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Fit and Isolation
Like the Allegro and Sonora, the PlusSound Volta’s fit is not straightforward. Finding the best tips and positions is a process. The nozzle angle is just right, so there are no issues. However, the IEM protrudes quite a bit from your ears, meaning your most-used ear tips may not work with the Sonora.
I call it a process because you need to find the perfect spot. The fit becomes even more complicated as the Sonora comes with the CopperXL cable, which is rather hefty. Thus, you have angular-shaped, large earpieces paired with the heavy and bulky CopperXL cable in the same package. You wouldn’t expect this combination to be exceptionally comfortable, which is true in real-life testing.
If you’re wondering what I used, I opted for Comply Foam or hybrid tips PlusSound provides. Once you find the best ear tips, the Volta offers a reasonably comfortable experience with good sound isolation. Despite the air vent for the dynamic driver, the Volta can block a significant amount of ambient noise, especially with foam and hybrid tips.
Sound
PlusSound has a proven history and expertise with IEMs, demonstrating its knowledge of high-performance models. Therefore, it would be misguided to consider this merely another example of a cable manufacturer’s IEM. We examined Sonora’s performance and decided to give it a recommended buy award beforehand, so the Volta should not be a slouch either.
Overall, the PlusSound Volta takes a different approach to its Sonora counterpart. It offers a similar resolution, transparency, and layering qualities, but delivers them differently, which is less full-bodied and more neutral. The mid-range is the most different area (obviously), where it takes a lifted upper mid-range approach and less fullness in the lower mid-range.
It’s not as spacious or as atmospheric as the Sonora. Instead, it has a more sterile and studio-like presentation.
Like the Sonora, the Volta is not an IEM with an immediate wow factor. The Allegro, which came before the Sonora and Volta, had that particular quality. Still, the Volta prefers to impress over time with its qualities, especially its seamless delivery across the board.
Bass
Volta’s bass performance is impressively executed, showcasing a dynamic driver with an extensive and nuanced bass response. The sub-bass exhibits a prominent rumble, complemented by a mid-bass characterised by its warm, textured, and well-rounded quality.
Notably, there is an exceptional balance between the sub-bass and mid-bass; neither frequency range overshadows the other, resulting in a cohesive presentation where both are distinctly defined and richly textured.
The tuning of this dynamic driver is meticulous, delivering a potent kick and punch that enhances the overall listening experience. This design choice will resonate with those who appreciate a vibrant, engaging sound profile.
The bass in the Volta earphones is a bit stronger than some might expect if they like a clear and balanced sound. However, this is actually what makes the Volta fun to listen to. It reminds me of Sony IEMs in many ways. The bass isn’t too loud and has a good speed and smooth ending. Overall, the bass response is well-organised and enjoyable without being too much.
Mids
The Volta’s midrange excels in clarity, definition, and energy. It showcases its tonal accuracy and delivers a realistic, smooth, vibrant auditory experience. Even against the backdrop of its robust bass, the midrange maintains a distinct presence, avoiding any congestion.
Vocals are rendered with exceptional definition, imparting a lively and engaging quality. This range exhibits remarkable transparency, contributing to its technical prowess. Compared to the Sonora, the Volta features a more neutral tuning, while the upper midrange is slightly emphasised, yet it retains a commendable balance across the spectrum.
Separation and spatiality within the midrange frequencies are commendable, although Sonora edges out slightly. Nonetheless, the Volta provides a well-layered sonic experience, allowing for precise imaging and impressive focus. The clarity and texture of the mids further highlight Volta’s strengths.
When considering timbre, it falls short of the Sonora regarding body and warmth, resulting in a more neutral signature that lacks some vibrancy and texture.
The Volta performs admirably in terms of detail retrieval and transparency. While it may not establish itself as the most transparent flagship IEM on the market, it nearly reaches that threshold, offering a midrange that is a pleasure to engage with. Its presentation of details is not overly aggressive; instead, it adopts a more reserved demeanour while effectively conveying micro-details.
Treble
The predominant enhancement in the PlusSound Sonora and Volta over their predecessor, the Allegro, lies in the treble response, an area where the Allegro struggled with complexity. The Volta builds upon the improvements in the Sonora, exhibiting a treble signature that is notably smoother in energy and brightness.
While I’m unsure if the Volta incorporates the same treble drivers as the Sonora, the result is a more rounded and non-fatiguing high-frequency presentation.
The treble doesn’t assert itself aggressively but remains well-controlled and well-defined, highly desirable qualities. The smoothness in the treble range persists, but it remains sensitive to the choice of tips. Notably, the Volta addresses the issues of coherency and aggressiveness encountered in the Allegro, presenting a more refined listening experience that enhances overall clarity without sacrificing musicality.
The Volta excels in clarity and detail, offering a well-calibrated balance between its lower and upper treble regions. This equilibrium prevents notes from feeling overly lightweight or tinny, a common issue noted with the Allegro model. The treble response is smooth and distinctly articulated, demonstrating that PS has effectively fine-tuned the Volta’s treble to hit an optimal performance sweet spot.
The review continues on the third page. Click here or use the buttons below to go there.
Page 1: Intro, Packaging, Build Quality and Design
Page 3: Technical Performance, Comparisons
