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Technical Performance
The PlusSound Volta stands out as a highly resolving IEM, characterized by a moderately wide soundstage with a studio-like precision, albeit with a somewhat sterile sonic quality. This model enhances treble extension, imparting a heightened energy and sharpness to high-end frequencies, resulting in a focused and detailed presentation.
The overall resolution across the spectrum, combined with sharp imaging, is commendable; however, the soundstage, while above average, leaves room for expansion in width.
As a flagship IEM, the Volta exemplifies exceptional resolution, transparency, and impressive separation and layering capabilities. It reproduces micro details, delivering an extended high-frequency response alongside a dynamic and vibrant mid-range. The clarity of its delivery is noteworthy.
Balance and coherency are well-executed, particularly as this iteration addresses the Allegro’s treble shortcomings, resulting in a seamless, smooth, consistent sound signature. Imaging is good, with commendable depth in the soundstage. One can only speculate on the potential of this IEM with an even broader spatial presentation.
Nonetheless, the Volta provides a coherent and precise representation of recordings, showcasing excellent positional accuracy and definition.
The Volta showcases its exceptional technical capabilities when paired with high-end sources such as the Hugo 2 or A&K SP3000, positioning it as a formidable contender in the high-fidelity landscape. However, its performance remains commendable with mid-tier options, including the Sony WM1AM2, demonstrating versatility that doesn’t require premium source units.
It’s critical to note that the character of the source significantly influences the overall musical presentation. For instance, during my evaluation with the Cayin N6III, the synergy was impressive, striking an optimal balance. In contrast, when utilised with the Sony WM1AM2, the sound exhibited cohesiveness but tended towards a drier tonal quality.
Thus, I recommend sourcing a more vibrant unit to enhance the listening experience.
Additionally, the Volta’s high sensitivity is an important consideration. Users might encounter background noise when using specific sources, particularly dongle DACs, which underscores the need for a high-quality source to minimise unwanted artefacts during playback.
Comparisons
The Sonora counterpart has a more striking and vivid design, with a red inner shell and gold faceplates. In all other aspects, the experience is identical, with the same exact chassis dimensions, cable, and unboxing.
Sound-wise, the Sonora is fuller, with better musicality and more warmth. I also find the Sonora to be the better IEM regarding nuances and layering in the mid-range. To my ears, the Sonora also has better timbre, while the Volta has a leaner approach. The most significant difference, however, is the soundstage width (Volta being narrower) and more energetic character (Volta) versus the smooth and full-bodied character (Sonora).
These two are very close, and I wouldn’t say the Sonora is much better, but it edges out in comparison, as I think it’s the more special of the two.
PlusSound Sonora shines in the midrange with excellent definition, transparency, and tonality. In comparison, Anima’s midrange is laid-back and less in-your-face, but its vocals are brighter and more aggressive, especially in the upper midrange. Lower mids have better timbre in the Sonora, while upper mids are more impressive in the Anima.
Treble-wise, Anima has a bright delivery, while Sonora differs because it has a smoother and more refined approach. However, the Anima has more air and space in terms of staging. Its treble response is sometimes too bright, depending on the recording and the ear tips. To me, the musical quality of the Sonora is more enjoyable.
The Campfire Audio Astrolith is an excellent release from Campfire. Like the Volta, it has excellent build quality and a striking space design. Although I still think the Volta looks better, that is subjective. The Astrolith has a better fit.
In sound, the Astrolith’s planar driver performs well in the bass, with excellent kick and decay qualities. However, the Volta performs similarly well, with excellent PRaT and texture. In the mid-range, the Volta wins in clarity, but the Astrolith wins in fullness, musicality and note weight.
In the treble, the Astrolith is a bit more aggressive and attacking. Foam tips cancel out the possible fatiguing presence, so the Astrolith performs nicely with foams. The Volta, on the other hand, provides a smoother and more approachable treble with better fatigue comfort. They both have similar sound-stage performances, but I think the Volta sounds narrower.
Thorking and Volta perform on a high level but have distinct differences. The Thorking emphasises the mid-bass more, offering good texture, but it’s more reserved and flatter in the bass. In comparison, the Volta has much more bass quantity, and presence in the sub-bass is more dominant. The enhanced bass in the Volta provides a more vivid and exciting approach.
The Thorking has outstanding clarity and excellent detail, definition, and layering in the mid range. The Volta is also wonderful, but not as impressive as the Thorking in this region. Treble performances are not far apart, but Thorking sounds more cohesive. In the sound stage, the Thorek is broader and more profound to me, whilst the Volta sounds denser and boxier.
The Volta has slightly better layering, but the difference isn’t huge. Both are excellent IEMs, but the Volta has the edge in bass, and the Thorking is better in the mids, treble, and soundstage.
Conclusion
The PlusSound Volta is a clear-sounding, resolving IEM that excels in technical performance. Every package aspect, from build quality to design and sound, exudes luxury and quality. It provides a good experience with clean sound and excellent transparency, balance, and coherence.
The treble response shows notable improvement over the Allegro, which is delightful, and the overall performance is excellent.
Summary
Pros:
- Fantastic build quality
- A good number of accessories
- Striking design
- Mid-range energy
- Good layering
- Great imaging
Cons:
- Fitting can take some time
- The cable is heavy
- Not very wide-sounding
- Not as impressive in the mids as the Sonora
Page 1: Intro, Packaging, Build Quality and Design
