HOW DOES THIS SOUNDS:-
VE6XC houses 6 BA drivers in a 4 way crossover. It has two for bass, two for mids, one for mid-high and one for highs.
Vision Ears has been known for their exceptional tuning abilities and VE6XC is not an exception. It is an IEM with something for everyone. X-control makes things a lot more interesting. It can deliver deeper fuller bass, calmer and accurate mid range with exceptionally balanced treble region.
In their words:
“The VE6 X-Control comes with a stunningly open stereo-image and an outstanding clarity. Six balanced armature drivers per side are powering this system, giving it an overall natural, engaging and analytical sound signature.
The VE6 is an exceptional earphone that will delight you with its outstanding clarity and fidelity to music which is giving you control on stage and pure enjoyment as an audiophile. Experience your music like never before.”
I am using stock Spinfit tips and a lot of sources for this review, weakest being the Shanling M3X and most powerful being the iFi Micro signature.
BASS:-
Few years ago I worked on a few upper mid range IEMs with dual BA for lower end (AF1120 mk2, HL4410) but they lack much of the lower end, they were barely distinguishable from single BA bass driver earphones.
VE6XC is from that era but still has plenty of lower end characters to talk about. It does not feel thin or dry. Unlike typical BA driver IEM the VE6 does not lack sub-bass rumble and has very good extension under its sleeves while exhibiting satisfying level of rumble with tracks like “Skepta – Konnichiwa”. It has more rumble than the Eden but the Fibae 4 and InEar SD5 take the top spot. It has rounded mid bass as it maintains similar energy just before the mid-bass region till the upper bass region giving it the required amount of fullness. Do not expect an out of character impact or slam. It has faster than average decay speed but keeps the precipitation well under the overwhelming and underwhelming margins. It does let the notes deliver weighty and thumpy notes while having excellent control. Upper bass has similar kind of energy and does the finishing job without exhibiting any agitation or clumsiness.
X2 delivers tighter and more focused bass without much rumble but delivers better accuracy and technicalities.
MID RANGE:-
As I have mentioned before, VE has been making some excellent IEMs and their tuning is top class. It shows at the crossover points. There is no dip in energy or abnormalities of any type. It transition as seamless as possible.
VE6XC is not a bassy IEM but can be mid forward if the switch is in X1 position. It delivers fuller and slightly thicker notes which are smooth and calm. No attack or bite here. In the X2 position it does have a bit more tingling as crashes and strings bring more contrast and crispiness. VE6XC has no problem with intricate details and separation, the whole mid range enjoys very good clarity and transparency. Not excellent because the whole spectrum lacks a bit of attack. Notes finishing is blunted and notes themselves are slightly on the thicker side making things bit less airy but lush and smooth. It slightly misses a bit of background contrast which is there with the cheaper Nocturnal Eden.
With the nit picking apart VE6XC shines like a star when it comes tonality and vocal performance. It just simply is the best sounding vocals for under $2000. VE6XC has one of the most musical, organic, involving and engaging vocal region. Both Male and female tones have exceptional texture and details. It brings a different level of emotional involvement. VE6 like to keep things as neutral, as colorless as possible, notes are slightly thicker and fuller, that’s it. Decay is nicely paced with an engaging and musical presentation in mind.
HIGHS:-
The single high end driver gets some help from the mid-high driver for the treble region and again I simply can’t tell where the crossover is. That’s where the craftsmanship comes into play.
Thanks to the colored feel of the X1, it kind of drowns the sparkle of the treble region, making it sound a bit veiled and less lively. Flick the switch and the treble region gains excellent details and transparency. The treble region unveils its true abilities. Now it is sparkly and contrasty. No need to mention that the extension is excellent, it maintains nice energy till the end of the spectrum.
While the X1 is dull at the X2 position it strikes a beautiful balance which delivers right amount of energy and sparkle while fending off the unwanted sharpness or energy. It doesn’t miss out on anything while keeping the timber neutral. Cymbals and pianos have very good transparency. Separation and layering is up to the mark with more than enough air and space between instruments. The treble stage is well spread, assisted by the excellent sonicality. The well spread stage size helps a lot with instrument placements and density. If you love treble, tingling instruments and minute details and do not want any aggression, VE6 X2 should top your list.
STAGE AND IMAGING:-
Again, VE6XC has 2 flavors. X1 has a more intimate stage with a most of the instruments placed around the head. It has a more conical feel as it feels bigger near the head but starts losing Z-axis depth while going further. The height is big and so is the width. Layering, separation and imaging is not the best here as the thicker notes bring some veiling into the scene, it is trade in exchange for more lush and velvety mid range.
With the X2 thing get more rounded with wider Z-axis but gives up some height. Layering and separation is excellent at the upper half but is still a bit veiled at the base, at the origin point of all notes. Cue placement and sonicality is much more superior here.
For imaging, Vocals and some mid range instruments originate from a plane placed just below the ears and go up vertically while treble instruments have their notes have horizontal body. Distinguishing ability of the VE6 X2 is praise worthy.
Pairing with Effect audio Ares 2+:-
This pure copper cable adds a bit more flavor to the VE6XC. There is some sharpness and stage gained without giving up on anything else. Sonically it remains more or less the same but has more effortless micro dynamics and the slightly conical stage gains some depth and width.
