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Fit and Isolation
Like the Allegro before it, the the PlusSound Sonora’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. They help achieve a flush fit and good isolation, and the Sonora sounds best with foam tips. I also liked the provided Symbio W Hybrid tips, but in this instance, Comply Foam is the standout choice. Once you find the best ear tips, the Sonora provides a reasonably comfortable experience with good sound isolation. Despite the air vent for the dynamic driver, the Sonora can block a significant amount of ambient noise, especially with foam and hybrid tips.
Sound
Typically, when a cable brand releases an expensive IEM, many people tend to avoid it. However, PlusSound has a proven history and expertise with IEMs, demonstrating their knowledge of high-performance models. Therefore, it would be misguided to consider this merely another example of a cable manufacturer’s IEM.
Overall, the PlusSound Sonora is a high performer, excelling in midrange strength and organic vibrancy. It offers remarkable resolution, a full-bodied, warm sound, high level of resolution, and transparency. It undoubtedly exhibits flagship qualities across the spectrum, from bass to treble. PlusSound has entered this tribrid flagship market with premium units, and I’d assert they’ve achieved another stellar-sounding product.
Also, the Sonora is not an IEM with an immediate wow factor. The Allegro, which came before the Sonora, had that particular quality, but the Sonora prefers to impress over time with its unique qualities. It doesn’t have the coherency problems of the Allegro, which automatically means that this is an improved Allegro.
Bass
The Sonora’s bass makes a notable impact. The dynamic driver is impressive, offering a complete and tight bass response. The sub-bass rumbles, accompanied by a warm, textured, and full-bodied mid-bass. This combination pairs well with Pop, R&B, and Jazz recordings featuring significant contrabass.
Aside from that, I believe there is a very good balance of bass, as you cannot discern whether there is a dominance of sub-bass or mid-bass. Both are equally defined and textured. This dynamic driver is exceptionally well-tuned, delivering great kick and punch, which adds to the fun factor of the Sonora. This will undoubtedly please lovers of vibrant sound.
The Sonora’s bass may seem slightly more substantial than usual for those who prefer a flat, neutral sound. However, this characteristic is precisely what makes the Sonora an enjoyable tribrid. In many ways, it reminded me of the Sony IER-Z1R. The bass is certainly not overpowering, exhibiting good speed and decay. Overall, it offers a well-organised and enjoyable bass response without being excessive.
Mids
The Sonora’s midrange impresses with its warmth, richness, and character. One of its strongest features is its tonality, which provides a realistic, smooth, and vibrant sound. The distinction in the midrange is apparent even with the powerful bass, preventing any sense of congestion.
The mids offer excellent definition and note weight, making the vocals lively. This range also has remarkable clarity and transparency. Technically, Allegro showcases a robust midrange with a natural tone. While the upper midrange is slightly pronounced, Sonora maintains a commendable balance throughout the mids.
The Sonora excels in its separation and spaciousness within the midrange frequencies. This meticulously layered range offers precise positioning and impressive focus. Furthermore, the clarity and texture of the mids emphasize the Sonora’s excellence.
Detail performance and transparency in the midrange are also very good. While it may not be the most transparent flagship IEM I’ve encountered, it comes remarkably close, delivering a rich, organic, and full midrange that’s a pleasure to enjoy. Although the IEM’s warm and lush tuning may obscure some details, they are undoubtedly present. It is not overly aggressive in presenting these details, opting for a more reserved approach.
Treble
To me, the treble response of the PlusSound Sonora is the most significant improvement over the Allegro, which was a bit more complicated. The apparent boost in the lower treble region is gone, providing a more balanced and seamless treble response. Also, the overall treble range isn’t that in your face anymore with fatiguing tuning. Instead, it is very controlled but still well-defined, which is what you usually want. There’s also a smooth delivery in the treble range, which is still sensitive to selected tips. Still, the Sonora no longer has the coherency or aggressiveness problems of the predecessor, Allegro.
The Sonora delivers excellent clarity and detail, with a smooth balance between lower and upper treble sections. This balance ensures notes remain moderately weighted, avoiding a tinny presentation, which was also another problem present with the Allegro. This smooth but well-defined treble response is impressive, showing that PS managed to tune the Sonora on the sweet spot.
The review continues on the second page. Click here or use the buttons below to go there.
Page 1: Intro, Packaging, Build Quality and Design
Page 3: Technical Performance, Comparisons
