Compared to the previous model, the Softears Volume S has changed a lot. The impedance conversion design really impressed me in the early stages of the release – both tuning modes have very distinct characteristics.
- $319 – Check latest price on AliExpress, Amazon US, Amazon Germany or other Amazon countries
Appearance Design & Cable & Comfort Fit
The workmanship of Softears Volume S must be praised. The earbud cavity adopts a splicing design of medical resin shell + aluminum metal and forged carbon fiber panel, which has a good sense of fashion and is also in line with the preferences of young people.
The cavity size is reasonable, and the wearing comfort and stability are very good. The cavity thickness is a bit large, so it is not recommended to wear them lying on the side. The air pressure balance of Volume S is very good, and it is difficult to make clicking noises. The passive sound insulation performance is satisfactory – after all, the openness of the back cavity is not low.
The headphone cable is made of oxygen-free copper braided paracord and supports 3.5mm/4.4mm interchangeable plug design. The cable is soft, moderately thick, and covered with nylon shielding net on the surface, so the stethoscope effect is not obvious. The interchangeable cable system is based on a 0.78mm 2PIN structure, and the pins are tightly connected.
Acoustic Configuration & Tuning Modes
Softears Volume S has a built-in 10mm silicone diaphragm dynamic driver + 6mm wool-based passive dynamic driver + 2 balanced armature drivers. According to the official description, the passive dynamic driver absorbs noise other than bass to ensure pure and powerful bass. The armature driver is a WBFK treble driver and a self-developed special diaphragm ED series balanced armature driver.
Also, it adopts RC tuning network technology and low-latency conduits technology, which are reflected in the smooth and fluent listening experience.
A highlight of Volume S is the two tuning modes – Pop and Classic. By changing the bus impedance, a very strong sound distinction is achieved, especially in the Pop mode, where the impedance is as low as 9.8Ω. By rotating the switch on the panel, the full-band impedance can be adjusted to achieve different sound styles – Low Impedance Mode (Pop Mode) and High Impedance Mode (Classical Mode).
Here is a brief introduction to the switching method: After inserting the included tuning stick into the groove on the panel, rotate it counterclockwise to adjust to low impedance mode, and clockwise to switch to high impedance mode – the default is low impedance mode. It should be noted that the switch must be screwed in place, otherwise no sound will be produced.
The low impedance mode is 9.8Ω, and the sensitivity is 124dB/Vrms. The high impedance mode is 31.2Ω, and the sensitivity is 114dB/Vrms. In actual use, the low impedance mode can easily achieve good loudness and fullness under the drive of the mini headphone amplifier. The high impedance mode is recommended to be driven by CDA-M2, HA-P90SD and above front ends. In fact, they are not really difficult to drive, but it does require a certain amount of power to achieve sufficient fullness and separation.
Sound Description (UC Eartips + Low Impedance Mode)
The first impression is that the sound expressiveness of Softears Volume S is very strong, solid and powerful, real and natural, delicate and dynamic, and highly compatible.
Bass: The bass quantity is moderate, with sufficient thickness and fullness. The elasticity and bass extension are good, and the ultra-bass information is not lacking. The bass is full and clear, with excellent texture. The speed of retraction and release is moderate, and a slight reverberation is retained.
Mids: The vocals are full and expressive. The vocals are kept at a certain distance and will not feel drowned by the instruments and bass. The vocal texture is biased, the lines are solid but not too prominent. The tendency between male and female voices is not obvious, and the compatibility is relatively high. The mouth shape is relatively large, and the breath is very strong. There is a little bit of sibilance, which is within the acceptable range.
Highs: The transparency and detail are very good, without excessive pursuit of extreme gorgeousness or ductility. The highs is moderately bright and generally smooth. The ultra-treble has good extension ability, but the roll-off is faster.
Soundstage: The horizontal and vertical distances are similar, and the edge definition is high. The separation between vocals and instruments is good. The dynamic is excellent, and the transient is average.
High Impedance Mode: With the increase of impedance, the sound style has changed greatly. The sound distance becomes farther, the bass quantity decreases, the imaging becomes more delicate and sharp, and the interpretation of mid-high tones is more focused. The sound style is more serious and deep, the tuning tends to be more ethereal, and more powerful.
Overall: The characteristics of low impedance mode: slightly warm tone, outstanding mid-bass with atmosphere, solid but not prominent lines. The characteristics of high impedance mode: speed-oriented bass and exquisiteness; more transparency mid-highs; the sense of space is stretched horizontally and slightly contracted in other directions.
Conclusion & Specs
Compared to the previous model, Softears Volume S has changed a lot, and both tuning modes have very obvious characteristics. The sound style presented by the low impedance mode is relatively rare at this price, and I also prefer to use the low impedance mode to listen to some audio that requires bass atmosphere.
Softears Volume S specs and features:
- 2DD+2BA Hybrid Drivers
- Pop mode & Classical mode
- RC tuning network technology
- Low-latency conduits technology
- 3.5mm/4.4mm interchangeable plug design
- Comes with 6 sets of eartips, headphone cable, 3.5mm/4.4mm plugs, adjustment tool, storage case, portable bag, dust paper, user manual
- $319 – Check latest price on AliExpress, Amazon US, Amazon Germany or other Amazon countries