[Review] VSonic GR99

IEM manufacturers have been making a great impact in the audiophile market in recent years. Fiio has launched a series of portable amplifiers which proved to be a hot seller. HiFiMan launched many great IEMs, which include the hugely popular RE0 and RE-Zero. Unique Melody launched what could be considered one of the best custom IEMs ever made: The UM Miracle. Soundmagic broke new ground in the budget market with the Soundmagic E10 and E30. Now we will move on to VSonic. Their release in 2011, the VSonic GR07, caught the audiophile world by storm, with sound quality that can compete with some of the top tier universals. I have listened to the VSonic GR07 MKII and I was pretty impressed with it. The budget market has not been forgotten though, and VSonic has launched what is probably the most affordable IEM in the lineup, the VSonic GR99. Can it stand up to its competitors in the crowded budget segment?

It costs about 35SGD, which is pretty affordable. In addition, delivery from the site I bought is free. The packaging is pretty well done. It has a certain class to it, making it more expensive than it seems.

Accessories for this price is actually excellent. In the box, you get 1 pair of silicone tips, 7 pairs of fake Sony Hybrid tips, a shirt clip and a pouch. I believe this is adequate for most needs.

Build quality is very good for the price. The shells are full aluminum, with the silver section being brushed aluminum. They feel rock solid and looks like it can take some abuse. The jack is pretty solid as well. Strain relief is substantial, and the left side has a bump to help identify the left and right channels. One thing that is not as good is the y-split. It is pretty simple, but being too simple makes it worrying as it seems to be the weakest link in the IEM. In addition, there is no cable cinch. However, overall the build quality is actually pretty good.

Isolation is average at best as it is a vented dynamic, with massive vents at the back of the IEM. I believe it is useful in the streets but not so much on a flight, though still pretty useable.

Comfort is very good, wearing down is easy due to the straight housings, but I suggest wearing over the ear, which is also just as good. Microphonics is tolerable when worn down but disappears when worn over the ear.

The VSonic GR99 is meant to target at general consumers. However, does it meet the mark when it comes to sound quality? My take is, yes, and then some.

The low end is tight and controlled, but not the most controlled of the lot, though good considering the price. It runs really deep, giving a good rumble at the sub-bass area. Bass impact is very strong, in fact it can match up to the Soundmagic E10 when it comes to impact.

Mids are surprisingly not as recessed as people would think. In fact it is positioned very nicely, making presentation a tad more natural. Resolution is good for the price, but does lag behind slightly from higher priced offerings like its sibling, the VSonic GR02, or maybe even the Monoprice 8320. Vocals do sound good on the GR99, though a tad on the warmer side due to slight bass bleed. Overall, considering the sound signature, I think the mids are actually very good.

Treble is surprisingly smooth, with no sibilance and harshness, unlike its higher priced brethren. The sound signature is enjoyable and is great for long listening sessions.

Soundstage is very good for the price as well. It has a sound stage slightly above average in size, with decent amount of air. Separation of instruments is good and it has a good sense of width and depth. All in all, the presentation works very well for the sound signature of the GR99.

In conclusion, the GR99 is an excellent IEM for its price and as a consumer product, with sound quality to match its style. In addition, it gets bonus points for having a good set of accessories and solid build quality. As a total package, it is a solid recommendation at its price range and works really well as a gift for family and friends, and probably yourself, too.