Disclaimer : The Vision Ears VE5 was delivered free of charge for this specific review, I only had to pay for the impressions and shipping them there. Then I just had to drive to Germany to pick it up.
Vision Ears
Vision Ears (VE) is a successor company of Compact Monitors and as a result they have years of experience with making custom Inear Monitors for musicians and audiophiles all over the world. While ciems are their main focus they do also make custom ear protection and something called The Jack. The company is run by two very nice guys named Amin and Marcel. Marcel is in charge of development and “tuning” while Amin handles the business side more.
I first met them at last year’s Canjam in Essen. They didn’t have a stand there but Suyang from Effect audio informed me they would be there with the AK240 + VE6 + combo. At that time Nathan was already in touch with them and that resulted in HFN reviewing their sublime VE6 X Control in October.
A few months ago VE announced a new 5 driver model and I got in touch with Amin to see if they were interested in us reviewing it. Luckily they accepted our request and here we are. Cologne seems to be the place to be for ciems in Germany as Rhines Custom Monitors is also located there at only 7km from VE. As Köln is only a 2 hour drive from the HFN headquarters I suggested to pick it up myself and check out the facilities at the same time (see “The Visit”).
The VE5
When I asked both of them which VE model was their favorite, Marcel didn’t hesitate one bit and told me the VE6 – his baby – is his number one. Amin on the other hand prefers the VE5 driver and that’s exactly what we’ll be looking at today.
The new Vision Ears VE5 is an acryl 5-driver monitor with a 4-way system using 2 bores. With 21Ohm and 122dB SPL the VE5 is a pretty sensitive and easily driven monitor. The BA configuration is as follows: 1 x Highs, 1 x high-mids, 2 x mids, 1 x lows. That’s a strong focus on the mids and that of course has an impact on how it sounds, but more on that in a bit.
German precision and quality doesn’t come cheap and the VE5’s prices start from €1399.
The Visit
Germany, that also means no speed limit on several parts of the highway. We got there fast.
The VE office is located in one of the big streets leading straight in to the city, almost in the heart of Cologne. When you enter the office you immediately notice the relaxed atmosphere and the impressive demo station
While demoing you can check out flyers of all the different models, the available colors, face plates and customization options, all in a really cool setting.
The offices are basically divided in to 4 parts: Reception and demo area, administrative office, the main lab and the second lab. You should see the number of ear impressions VE receives on a daily basis, it’s clear they need a good administrative follow up. It was also funny to see how different all the impressions looked with all their different colors and materials used.
Amin was so kind to show us around and I’m afraid I took up way more of his time as he reserved but it was so very interesting. It’s not that often you get to take a look behind the product, if you know what I mean.
It continues on Page 2
George Lai
An interesting read, Lieven.
Headfonia_L.
thank you, George
Tronco
indeed.
Headfonia_L.
Thanks!
Tronco
I haven’t been very interested in IEMs. At work I usually use closed Over-Ear headphones and at home (depending on the noise level of my daughters) closed or open ones. I have the Shure SE215 IEMs and while they sound very good and provide good isolation, I always take full size headphones when I can.
Do you think some good custom IEMs like these would change my perception?
Headfonia_L.
They will for sure but I think you would appreciate an all rounder more
Emanuele
Congratulations,great review! Just a question,how the VE5 works with jazz?
Lieven
You will have great clarity and voices but personally I would look at something smoother
Emanuele
Hi Lieven,I see only now you answered me and I want to thank you. Meanwhile I bought the VE5! I’m really happy with the sound,but I have som doubts about the fit. Can you describe me how do you feel with yours? Sometime I have little pain but I’m afraid if I’ll do a refit I can loose seal. Thank you and sorry to disturb you again.
Lieven
Are you used to wearing CIEMs? Is it a feeling you need to get used to or do they hurt? A custom is not supposed to hurt at all, it should have your ears’ shape.
You will always feel it being in your ears, but it shouldn’t be uncomfortable. I recommend checking with VE, they can give you good advise on this.
Emanuele
Thank you Lieven,yesterday I checked my ears at the hospital. I need an operation for sinusitis,this could be cause of my pain in the ear,especially the right side. Anyway the comfort with earphones is much better then two weeks ago. I will decide after the operation,thank you.
Have a nice day!
Peter
Please see my entry for Giveaway 15. Would love to hear these earphones.
andrew berkowitz
Didn’t see a place to comment on Giveaway 15 so doing it here. My Lion heart enVisions these in my Ears… ; )
Jobbing
As @Andrew said.
This VE &EA Christmas giveaway combo has my name all over it.
Daria
Open the comments in the draw.
Furkan Kocyigit
bayramınız kutlu olsun
Ergin Kesgin
Comments section for the draw still appears to be closed.
Lieven
No it is open
Lim Keith
It’s still closed
Lieven
What article are you talking about?
Lim Keith
The Christmas giveaway comment section is closed. I cant leave a comment
Lieven
Hundreds of others have no problem on that article and the comments section is open. Try a hard refresh.
Lim Keith
The main giveaway article has comments closed?
Lieven
Link?
Mateusz Perich
Yes Please!