Hey everyone, I saw the VS9 on amazon from the same vsonic official store that I posted earlier with the VS7. The black / blue VS9 was $129 which is the same price as the VS7 with free returns so I figured I had to try to them out.
VS9 link (only one in stock as of posting):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T582B8G/
I have the detachable cable VSD3 red / blue version so that's what I'll be comparing them too. I love my VSD3's and have bought 3 replacement cables because I love them so much. I'm not a headphone connoisseur so I don't know too much but I believe these are pretty v shaped as the bass and vocals are pretty emphasized and the bigger bass was one of my favorite parts about these. I actually rarely use iems anymore and mostly use my desktop speaker setup of KEF LS50s or my HD6XXs but wanted a replacement to my aging VSD3s for when I'm out and about. They were also extremely comfortable and I could wear them for hours without noticing any ear fatigue. Unfortunately I never tried the much loved GR07s so I can't compare to those either.
For the VS9's I think they are more neutral than the VSD3's. The bass is still there but cleaner and more subdued which I think I like more after listening to the VS9's for a few hours now. I think there is more separation between the instruments, vocals, etc. too. The highs or at least the vocals are a bit less pronounced as well leading to me thinking they are more flat compared to the VSD3. Vocals and bass sounded a bit too far recessed initially going from the VSD3 but after listening for a while it sounds more balanced and I think I like it better now. I think these would give a great representation of what the original track should sound like.
As a side note I demoed the Shure SE535 and thought those were one of the worst headphones I've ever heard while the SE846 were the best iems I've heard. My ranking would go SE846 > VS9 > VSD3 >> SE535 which isn't too shocking given the price on the SE846s.
Pros:
Same price as the VS7 and on prime with free returns right now
Love the blue / black combo
Amazing, clean, separated sound
Better sound isolation than the VSD3 even with the bigger overall size of the VS9
Just as comfy in the ear as the smaller VSD3
Cons:
Cable feels really, really cheap and flimsy. I can't think of a worse cable. I will for sure be getting a new cable if I keep these
No headphone controls on the cable
Wrap around ear cable portion feels very weird and I can't get it to adjust correctly. Ends up hurting my ears after a while
Overall I really love the sound but will need to figure out a new cable asap as that's really my only complaint. The eartips are fine, just leaving the iems without the cables in my ears feels fine, the appearance is great, sound is great, but that cable... If anyone has suggestions please let me know!
Not sure how to embed the photos but here they are:
https://imgur.com/a/VO8t5k6