[Qiuu]

Now I would love to read a comparison between the Volt and the Tri Starlight. I really appreciate the graphs.

Oh, since the bass/mid bass is so generous on the Volt, does it bleed into the midrange at all?

Lower midrange is warm and full, but I wouldn't say that there is any overbleeding of bass. It's a very coherent way of presenting music

 

[Xinlisupreme]

Can anyone compare the IMR Acoustics Opus Mia and the Penon Volt?

very different tuning, I don’t know how to start comparison
Anyway you can live with both, opus mia is Vshape with less mid presence, Volt is U shape with less bass impact.
Volt is a perfect all rounder especially with some music that you can’t listen with many IEMs, everything sounds good with “viagra”.
Opus mia is a great choice with Hip Hop, Trap, EDM and similar but sounds good also with acoustic music.
I think IMR stock cable can’t help to enjoy OM, I tried some cables and I love Penon OSG matching. I’m waiting ISN AG8 to tame bass and get more mids.
Volt sounds good with stock cable, I’d try AG8 also and Leo+ but I know Totem would be the right choice for Volt.

 

[Ace Bee]

very different tuning, I don’t know how to start comparison
Anyway you can live with both, opus mia is Vshape with less mid presence, Volt is U shape with less bass impact.
Volt is a perfect all rounder especially with some music that you can’t listen with many IEMs, everything sounds good with “viagra”.
Opus mia is a great choice with Hip Hop, Trap, EDM and similar but sounds good also with acoustic music.
I think IMR stock cable can’t help to enjoy OM, I tried some cables and I love Penon OSG matching. I’m waiting ISN AG8 to tame bass and get more mids.
Volt sounds good with stock cable, I’d try AG8 also and Leo+ but I know Totem would be the right choice for Volt.

Well, you can change the nozzles to tune the bass of Opus Mia also.
How do they compare in terms of soundstage and separation?
Also, which one has smoother amd which one has sharper notes? I think I read somewhere that Opus Mia is not very sharp sounding.

 

[tgx78]

Lower midrange is warm and full, but I wouldn't say that there is any overbleeding of bass. It's a very coherent way of presenting music

agree.

I have spent 8 hours a day with Volt since I got it a little over a week ago, this is exactly the kind of stunning value for money IEM that is the sweetspot for me... Penon is on the roll such a coherent and mature tuning. The fact I just spent this time listening and enjoying rather than taking notes right away is a good sign... I'll start this but I have so much fun I didn't get to writing up notes for the review yet

Exactly same situation here, but times it by 6 to 7 weeks. I want to write a review for the Volt, but keep getting lost in music and completely forget to write anything down lol. I have some free time this Sunday so hoping to get it done

 

[docentore]

Here you go, I have no idea how to match these but I did my best to have it make sense:

Since you've requested I'll rush out some impressions between these two first and get to the others later. Both on the graph and in listening I find the Volt far more coherent than the EJ07, bass mids and highs sound completely as one on the Volt, but disjointed on the EJ07. You can visually see this on the graph as well with the Volt showing smoother bass to mid and mid to high transitions. It's quite glaringly the most obvious difference, as it's a real strength on the Volt's and a real weakness on the Ej07. The Volts are possibly the most coherent of the tribrids I've heard, if not a close second to the Odin.

Bass is fuller on the Volt, there's more mid bass and overall it's more meaty and lush. EJ07 in comparison has slightly snappier bass response with the lift being mainly confined to the sub bass, bass quality is good on the EJ07 and this is the only area I feel it beats the Volts as the EJ07's bass is tighter and more textured. That's not to say that the Volt's bass is poor, in fact, the fuller presentation actually serves the overall signature very well, but it's simply not as compact as the EJ07, and overall just shy of great. Dynamics are good on both, extension is good on both.

Mids are no contest, hollow and tonally off on the EJ07, there's not enough lower mid presence, followed by a sudden logarithmic shaped pinna rise and high overall pinna gain, they were obviously trying to hit the Etymotic target but with the incoherence of their mixed driver design and shelved treble, it sounds like an Etymotic gone wrong. Mids on the Volt in comparison are the star of the show, with a lush, full presentation that's somehow not overly dense and still remains light on its feet. Top tier vocals, and by top tier I mean multi thousand dollar summit-fi top tier, Volt's can hang with the best of them in this department. Aside from those standouts, texturing, layering, tonal depth, note weight and dynamics are all excellent. If you like lush mids there's not much that's better regardless of price, but if you prefer a cleaner more analytical sound these probably won't be for you.

Treble is shelved on the EJ07 relative to the pinna hump, the anti sibilance dip at 6k which has no reason to exist on the EJ07's tuning doesn't help either, further sapping snap and hampering tonality of the mids. Extension is poor as well. The Volt's treble is a cherry on top of the whole sound signature. Smooth as can be, while retaining good sparkle and, not great, but serviceable extension. For most estats you can distinctly tell the textural difference from the BAs, but the Volt joins the MEST and Odin in the club of properly integrated estat treble. Extra coherent while still injecting a touch of that ethereal magic that the Sonion stats are famous for. Treble is definitely laid back and trebleheads should avoid, but for me, someone who simultaneously enjoys a darker, smoother treble presentation but still desires extension, the Volt is literally perfect. I can't think of anything better even if cost is no object.

Staging wise the two trade blows, the EJ07 is physically larger, Volt is more intimate but layers better. Both image very well.

In summary, since this has turned into almost full impressions, I'm really pleased with the Volt's tuning, it knows what it wants to sound like and confidently executes it. No wishy washy trying to hit every mark stuff here, just concisely done. If you want a warm, lush, mid centric IEM, this is easily one of the best options regardless of price. Mid heads rejoice!

Thanks mate, really appreciate the comparison.
I had Volts for almost 2 weeks in my hands and not sure what to think about them. Took me a while to get used to sound signature, some shuffling with sources. They definitely gain with brighter sources.
For me the problem was sometimes I felt like it was to dense, too much meat in the sauce if you get me. Similar experience that I had with H40 or Oriolus Mk2.

I think you are right, it is not set for people who like clinical clean presentation. I think I will keep looking for backup set to go with my MEST.

Thanks for comparing them and give in-depth sound analysis between the two. Also good to see a confirmation that the Volt is not EJ07 clone. I feel like chasing down few that harassed me because I said Volt is different from the EJ07.

No one said clone, but OEM coming from same factory. There is huge difference.

 

[HiFiJayJay]

Thanks mate, really appreciate the comparison.
I had Volts for almost 2 weeks in my hands and not sure what to think about them. Took me a while to get used to sound signature, some shuffling with sources. They definitely gain with brighter sources.
For me the problem was sometimes I felt like it was to dense, too much meat in the sauce if you get me. Similar experience that I had with H40 or Oriolus Mk2.

I think you are right, it is not set for people who like clinical clean presentation. I think I will keep looking for backup set to go with my MEST.

I feel like there'll be two camps: Those who like the clean, neutral and bright with mild warmth signatures will gravitate towards brands like Moondrop, Tanchjim and Etymotic, etc. Those who like richer sound, musicality and unabashed colouration will have their own picks, including the Penon and ISN stuff. But these camps are of course also largely source/genre-dependent, plus other factors which I likely missed out.

 

[docentore]

I feel like there'll be two camps: Those who like the clean, neutral and bright with mild warmth signatures will gravitate towards brands like Moondrop, Tanchjim and Etymotic, etc. Those who like richer sound, musicality and unabashed colouration will have their own picks, including the Penon and ISN stuff. But these camps are of course also largely source/genre-dependent, plus other factors which I likely missed out.

Yeah absolutely. I've heard positives in Volt, don't get me wrong, I feel it is good set. But not sure if it's for me, hence question to @cenizas if EJ07 has different tunning while holding some of the good stuff I've seen in Volt.
While I love my Oxygen, loved Blessing2 I keep searching

 

[HiFiJayJay]

Yeah absolutely. I've heard positives in Volt, don't get me wrong, I feel it is good set. But not sure if it's for me, hence question to @cenizas if EJ07 has different tunning while holding some of the good stuff I've seen in Volt.
While I love my Oxygen, loved Blessing2 I keep searching

Did you catch and release your Blessing 2? If so, could you share more about why?

I actually prefer the tuning of the Oxygen to the Blessing 2 myself, but couldn't see myself using it regularly. I tend to gravitate towards darker and richer sets, sometimes with more gravitas in the presentation (and yes, I'm probably in the latter camp that I described).

 

[docentore]

Did you catch and release your Blessing 2? If so, could you share more about why?

I actually prefer the tuning of the Oxygen to the Blessing 2 myself, but couldn't see myself using it regularly. I tend to gravitate towards darker and richer sets, sometimes with more gravitas in the presentation (and yes, I'm probably in the latter camp that I described).

I let it go just purely of financial issues at the time.
Eyeing the B2xDusk now.

 

[tgx78]

Thanks mate, really appreciate the comparison.
I had Volts for almost 2 weeks in my hands and not sure what to think about them. Took me a while to get used to sound signature, some shuffling with sources. They definitely gain with brighter sources.
For me the problem was sometimes I felt like it was to dense, too much meat in the sauce if you get me. Similar experience that I had with H40 or Oriolus Mk2.

I think you are right, it is not set for people who like clinical clean presentation. I think I will keep looking for backup set to go with my MEST.



No one said clone, but OEM coming from same factory. There is huge difference.

It was through PM and moderators took care of the situation back then.

I personally sold off my MEST because I preferred the sound signature of the Volt. Got the IER-Z1R to compliment the thick and dense sounding Volt.

Could not get along with the B2 and sold it as well, but I am curious about the new tuning and collaboration with Crin.

 

[docentore]

It was through PM and moderators took care of the situation back then.

Ok, I never sent any PM re that, just enquired about this on threads.

I personally sold off my MEST because I preferred the sound signature of the Volt. Got the IER-Z1R to compliment the thick and dense sounding Volt.

Could not get along with the B2 and sold it as well, but I am curious about the new tuning and collaboration with Crin.

This is what @HiFiJayJay said I had MEST and Z1R to compliment, but my ears couldnt handle the Sony's. Since then I'm looking for compliment to MEST. Volt's arent the ones though, to thick sounding for me.
Might look into Monarch/Clairvoyance as well. But B2Dusk is defo on the top of my list of IEMs to buy.

 

[Ace Bee]

Ok, I never sent any PM re that, just enquired about this on threads.



This is what @HiFiJayJay said I had MEST and Z1R to compliment, but my ears couldnt handle the Sony's. Since then I'm looking for compliment to MEST. Volt's arent the ones though, to thick sounding for me.
Might look into Monarch/Clairvoyance as well. But B2Dusk is defo on the top of my list of IEMs to buy.

Honestly, if you want some open sounding iem, get the Unique Melody Mirage. I have it and it's mindblowing.

 

[docentore]

Honestly, if you want some open sounding iem, get the Unique Melody Mirage. I have it and it's mindblowing.

Thanks. Its impossible to test them here, so probably I'll wait to get them when I'm next time in SE Asia. Don't want to drop 1k blindly.

 

[HiFiJayJay]

Hi guys, I just demoed the Volt, ISN H40 and the Mofasest Trio thanks to fellow head-fier @flu_fighter . Major thanks!

I will focus my impressions on the Volt since this is the Penon thread.

The Volt is exactly what folks have said: Thick, rich, intimate. It's easily mistaken for a less capable IEM and one that invites much longer listening to be properly evaluated.

Here's the deal: it's precisely an easy task to give the Volt the longer listen it deserves because it's buttery smooth. NOTHING I threw at it sounds fatiguing. From high energy violins in Ayasa anisong tracks to the aggressive belting of Kim Na Young that often sound shouty and piercing on other gear, it never ever gets there even when jacking up the volume.

Tonality is a continuation of the Penon Orb. It has a similar colour and heft. To those who interpret a leaner sound as more realistic and hi definition, both the Volt and the Orb will not satisfy. To folks who interpret thicker low mids (i.e. Shure se846, Empire Ears Phantom) as more true-to-life, it will likely hit the right notes with you, pun intended. By true-to-life, I mean: If I were to listen to a singer in real life, with them right in front of me, this is actually how they would sound without digital enhancements. I tend to prefer thicker sounding sets that I've heard because I feel they are "truer". Some gear is meant to reproduce the recording as it was meant to sound in the digital sense (i.e. Perhaps the Viento, Moondrop stuff, Tanchjim Oxygen, Thieaudio Monarch/Clairvoyance). Other gear is meant to reveal flaws in recordings (DK4001?). Yet other gear is meant to give true-to-life reproduction. I guess some will say I'm spewing nonsense, but this is really my attempt at making sense of why different listeners prefer some gear to others, and yet use universal language like "this one destroys that other one", without sufficient contextual elaboration.

So yes, the Volt has closer to true-to-life timbre to my ears than a leaner sounding monitor. However, while treble isn't cut off by any means, it's at best smoothened deftly, and at worst heavily de-emphasised. There's a lot of sonic information, but it isn't presented upfront like brighter sets do. E.g. with the Monarch, I can easily pick out what bits of sound are in what position. With the Volt, it's not so immediately apparent. You could look into the window, but it takes a while to spot where things are, even though you can see everything through it. The Monarch is kind of like looking through a giant hole in the wall without the window altogether so you can see everything immediately. Very clear, but overstimulating after a while.

I haven't spent enough time listening to the Volt to evaluate this fairly but it does seem that much of the sonic activity is presented in a focused bubble between your ears. While the tonality seems quite close to the Empire Ears Phantom in thickness, the Volt falls behind in layering, separation and staging, and quite significantly. It also lacks the bite and attack of the Phantom. The Volt is hence much less technical than the Phantom... Or it could be a statement of how underrated the Phantom really is given what it's trying to do. (It doesn't excuse the Phantom for being so exorbitantly priced though, but I digress)

Why do I appear so careful in saying this? Well, because, when I switched back to the Orb, I felt a whole chunk of sonic information in the mids just flat out disappeared. It was still all there in the Orb, but... If the Volt was like peering through the window, the Orb is kind of like peering through a smaller window. Or kinda like, an XL Whopper burger suddenly missing one and a half patties. I think the Thieaudio Clairvoyance is at the top of the game for sonic reproduction and info presentation, but even it sounded thinner and incomplete after switching back, and I've NEVER felt this way about the Clairvoyance despite listening to tons of other IEMs before. Maybe the Phantom being the only one other exception.

The Orb is also not as successful at being inoffensive like the Volt is. It's already pretty smooth and rich, but the shoutiest tracks will remain shouty, and the sharpest upper mids will remain piercing. People say the Meze Rai Penta is inoffensive and smooth. I disagree now. Not even the Rai Penta can match the smoothness of the Volt, but it is definitely far more textured, detailed and nuanced than the latter. The Volt is probably the most inoffensive technical set I've heard bar none. If you want something to lounge with for the entire day without hurting your eardrums - and I mean, the ENTIRE day, this is truly it.

So do I like the Volt? Well, at first listen, I felt it was unimpressive and unexciting. But as I left it in my ears, there was just something inviting about it. The rich and lush tones balanced with the uncoloured timbre, and enjoyable bass. Less like spectacular fireworks, and more like the gigantic one-pot meal your mum used to make which you miss every now and then. Having left the Volt behind, I kinda wish I could have brought it back with me, and that's usually a good sign.

 

[davidmolliere]

I haven't spent enough time listening to the Volt to evaluate this fairly but it does seem that much of the sonic activity is presented in a focused bubble between your ears. While the tonality seems quite close to the Empire Ears Phantom in thickness, the Volt falls behind in layering, separation and staging, and quite significantly. It also lacks the bite and attack of the Phantom. The Volt is hence much less technical than the Phantom... Or it could be a statement of how underrated the Phantom really is given what it's trying to do. (It doesn't excuse the Phantom for being so exorbitantly priced though, but I digress) (...) So do I like the Volt? Well, at first listen, I felt it was unimpressive and unexciting. But as I left it in my ears, there was just something inviting about it. The rich and lush tones balanced with the uncoloured timbre, and enjoyable bass. Less like spectacular fireworks, and more like the gigantic one-pot meal your mum used to make which you miss every now and then. Having left the Volt behind, I kinda wish I could have brought it back with me, and that's usually a good sign.

First, kudos for the detailed impressions and comparisons, very interesting!


I have a different take between Phantoms and Volt but both in my case are CIEMs so there is that and I suspect it does have importance. When I compared my custom Phantom to the universal I noted than the universal wasn't as thick or powerful in the bass as the custom (yes, I am not kidding) and the universal Phantom had a tad more air. To me Volt is better at separation, layering and staging what we agree upon is bite where the Phantom has more upper mids and lower treble energy so definitely more bite. One thing that might be surprising to some, Phantom has more sub bass tilt where the Volt has more mid bass slam and richer textures.

Worth noting, Volt needs more power than the Phantom though, quite noticeably so it's the first IEM I had to use Medium to High gain in Turbo mode with Hiby R8, don't let the low impedance fool you those babies need current and power to shine.