Review: Clear Tune Monitors VS-2 Dual BA IEM
Firstly I would like to thank Clear Tune for sending me this
sample, these received well over 50hrs of burn-in and no differences were
noted.
*disclaimer: This sample was provided for the purpose of
writing a review, no incentive was given to write a favourable review. All
opinions expressed are my own subjective findings.
Gear Used:
iBasso DX200 Amp1 > VS-2
Audio Opus #2 > VS-2
Tech Specs:
Input Sensitivity: 110dB-SPL @ 1mw
Freq Response: 20 Hz to 15.5 kHz
Speaker: Dual Balanced Armature
Impedance : 20 ohm @ 1 kHz
Noise Isolation: -26dB
Input Connector: 1/8 (3.5mm)
MSRP: $399.99
Packaging, Build quality and Accessories:
The VS-2 come in a nice little box that looks like a vintage
guitar amp, there is a plastic window on the front allowing you to see the
IEM’s and some on the sides to show you the tip selection. Also on the sides is
info about the IEM’s. I really like the box, it looks great and everything is
held tightly in place inside by a foam insert.
The IEM’s are very well built, the main housing is tough
plastic and the faceplate uses real metal chrome. The cable uses the standard
2-pin connector, which personally I find to be far superior to MMCX connectors.
The IEM’s are very well finished with no faults or blemishes, the cable
included is fairly standard but does not use mouldable memory wire, it has the
increasingly more common pre-moulded soft rubber which again personally I
prefer over regular memory wire. The y-split is metal and the jack has
excellent strain relief, and it is a 4-core cable instead of the more common
3-core. Overall they are very well built and I can see them lasting a long time
with some care.
Accessory wise you get quite a few bits, first off
pre-attached are some bi-flange tips, but also included are S, M and L tips in
regular silicone and foam. You also get a slightly larger than usual carry
case, with foam that has cut-outs for both monitors, cable and wax cleaning
tool/jack adaptor. As you may have guessed, you do get the jack adaptor and
cleaning tool too, so all in all everything you need is included.
Comfort and Isolation:
The VS-2 are very light, and very ergonomic which means that
they are extremely comfortable once you have found the right tips. The included
foam tips are a little denser than Comply, which in turn does not affect the
sound as much as Comply tips do. I found myself using foam tips for a secure
fit and also better sound from the VS-2. Once in I could wear them for hours
with no issues.
Isolation is excellent due to the fully sealed housing and good
insertion depth, I had no issues using them for regular day to day use, and
they would be excellent for commuting.
Sound:
The VS-2 sound a little too bright for my tastes with the
silicone tips, so this review is based on using the included foam tips. Split
into the usual categories with a conclusion at the end:
Lows: The VS-2 has a more reserved approach to bass
response, favouring accuracy over quantity. The lows have good presence and
punch, but are not the most prominent part of the sound, taking a bit of a
backseat. The lows do roll-off a little early, lacking that final bit of
sub-bass, but then again these are not aimed at those looking for heavy bass.
They still handle EDM well but the speed and control are highlights here. There
is lots of detail to be retrieved from the lows however, and they never even
touch the midrange.
Mids: The mids are the highlight of these IEM's, offering up
a heavily detailed and clean reproduction of the midrange. Vocals are free from
any added warmth from the bass, and have plenty of air around them. Both male
and female vocals sound equally good, guitars are well separated and everything
just cuts through with incredible accuracy. The midrange is intimate offering a
real insight into the emotion of the music you are listening to, and I am
really impressed with the amount of detail being delivered through these. These
are very resolving.
Highs: The treble certainly doesn't take a back seat,
offering up excellent presence without fatigue though. The spatial cues from
the treble are very accurate; the whole soundstage is very accurate, allowing
you to pinpoint the cymbals and other instruments. The highs extend well, only
rolling off at the very extreme like the lows. Again like the midrange, the
highs are very well separated and airy, and also resolving, allowing plenty of
detail to shine through. There is no splashiness or metallic tinge to the
highs, they are just very accurate and not peaky or annoying.
Instrument separation is excellent; it is so easy to pick
out separate instruments in the mix. The soundstage is wider and deeper than
most IEM's, but the midrange always stays up front. I really like their
presentation with intimate mids and everything coming in from a nice black
background.
Comparison:
Vs Noble Sage:
Now this is the main 2 driver BA IEM I have to compare these
to, and they are placed at quite different prices. The Noble has bigger bass
but it is still well controlled, the VS-2 is leaner but more accurate. The Sage
extends lower and higher on each end, and the overall sound is a bit fuller and
more fun yet still very detailed. Both have sparkly highs, I find the Sage to
be a bit more resolving and separated though. The VS-2 is more comfortable and
can still bring out plenty of detail, but the soundstage is smaller and the
extension is a bit more limited.
To be honest, whilst the Sage are a step up in sound, I find
myself reaching for the VS-2 more often due to the better fit and ease of use.
Vs Accutone S2:
This is a hybrid model price at $305 currently, and has
quite a different approach to the sound. The S2 has very full and punchy lows,
that come from the dynamic driver, so yes they sound more dynamic but also a
little too full at times. The VS-2 is more accurate, the S2 is more fun and
v-shaped overall. The S2 has a slightly muffled and recessed midrange, whereas
the VS-2 is slightly mid centric with a focus on detail retrieval. The highs on
both are well extended but the VS-2 has better control and tone, and ultimately
is the better balanced IEM overall. However the S2 will appeal to those wanting
a more fun, v-shaped signature IEM.
Conclusion: The more I listened to these, the more they grew
on me. They don't have overblown bass, but have speed and accuracy on their
side. They are not a smooth and laid back sounding IEM, they offer up an
exceptionally detailed and complete sound for the price and amount of drivers.
I really like this tuning, and believe Clear Tune have done a superb job
getting a lot out of these 2 drivers. If you like a slightly mid forward,
highly detailed and accurate sound, these should be high on your list.
Sound Perfection Rating: 8.5/10 (a little pricey, but the
sound is very detailed for the price)
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