Padsmith IEM VS EarAcoustic VSA-MAX

IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side

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Padsmith IEM and EarAcoustic VSA-MAX are in-ear monitors. Padsmith IEM costs $120 while EarAcoustic VSA-MAX costs $149. EarAcoustic VSA-MAX is $29 more expensive. EarAcoustic VSA-MAX holds a slight 0.1-point edge in reviewer scores (7 vs 7.1). Padsmith IEM has significantly better treble with a 1-point edge, EarAcoustic VSA-MAX has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge and Padsmith IEM has significantly better soundstage with a 2-point edge.

Insights

Metric Padsmith IEM EarAcoustic VSA-MAX
Mids 5 5
Treble 4 3
Soundstage 7 5
Dynamics 6 7
Tonality 6.7 4.8
Technicalities 6 3
Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough EarAcoustic VSA-MAX reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

Padsmith IEM Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Fresh Reviews
Z-Reviews Jaytiss
Kois Archive
Audio Amigo

Average Reviewer Score:

7

Generally Favorable


EarAcoustic VSA-MAX Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Jaytiss
Head-Fi.org

Average Reviewer Score:

7.1

Generally Favorable


Reviews Comparison

Padsmith IEM reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 6.3 Reviewer Score
C+ Tuning
C- Tech
Packaged like theiaudio iem... lol this hobby.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: C+ Treble: C- Dynamics: B Soundstage: A-

EarAcoustic VSA-MAX reviewed by Jaytiss

2025-07-20
Jaytiss 5.8 Reviewer Score
C Tuning
D Tech
Warm fun set, but Has a lot of upper trebble for me to love.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: C+ Treble: D Dynamics: A- Soundstage: C+

Padsmith IEM (more reviews)

Padsmith IEM reviewed by Audio Amigo

Audio Amigo 8 * score rescaled + normalized
An EM6L, but with toned down top end. Gorgeous shells. Microplanar instead of Balanced Armature. Great Details and Imaging. Acessories are a little barebones

Audio Amigo original ranking

Audio Amigo Youtube Channel

Padsmith IEM reviewed by Kois Archive

Kois Archive 7 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A+ Tech
Rating: A- | Value: ⭐ | Gaming: 🎮 | Comfort: 9 nice planar micro details midbass a little much

Kois Archive original ranking

Kois Archive Youtube Channel

Padsmith IEM reviewed by Z-Reviews

Z-Reviews 6.8 * score rescaled + normalized

Padsmith IEM reviewed by Fresh Reviews

Fresh Reviews 5* * The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming Score

EarAcoustic VSA-MAX (more reviews)

EarAcoustic VSA-MAX reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 8.4 * score rescaled + normalized
14 community members have rated the EarAcoustic VSA-MAX at an average of 4.5/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Outstanding.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Padsmith IEM User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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EarAcoustic VSA-MAX User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!

Padsmith IEM Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

5.7

Gaming Grade

B-

EarAcoustic VSA-MAX Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

3.5

Gaming Grade

D+

Padsmith IEM Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

B+
  • The tuning leans easygoing, yet occasional unevenness nudges it away from greatness. A bit of EQ polish can smooth things nicely.

Average Technical Grade

B
  • An honest, middle-of-the-road performance preserves structure without chasing micro-detail. It's respectable for everyday listening sessions.
Mids C+
The mids are solid and dependable, though not especially remarkable. Vocals stay reasonably grounded in the mix.
Treble C-
Treble performance is average, audible but short on refinement. There's acceptable presence but limited finesse.
Dynamics B
Expect energetic dynamics that bring music to life without harshness. It injects enthusiasm into fast music.
Soundstage A-
Immersion steps up dramatically as width, depth, and height integrate into a cohesive hologram. Everything sounds naturally spaced.
Gaming B-
Moderate spatial presentation conveys general directionality. Suitable for casual play where precision isn't critical.

EarAcoustic VSA-MAX Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

C
  • The tuning lacks refinement, jumping between dull and shouty without settling. Vocals frequently sound off-kilter.

Average Technical Grade

D
  • Even moderate complexity exposes the limited resolution and narrow sense of space. Technical fans will find it lacking.
Mids C+
Expect a competent midrange that keeps vocals grounded and instruments clear. Tone is acceptable across multiple genres.
Treble D
Treble response is uneven, jumping between dull spots and sharp peaks. Peaks poke out unpredictably.
Dynamics A-
The system snaps into action with precision, highlighting every swell. Recordings feel energetic and alive.
Soundstage C+
You start to perceive distinct rows of players even if the ceiling still feels low. Layering is present but still modest.
Gaming D+
Compromised imaging significantly impacts gameplay awareness. Directional cues often lack accuracy or consistency.

Padsmith IEM User Reviews

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EarAcoustic VSA-MAX User Reviews

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