PRO: Very nice channel matching for a budget pair. High frequency extension is excellent, resembling that of Ultimate Ears UE700. Due to its linear impedance characteristic, it is almost impossible to alter the sound of VC02 electrically. It is important to note the mid-frequency dip is neutralized once group delay kicks in.
CON: Inverted polarity. Slightly sibilant above 10 kHz, as seen on the CSD plot.
ON SECOND THOUGHT #1: It is quite interesting that the polarity of VC02 is inverted. All of electrodynamic IEMs I've measured so far have never been inverted! It is fortunate this can easily be fixed by simply replugging the driver unit upside down, of which the logo 'VC02' is flipped vertically.
I usually don't measure anything inserted deeper than where the reference plane is located, but it will be an exception this time only.
ON SECOND THOUGHT #4: Once VC02 has been inserted past the reference plane, which is approximately located at the 2nd-bend of the external ear canal, VC02's frequency response evens out even further. However, it is critical for users to note that this insertion depth is deeper than that of Etymotic Research ER-4.
Just out of curiosity, why don't you include square wave response? I feel like it's one of the more telling measurements we're capable of.
ReplyDeleteWould you think this is comparable to the GR07? Also, does inverting the cables affect the ergonomics. I am correct in assuming inverting the polarity again does not have any subjective consequences, right? I also second including square waves if your equipment permits, unless theres a reason behind not including them?
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading all my questions!
I don't think square wave analysis tells much info, and is too vague to fully understand what's really going on. I won't take anything that says "fair enough".
ReplyDeleteNope, it doesn't affect the ergonomics, as it has no subjective consequences.
square wave measurements are too two dimensional. Rin's approach is more in-depth.
ReplyDeleteHmm, I've always felt that square waves were more useful than frequency response because they contain information in both the frequency and time domain.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't CSD contain a good deal of time domain info already?
DeleteIt tells a lot about the peaking / ringing within the audio band.
inverted polarity is not necessery a con. It's a choice of tuning for some reason
ReplyDeleteLMAO that's silly. Inverted polarity is generally a flaw, because it makes the IEM less versatible for binaural recordings. FAD is the only manufacturer that perhaps has done it on purpose, but that's how they are.
ReplyDeleteThe data looks like it is even on par with some high end IEMs!!
ReplyDeleteBTW, innerfidelity also published their measurement of VC02, which show some what a more problematic distortion.
True. I think the sample was a bad batch, just like how my first MH1C turned out.
DeleteCan you know if one has inverted polarity without using tools (like by just hearing it)? I'm gonna get mine this weekend and I'm very interested to know if the batch I'll get has inverted polarity also. Thanks..
ReplyDeleteYup, you will also receive a pair with inverted polarity. You can expect that from any other Vsonic products.
DeleteAs far as the audibility goes, I honestly can't tell the difference.. But there are some people out there who claim it is indeed audible.
Thanks for answering quickly! Got mine earlier than expected today! These are the cleanest / most neutral IEMs I've ever heard! No doubt I like these better than my GR07s. The mids are just awesome compared to the dull mids of the GR07s. Oh well, I didn't mean to post my impressions here, just got really hyper with this! Thanks for the measurements, one day I'll research on how to make use of some of the advanced graphs of yours. :)
DeleteGlad to hear that, have fun with your VC02.
DeleteHi Rin, recently found your site and I love it!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering what you meant by: "It is important to note the mid-frequency dip is neutralized once group delay kicks in"
thanks!