In this review we are going to check out one of Vision Ears’ new models – the XCON. It’s a six-driver custom IEM selling for €2,200 Euro.
Disclaimer: Vision Ears provided the XCON for this review. Headfonia and Vision Ears are in no way related to each other.
Vision Ears
The German brand, Vision Ears is known for crafting some of the world’s finest custom and universal IEMs for audiophiles, musicians, and sound engineers. Vision Ears’ philosophy centers on a combination of German precision engineering, luxury design, and a passion for impeccable sound quality. Each product is meticulously handcrafted to ensure the highest level of performance, comfort, and aesthetic detail.
They have a diverse range of IEMs in their VE and VE Premium lines. The VE line consists of all their custom IEMs as well as the VE10, which is universal only. In the VE Premium line, you will find their most advanced universal IEMs to date. The Phönix and EXT MK II.
Over the past years, Vision Ears has gained popularity significantly among audiophiles. Especially their Elysium and Erlkönig were true statement pieces in my opinion.
When looking at the artist roster from Vision Ears, we see that there are many highly respected bands and groups in it. Bands like Kraftwerk (yes, Kraftwerk!), Blink 182, The Bosshoss or H.P. Baxxter (Scooter) trust them with their monitor choices.
Just earlier this year, Vision Ears announced a completely revamped custom IEM lineup. Yagiz has already posted his review of the VE Pro. You can find it here:
Today’s feature concentrates on their new XCON, the successor to their previous VE 6 X-Control.
Vision Ears XCON
The VE XCON is a six-driver, all BA, custom In Ear Monitor with a switchable tuning system. Vision Ears has spent a good amount of time developing the new switch system, as it departed from the previous dip-switch style. VE has introduced their magnetic switch, which is seamlessly incorporated into the faceplate.
This new system though starts a new problem, now you cannot switch tunings on the fly anymore, since you must take the monitors out and use the supplied magnetic tool to remove the magnet from the faceplate.
What makes the switch system unique is that you don’t only change one frequency spectrum, but two. With the XCON’s switch you lower bass (below 100Hz) by 4db and mids (1kHz to 5kHz) by 3db at the same time. This turns the XCON into a completely different sounding monitor, giving you two products in one IEM.
The XCON uses two low end drivers, two full-range BA’s, a single mid driver and a single tweeter in a four-way system. It has a rated impedance of 21 ohms and an unspecified sensitivity.
Like the entire Custom Lineup, the XCON is not strictly available as CIEM. You can order a universal version in custom design on their website as well. This makes each and every model completely unique to your own wishes and ears.
The XCON is available for €2,200 Euro through Vision Ears’ web shop.
Package
The Package of the XCON is rather straightforward. You get a protective case, a cable and your new toys. In the package is also a cleaning cloth, a disinfectant solution and of course the magnetic tool for the switch system.
My cable is terminated to a 4.4mm balanced plug and is the same cable that comes with the VE10, which is a silver-plated copper cable.
Build Quality
Vision Ears has a reputation for excellent build quality, and of course the VE XCON is no different. The CIEM itself is built to perfection and has perfect seal and comfort for me. I could wear it for hours on end without any issues myself, and even making stupid faces doesn’t really break the seal for me.
When ordering a custom IEM you can of course pick your own design. Vision Ears has a plethora of different options from which you can choose from. From different colored shells and faceplates to exotic materials. You really are spoilt for choices here. During the preparation for my CIEM I handed over artistic freedom to Vision Ears.
For one, because I trust their designs, and because I simply didn’t have any time on my hands as I was swamped with work from my day-job.
The review continues on the second page. Jump to the next page for more!
