Softears Volume S Review – Best of Both Worlds

Comparisons –

Softears Volume ($319): Of course, the chief comparison will be between the Volume S and the model it replaces. Cosmetically, the new model is surely more svelte and in line with the company’s higher-end models. The modular cable is a large improvement, but ergonomics are similar for the shells themselves. Sonically, they aren’t far off, with the Volume being more vivid and contrasted, the Volume S more coherent and relaxed with a warmer tone. The Volume S has a notably warmer, fuller bass, especially the upper bass, while the Volume offers more sub-bass focus giving it a cleaner sound.

Despite this, the Volume S has notably better dynamics and extension, notes are also more textured and defined, albeit separation is not as good. The midrange is warmer and more coherent on the Volume S. The Volume is more revealing with more upper-midrange bias and less warmth from its bass. In turn, the tone is more transparent albeit they are more prone to sounding dry. The Volume has a crisper, sharper treble with higher clarity and a bit more presence. The Volume S is a touch darker and more natural but has better extension and detail retrieval. In turn, its soundstage is more nuanced.

Moondrop Blessing 3 ($319): The Blessing 3 sounds far more similar to the Volume than its predecessor, being more bright/neutral leaning with the Volume S being more forgiving and organic. Though the Blessing 3 has more sub-bass focus, it has a notably leaner upper-bass and lower-midrange, offering a notably more neutral note body and tone. The Volume S is fuller and meatier. The Blessing 3 is quicker and tighter with higher note definition, but the Volume S has noticeably better dynamics and slam with a bit more overall quantity. The midrange is more organic and natural on the Volume S, being cooler and more forward on the Blessing 3.

The Blessing 3 impresses with its clean, neutral tone and superior definition. It is slightly more articulate but also thinner, drier and less forgiving. The Volume S is warmer, fuller and more coherent. Despite the difference in voicing, both offer similar resolving power and layering. The treble presentation is more linear on the Blessing 3 with broader elevation. The Blessing 3 offers slightly better foreground detail retrieval, while the Volume S offers a bit more background detail and a cleaner background. Extension is similar for both, with neither offering huge headroom and sparkle. The Blessing 3 has a slightly larger stage with better separation, while the Volume S has more coherent imaging and slightly better layering.

DITA Project M ($325): The Project M is a good alternative for those wanting a more compact shell and a more coloured sound that still has a good semblance of balance. In terms of the bass, the Volume S offers a warmer, fuller low end, while the Project M is cleaner due to a less prominent upper bass. Both have excellent dynamics and definition, with the Project M offering a bit more control and definition and the Volume S slightly more power, punch and richness. Above, both have a well-balanced midrange with only light colouration. The Project M is more articulate and more revealing. It has a more neutral tone and slightly higher definition.

Meanwhile, the Volume S has a bit more warmth and fuzz. It sounds slightly more natural and forgiving. Both have excellent technical chops for the price, with the Volume S having slightly more nuance with regard to layering and fine detail. Up top, the trend continues with the Project M being notably brighter and more vibrant. The Volume S has a more focused foreground, with just as much bite but more body and texture. Above, the Project M has notably more air and background details are presented in a more aggressive manner. The Project M has slightly better extension, and small details are more apparent. It has a wider stage while the Volume S offers more realistic and nuanced imaging.

Verdict –

Softears appears more experimental when it comes to tonality than its sister brand, even if both companies produce IEMs underpinned by the same core tenets – balance and versatility. Their product line is divided between professional-focussed reference monitors and audiophile-focused models that follow a looser reference curve. The Volume S is the entry-level to the consumer line yet it offers perhaps the most well-rounded and likeable package at its price point both respective to the two brands and the market as a whole. This means that despite the redundancy of its tuning switches, the Volume S has such an appealing tuning out of the box that few would be pressed to make changes anyway. It reminds most of Moondrop’s single DD models being a touch warm-leaning and a little more forgiving in the midrange over its hybrids that some find too intense or cool.

Yet it also offers this atop an equally capable hybrid driver platform with the detail and resolution to match. Bass performance, in particular, makes huge strides relative to previous models, boasting excellent dynamics whilst upholding great tightness and control. The unique passive woofer design may not bring huge benefits to bass detail and speed like the Blessing 3 and its dual active arrangement, but it increases efficiency, meaning the Volume S maintains its dynamics when fed by cheap dongles as from desktop amplifiers. The design is charming, and the cable and accessories are of excellent quality. The Volume S offers a winning blend of function, form and versatility, appealing to those wanting balance whilst still being forgiving and approachable, earning it a much-deserved spot on my wall of fame.

The Volume S is available for $319 USD at the time of writing. You can read more about it and secure one for yourself at Softears. I am not affiliated with Softears and make no earnings from purchases through these links.