Today, we review one of PlusSound’s new flagship IEMs, the PlusSound Volta, which costs $2,499 USD.
Disclaimer: PlusSound sent us this unit in exchange for our honest opinion.
PlusSound
PlusSound is a Los Angeles-based American company that specializes in aftermarket cables. It has entered the portable amplifier and IEM markets. Since its debut in early 2012, PlusSound has gained a lot of respect and interest from the community for its outstanding products. Ordering from PlusSound is pretty neat and easy.
You can go to their website, select the type of cable you want, and customize the materials, terminations, and even the Y-splitter and chin-slider.
We have covered many different PlusSound products in the past. To learn more, follow this link.
PlusSound Volta
PlusSound recently announced its new flagship-level IEMs, the Sonora and Volta. We have already reviewed the upper-end Sonora as below:
Although PlusSound is an aftermarket cable company at heart, it’s becoming increasingly common to see high-end IEM releases from them. Their TOTL Allegro IEM was featured here two years ago, as you can check below. The Allegro II is releasing very soon; hopefully, we’ll also review that model.
Like all the flagship tribrid IEMS, the PlusSound Volta is a sophisticated universal IEM. It contains two 10mm dynamic drivers (for Low and Sub-Low frequencies), two Balanced Arms (for Mid-Low, mid, and Mid-High frequencies), and two Electrostatic Drivers (for High and Super-High frequencies). The total driver count is 6, with a 6-way crossover network.
The difference with the Sonora lies in the mid-range, where the Volta has two fewer BA drivers.
All of the internals are placed inside a 3d-printed acoustic chamber. The Volta’s internal wiring uses PlusSound’s Copper XS wires (Type 6 UP-OCC). The actual cable is CopperXL, with colour-matched finishes specific to Sonora.
Aside from the inside of the shells, the external design is also imposing. Volta’s shells are made from anodised aluminium with a 7-axis CNC machine. There’s a silver wave pattern faceplate and a burgundy trapezoid pattern body. It looks very luxurious, without a doubt.
Package and the Leather Case
The PlusSound Volta is packaged in the same box that they deliver their special cables. Inside, a plexiglass window informs you that the IEM was designed and handmade in LA, California.
You’ll see a grey PlusSound leather case, which I’ve mentioned in the Silver+ cable review. This case has terrific quality and design, and you can get it separately from PlusSound, basically for whatever audiophile-type need. The case is still on our Best Accessories page.
This is genuine leather with a smooth surface, a great tactile experience, and nice zipper quality. Inside is made from soft material, and you also have a wheel to wrap around your IEMs (removable). You have a polyester pocket to store SD cards, etc.
Under the soft storage compartment, you can find ear tips and a PS sticker. There are three types of tips: standard silicone, Comply foams, and Symbio Hybrid. Overall, it’s a good selection.
Build Quality and Design
The construction of the Volta, thanks to the fully aluminium material and CNC process, is exceptional. The standout feature of the design is that the aluminium is remarkably sturdy and solid, yet the IEM remains lightweight. Thus, you enjoy both a robust build and lightweight shells combined.
Overall, it boasts a worthy design and construction, which is to be expected given the price. Design is always subjective, but I found the new Volta slick with its silver-coloured faceplate, body, and sharp angles. Undoubtedly, it presents a special and premium aesthetic from PlusSound.
PS uses custom hardware for connectors and plugs in the cable; in this instance, the cable boasts exceptional quality. It is expertly braided with remarkable consistency.
The hardware is excellent. You should align the 2-pin connectors with the logos facing inwards, as the screws need to be outward, which is contrary to the approach of many other manufacturers.
The 4.4m plug is the highlight of the cable, as it fits snugly into any 4.4 output. The quality and finish are excellent. Furthermore, no visible heat shrink from plastic or any other flexible material exists. Instead, the 2-pin connectors and the plug are finished with aluminium rings, giving the cable a sharp and clean appearance.
The Y-split and chin slider on the cable are also shiny red and made of aluminium. Overall, the cable excels in both build quality and design.
The review continues on the second page. Click here or use the jumps below to go there.
Page 3: Technical Performance, Comparisons
