws me into music I listen to and lets me forget I am wearing a pair of headphones. VOCE is like a chameleon. It is more versatile. It can do a very decent job to watch movies, play games, and stream HIFI music from Tidal.
The main difference here is the midrange. I think people who own the 007MK1 will understand what I am talking about. This headphone is unique because of its uncomparable midrange presentation, organic and liquid. VOCE is just more neutral.
Tonality ranking:
Warm side Bright side
007MK1 < VOCE < 009
This is just a simple comparison. It does not mean 009 is too bright or 007 is too warm.
VOCE has more bass quantity. But 007MK1 also has quality bass. The treble on VOCE is more transparent and has more air.
Overall, VOCE is like a combination of 009 and 007MK1 with some delicate EQ.
Finally, FILTERS!
There are 3 filters included. The materials in the parathesis () are the things I am guessing based on looking and touching those. Please correct me if I am wrong @mrspeakers .
I did not spend a lot of time trying these filters. I will just leave some of the notes I wrote.
Thick foam filter: (Polyurethane foams)
I can feel the male vocal (upper bass) has less presence. The high frequency is attenuated.
Thin black filter: (Synthetic felt)
I feel it is a damping material. The saxophone will sound less realistic when using this filter.
White filter: (Polyester fiber)
The high frequency is less so that it feels like the bass is enhanced. The filter itself is really thin. So I feel it has less effect than the black foam.
SUMMARY:
I feel VOCE earns its place in the market of high-end electrostatic headphones. Although I cannot say VOCE is superior to any Stax headphones, it can be a strong competitor to challenge the Stax. The neutral but musical presentation from VOCE gives it versatility and possibilities. Therefore, I have more options each time I choose one headphone from my collections and enjoy the rest of evening. But I know I will probably intuitively choose VOCE when I have no idea which specific one I want to choose. Considering the current market filling with many headphones over $3K, VOCE will probably be a good example to draw many enthusiasts into the electrostatic world.
Last edited:
That beer is WAY too small. Ah well i'm more of a hard liquor man anyway.
. The one thing I am so sure of is that to criticize Stax and how they make headphones is foolish.
